Dry cleaning can be a pain the butt, not to mention super expensive, especially if you're wearing a lot of wool sweaters during the cold winter season. Thankfully, with a little time and effort, you can wash most of your "dry clean" or "dry clean only" clothing at home.
Cotton, linens, and durable polyesters can be washed in the washing machine, so long as they are placed in a laundry mesh bag and set at the most gentle cycle using a mild detergent and cold water. Hang dry immediately and definitely do not place in the dryer.
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Wool, silk, and cotton material can be hand-washed using a mild detergent like this Woolite Delicates detergent. Be sure to dry clothing afterward by rolling garment between two layers of clean towels, then laying flat on a third clean towel afterward.
Take note that some clothing materials should be dry-cleaned no matter what. This applies to fur, suede, taffeta, velvet, and any article of clothing with intricate stitching or beadwork. For that, you can purchase dry cleaning kits, which come with stain remover and dryer-activated cloths. To use, you put your garments directly into the dryer with the cloth and let it work its magic.
See more tips below. Click on image to enlarge.
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4 Comments
Looking to use this technique to clean up and resale some business suits. Seems logical and ez to do, thank you for posting.
Wow, definitely agree with your tips. I have ruined some clothing articles while learning, but also saved so much by not going to the cleaners. I buy things that say, Dry Clean Only, knowing that I can clean them at home. Yes, most things can be washed on the gentle cycle, and then hung out to dry. Yes, most of the very fussy pieces can be dipped in the sink, then rolled in towels, and reshaped on towels and air dried. It takes some work, not much, but also very satisfying when you end up with a great garment you can still wear at no extra cost.
Thanks for this article. It's very helpful. :)
I very recently bought a dress that I did not realise was 'professional dry clean only' (with the letter P in a circle next to it), until I got it home.
I have since read a lot of articles that suggest you can generally carefully wash most things at home.
The material of this dress is 52%linen/48%viscose & lining 100% polyester.
I did read in one article though, that viscose should not be washed?? However, I have other viscose garments that I wash!
Would very much appreciate if you could clear this up for me & I look forward to your reply.
With Thanks
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