How to Use a Home Dry Cleaning System

Dry cleaning can become very expensive if you have a lot of dry clean only clothing hanging in your closet. Several major manufacturers offer home dry cleaning systems that allow you to dry clean your items in your clothes dryer at home. Such a system can be an easy and cost-effective way to clean some items that cannot go in the washing machine.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Open the dry cleaning system package and make sure you have all the materials you will need to dry clean your clothing. Included will be a heatproof plastic bag and some sheets that have been saturated in a cleaning solvent and dried. Some kits may have pre-cleaning treatment wipes as well.

2. Read the directions carefully before you use the dry cleaning kit. Some kits allow you to reuse the cleaning bags, and some do not. Different kits may require the dryer to be set at different temperatures as well.

3. Gather the clothing you want to clean and look for stains. Use the spot treatment pre-moistened wipes, if included, on any areas that may require them.

4. Put the clothing to be cleaned into the cleaning bag. Pay attention to the specifications about how many items can fit into each bag. Disregarding this information can prevent your clothing from being sufficiently cleaned.

5. Insert the cleaning sheet into the bag. You may be told to lay it on top of the clothing or in between items.

6. Seal the bag and put it into your clothes dryer. Set it to the appropriate temperature and turn it on. The dry cleaning process usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how many garments are in the bag and how soiled they are.

7. Take the bag out of the dryer when the dry cleaning has finished. Lift out each item and shake it gently.

8. Put your clothing on hangers and hang each piece in the your closet to prevent wrinkles from forming.

Tips & Warnings

• Pick home dry cleaning kits to do a good job of removing stains and unpleasant odors from some items that cannot be washed in water. You may still choose to take expensive pieces of apparel to a professional dry cleaner for more thorough cleaning.
• Use money-saving coupons on home dry cleaning kits to cut the costs of your dry cleaning even more. Coupons may be available in your Sunday newspaper. You can also call the manufacturer of the kit and ask the company to send you coupons. Be sure to tell the manufacturer that you like the system.