Ignoring the instructions for dry clean only clothing can result in unpleasant surprises. These clothes may shrink, discolor, or even lose their original form when washed with water and detergent. The fabric's integrity and durability are often compromised.
What happens if you accidentally wash a dry clean only dress? Accidentally washing a dry clean only dress, like a Joseph Ribkoff off-neckline one-piece garment, may lead to damage such as shrinking, fabric distortion, or colour fading.
To hand wash, fill a clean sink or tub with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent, stirring the water by hand until suds appear. Dip clothing into the soapy water and slowly swirl the garment with your hands. Empty the sink or tub, then fill it again with cold, clean water.
Shrinkage: Many fabrics labeled as ``dry clean only,'' such as wool, silk, or certain synthetics, may shrink when exposed to water and agitation. Damage to Fabric: The washing process can cause deterioration of delicate fabrics, leading to fraying, pilling, or loss of texture.
You can actually machine wash polyester, with the right laundry detergents and techniques as it is generally quite durable and can withstand regular laundering. Polyester is a synthetic fiber, so to ensure it does not break down from heat, opt for cool or warm water when washing.
Carefully machine wash some items: You can also put polyester and other more durable “dry clean” garments in the washing machine. To minimize potential damage, turn the clothes inside out, place them in a mesh bag, use mild detergent, and run the delicate cycle.
In fact, I usually just throw "dry clean only" clothes in a gentle cycle in the washing machine making sure that the machine is set to cold. Warm or hot water will shrink the clothes. Cold does not. But if this worries you, hand washing will work just fine.
Do Not Dry Clean Icon. If the circle has an X through it, this means do not dry clean the item. While dry cleaning may seem like the safest option, certain garments should not be dry cleaned. It's always best to check the care tag or trust the professionals.
No, silk won't be ruined if it gets wet. However, it's important to properly care for the material by following the brand's recommendations for laundering. If it gets wet accidentally or from washing, you can air-dry silk bedding and clothing.
Ever found a “dry clean only” tag on your favorite blouse or blazer and wondered what might happen if you tossed it in the washer? Going against these strict washing instructions can lead to shrinkage, color bleeding, fabric distortion, and even damage that could ruin your precious garment.
Typically, you'll find that basic dress dry cleaning services range from $10 to $30. However, high-end fabrics or heavily embellished dresses can push costs upwards to $50 or more. The variability in price is often due to the labor-intensive processes needed for specialized fabrics and designs.
Do Not Wash: The Do Not Wash symbol is the standard wash symbol with a cross through it. If the label instructs you not to wash the item, it will have to be dry cleaned after it gets dirty – see the section on Dry Cleaning Symbols below.
Using a washing machine to wash a dry clean only wool jacket is not recommended. The agitation and heat in the machine can damage the wool fibres, causing the jacket to shrink, lose shape, or become fuzzy.
Do not wash. This means you cannot wash the item, not even by hand, and certainly not in the machine. The reason may be delicate material, an unstable dye, or garment details that would be damaged by contact with water.
New clothes often also harbor chemical traces from their time in the factory, including dyes, anti-mildew agents, softeners and anti-wrinkle treatments. These chemicals can lead to allergic reactions and illness if not washed away.
"Dry clean only" means the item should be dry cleaned, as it may have sensitivity to water exposure. "Dry clean recommended" means you may be able to wash the item at home, but we highly recommend performing a wash test before you proceed with washing.
If a tag says “do not tumble dry,” that means you should not put the item in the dryer, regardless of the setting. Instead, follow the manufacturer's instructions. If there aren't any explicit instructions for how to dry it, play it safe and hang it up to air-dry.
The Truth: While there is some mechanical action involved, the amount of wear and tear from dry cleaning is minimal compared to washing machines. Dry cleaning is generally safe for garments, and although there might be a tiny bit of wear over time, it's much less than what you would see with regular washing.
Key Takeaways
Washing dry clean only pants at home can result in shrinking, color bleeding, damage to fabric or embellishments, and loss of shape or structure. Delicate fabrics require special care and following the care instructions is crucial to avoid irreversible damage.
A common misconception is that down jackets are not washable at home and need to be taken to dry cleaners, but that is not the case. Any type of down garment, whether it's a vest, jacket, coat, or sleeping bag, can be washed at home, if you know how.
As a result, any residue of the spot cleaning agent will remain in the garment and may eventually develop a visible 'ring'. If you have a garment with a 'spot clean only' label, bring it to us for dry cleaning and we would be happy to discuss the options and risks of different cleaning methods.
Set the wash cycle to normal and use a gentle laundry detergent. Because polyester is a synthetic material, high heat can break down the fibers and cause damage to your clothes. As a result, polyester should be washed using warm or cold water.
Not Necessarily. Many textiles are better off being cleaned in the washing machine or the sink — even if the label reads “dry-clean only.” Cashmere is thought of as a material that must be dry cleaned, but experts we've spoken to insisted that hand-washing is actually better for your garment in the long run.
To further reduce problems with color bleeding, choose clothing made from synthetic fibers, like polyester or nylon. These synthetic fibers tend to hold on to color better than natural materials, like cotton or wool, resulting in less dye transfer and fading in the wash.