Contrary to the name, ‘dry cleaning’ involves fluids to clean your delicate clothing items. If your garments or linens specify to ‘dry clean only’ on the label, it’s wise to abide by this advisory.
However, not everything needs to be dry-cleaned. These items will be fine to go through a regular wash and dry cycle. You should reserve dry cleaning for any delicate materials.
Items That Should Not Be Dry Cleaned
With all your garments, you should pay attention to the material and the label suggestions. Fabrics like cotton, polyester, nylon, acrylic, spandex, and acetate don’t require dry cleaning. Same can be said to some linen. These beautiful organic linen clothes from Sondeflor don’t need dry cleaning. These materials can handle exposure to detergents, water, and a dryer.
Reading the labels can help you see if your sweater, slacks, or t-shirt is machine washable. Be sure to follow the advised water temperature settings as well.
If it’s unclear whether or not something, such as a sweater, can safely be dried in a machine you can lay it flat or hang it to dry. This will prevent shrinkage and fading.
When You May Need to Dry Clean
There is a gray area with some items that suggest dry cleaning. Cashmere is one of those fabrics that can be handled at home by handwashing. With a mild detergent, you can hand wash this fabric and then gently press out the water. Be careful not to wring it out, then lie it flat to dry for several days.
However, if your cashmere item is treasured or you simply don’t have the time to care for it, taking it to the dry cleaners ensures it will be properly cleaned. Some people also wash silks at home, but it requires time and patience.
For any fabric, if you’re not sure if it needs dry cleaning, the safest thing to do is contact a dry cleaning service for advice.
What Items Should Be Dry Cleaned?
When it comes to dry cleaning, you should always send things like work suits or dress clothes to the dry cleaners. You should also put anything embellished with beads or sequins in the care of a reputable dry cleaning service.
Additionally, you should follow the advised cleaning processes on your clothing labels. If you machine-wash anything that should be dry cleaned, it could ruin the material. Taking the things that should be dry cleaned to the cleaners will ensure your clothing upholds its appearance for years to come.
The fabrics that will need dry cleaning are silk, suede, leather, velvet, rayon, and wool.
Let Dry Cleaning Save You Time
Dropping your delicate items off at the dry cleaners will save you time. Some even offer pickup and drop-off services, so getting your clothing properly cleaned can be even more convenient.
Before you try cleaning a delicate garment yourself, think of it’s price. If you want that item to serve you well through your years at the office or an array of formal events, you should never leave anything to chance. It’s a wise investment to protect those expensive clothing items via dry cleaning, as you will be able to keep them looking new for many years to come.
When you use dry cleaning, you’ll see how much time you save. Plus, you’ll always look your best when your clothing is pressed and cared for as it should be.