How to Wash a Dry-Clean-Only Garment

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It can be really annoying when you want to wear an outfit that is dirty when its care label specifies dry-clean only. Especially when there is no time to take it to the dry cleaners. Relax, there are a couple of solutions that you try do at home.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Dryell Dry Clean for Dryer
pretreatment spray
gentle soap
dryer (optional)

Dryell Dry Clean for Dryer

Step1

Buy Dryell Dryell Dry Clean for Dryer at any major store, such as Walmart or Target. This product works in your home dryer. Read the package to see how to use it for your specific item of clothing.

Step2

Use your dryer to apply Dryell, but be sure to air dry your garment to ensure no shrinkage.

Hand Wash

Step1

Hand wash it. Just about any dry-clean-only item can be laundered (except silks and linens) but with caution. Hand washing is best. Pretreat any stains with a gentle stain remover.

Step2

Set the clothing in a bath of mildly hot water and gently scrub any stained areas.

Step3

Rinse well with warm water, being careful to support any delicate areas.

Step4

Press excess water out of the garment without wringing. Press between layers of towels and blot to remove any additional water. Lay the garment flat to air dry.

Step5

Use a blow dryer on a very low setting to speed up the drying process.

Tips & Warnings

Do not attempt this process on linen or silk garments; washing silks or linens can change the color of the garment.

Comments

FoxtailsLaundry said

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on 10/3/2007 You need to be careful with this. Some fabrics on the market will literally change structure with adding too much water, which is why dry cleaners don't USE water. I own an alternative dry cleaning and laundry business, and I've been working with textiles for fourteen years, and a lot of the synthetics are made to not be immersible in water. Please, do the research on the material in question, use a dry cleaning kit, or take it to professionals.

Nibs said

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on 2/15/2007 Pff I had to sign up to leave this comment, yarrr!!! Anyways, I have washed my dry clean shirts before (I own a lot of dry clean only clothing). One shirt in particular has shrunk but since the first time I washed it I haven't noticed it shrink any further. My problem is that I've purchased a comforter that's polyester/acrylic and it's dry clean only!!!! Do I take it to a professional? Chance throwing it into the washing machine? Or use an entire dryel kit? Suggestions mail me at Blame_courtney@Hotmail.com

CHEERS!

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