It’s possible that you are stuck at your home wondering whether or not your dry-clean only clothing can be washed in your machine. If your favorite dresses and blazers are damaged after washing, you may not be able to love them.
You may need to have your fancy clothes cleaned differently, but many dry-cleaning businesses are overloaded and you might not receive them back for a full week. It’s not the best choice for your last-minute Bumble dates or weekend brunch.
Rick Rome, the founder and CEO of WashClubWe were given some advice by, on whether to or not wash items that are dry cleaned only, as well as how to go about it if we decide to wash them in the machine. To make your job easier, it may be necessary to purchase some essentials for the laundry room before you begin.
Do you need to wash your clothes at home?
Rome said that clothing that is only meant to be dry cleaned often has delicate fabrics or intricate designs. It may also contain materials that aren’t water resistant. He would therefore not suggest washing dry-clean-only clothes in the washer.
Rome recommends that if you are concerned with the price of dry-cleaning, ask your cleaner about cheaper alternatives or spot-cleaning. You can use spot-cleaning products that are designed for fabrics, such as this Resolve fabric cleanser available on Amazon. However, it is important to test on a small inconspicuous part first.
However, if you’re in a pinch and determined to try it, Rome recommends checking a few things first.
What to do when washing only dry-clean clothes
1. Care Labels: Read them!
It is important to read the care instructions first, as some items meant for dry cleaning may also have instructions on gentle handwashing. You can find the label inside the neckline, or at the seam of the inner side. Often, they include both written instructions and symbols.
2. Testing a small space
You should test the colorfastness of the fabric on a small hidden part before washing it. If problems arise, you can avoid damaging your entire garment. It is particularly useful for garments with mixed materials.
3. Cold water
Use cold water to minimize color bleeding. Turn the garment inside-out and put it in a mesh bag that is designed for delicates. These Muchfun mesh bags are available on Amazon. Hand wash the item by gently stirring it in soapy water. Avoid scrubbing the fabric or twisting. Use a gentle detergent that is designed for wool or delicate fabrics. Regular laundry detergents can be harsh and should not be used.
4. Rinse well
The garment should be rinsed thoroughly in cold water to remove all the detergent. Rome warns against wringing or twisting the fabric to get rid of excess water. This can cause damage to delicate fibers.
Press the fabric between two clean towels to gently squeeze out the excess water. The excess detergent in the clothing can cause odors and irritation to skin. It will also weaken fabric over time and lead to premature wear. The structural integrity of clothes is maintained by thoroughly rinsing them. This prolongs the life span and helps to maintain their durability.
5. Spread flat on a dry surface
These items will shrink and deform if you use a dryer.
Rome says that you should avoid hanging your garment, because it can stretch out the fabric and cause it to lose shape.
You can also place the item in front of a fan to speed up drying. Place the item before a fan to speed the drying up.
The expert
WashClub NYC is a laundry company that offers laundry pick-up and delivery in New York City, as well as commercial laundry, in-store laundry, and drop off service. WashClub NYC provides laundry delivery and pick-up services throughout New York City including Brooklyn and Manhattan.
FAQs
Do you have to dry clean your clothes or can I steam them?
Use a press cloth and a steamer to eliminate wrinkles if necessary. Test a hidden, small area before using the iron. Avoid direct contact on fabrics that are sensitive. We would recommend using a press cloth or clean white cotton fabric as a protective barrier between the iron, and garment. It helps to distribute the heat evenly, and reduces the chance of the iron coming into direct contact with the fabric.
Why is dry cleaning better than home washing?
The dry cleaning process and solvents are more gentle on fabrics of this type. Dry clean only garments can be damaged by washing them in the machine. This includes color fading and shrinkage, as well as tears and stretch.
If you’re not sure when to take clothes to a dry cleaner and when to do it yourself, reading the label will help. There may be other common laundry myths that you did not know about. You didn’t know that?!