Dry clean only clothes should not be washed in a regular washing machine as it can cause shrinkage, color bleeding, and fabric distortion. Ignoring the dry clean only instructions can lead to costly consequences such as damage that may require expensive repairs or replacement of the garment.
Washing 'dry clean only' clothes at home requires delicate care. Use a gentle detergent, cold water, and hand wash or use a gentle cycle on your machine. Avoid twisting or wringing the garment. Lay flat to dry or hang on a padded hanger to maintai...
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.
Many clothing manufacturers label delicate fabrics as “dry clean” to keep you from ruining them in the washing machine. However, this doesn't mean you must dry clean every delicate clothing item. Clothing tags marked “dry clean” or “dry clean recommended” may wash well at home with the right care.
Clothing manufacturers apply the “dry-clean-only” label conservatively; there are many items that you can safely launder at home if you're careful and thoughtful about how the item is being handled. At-home dry-cleaning kits are available that simplify the out-of-home dry-cleaning process.
The truth is that most clothing manufacturers put 'dry clean only' when a normal wash at home would be just fine. This isn't because they want to inconvenience us, but rather to minimise the returns and refunds due to customers not taking proper care of their clothes.
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.
If the item is tagged dry clean, you can wash in the washing machine with a delicate wash cycle and the right fabric-specific detergent. You'll want to ensure the water is cold, and the spin cycle is low to avoid damage.
Many dry cleaning companies clearly state the policy on the receipt. It will explain that the company is not responsible for any dry cleaning left after a specific date. As much as you might want to put off picking up your dry cleaning until the last possible moment, you shouldn't do that.
Select your machine's gentle or delicate cycle and place the mesh bags into the washer. Choose your machine's lowest spin cycle and select a cold water temperature to help avoid damage. Once the wash cycle is complete, promptly remove from the washer and hang your delicates to dry.
Coat and jacket prices range from $10 to $25, and specialty items like wedding dresses can cost $150 to $500. Additional services like stain removal, pressing, and repairs add to the expense.
For laundering coats in washing machines, first add your chosen detergent into the dispenser. Select a cold, low-spin cycle for laundering such as the handwash or delicate setting. The low spin is key to maintaining the fit and finish of your items. If your coat has heavy buildup select an extra rinse cycle.
Dry Clean Only Symbol
If you see a square with a circle icon on your tag, this means the clothing is dry clean only. You may also see a circle around the X over the bucket of water. If you see either of these symbols, it's time to take it to the dry cleaner.
To speed up the process and get the dry cleaning smell out of your clothes, allow your garments to air out in a warm spot for a few days. The heat from the sun will cause the perc to evaporate and the smell will dissipate. In a pinch, baking soda is an effective odor absorber that you may already own at home.
Color bleeding is a common risk when washing dry-clean-only clothes. It happens when the dye in the fabric is released during washing, potentially staining other garments. Hot water can open up clothing fibers and cause color bleeding, while cold water keeps fibers closed to prevent dye from bleeding out.
Leather and suede, in particular, are likely to crack and shrivel in the wash; while fur, on the other hand, will likely shrink, so it's best to avoid washing these at all if you can.
Some clothing items, like coats or suits, have padding and lining in them so they can keep their shape. Washing these in a regular machine can damage these parts and cause the shape to change, resulting in a poor fit. Many dry clean only clothing uses dyes that will wash away with water.
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.
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.
An empty circle indicates to dry clean only. A circle with an A means dry-clean with any solvent. A circle with an F means dry-clean with petroleum solvent only.