Q. Do wooden buttons wash well?

Answer

Wood buttons that have been polished (not varnished) should not be cleaned since doing so will diminish the finish. Color testing is also recommended before attaching to a lighter knit or fabric. Most manufacturers advise against washing buttons that have not been varnished. It's true that after washing mine they're generally OK. Long exposure to water may cause wood to expand and when it dries out any ornamental finishes on the wood may be ruined. The buttons on my shirts which are typically little have lasted numerous washes in the dryer's cold setting.