How to Identify Clothes That Need Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning is one of those services that we can sometimes do without. Sure, we like how crisp our clothes look once we bring them home, but remembering to drop them off can be a chore. Keeping care tags intact on our clothes and treating stains carefully can help us identify the items that need professional dry cleaning and those that just need some sprucing up with a home dry cleaner kit. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Lint roller or clothing brush
- Fabric-refresher spray
- Home dry cleaning kit
Instructions
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Keep the care tags in your clothes for the easiest way to identify the items that are marked "dry cleaning only." If the tags are uncomfortable, write down the care instructions, fiber content and a description of the item before you cut them off. Keep the list in a safe place that is close to where you sort your laundry.
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Air out suit jackets in a well-ventilated area after wearing them. After a couple of hours, determine whether the items have stains or odors and identify those that need immediate attention. It may not be necessary to dry clean items after each wearing, especially jackets that you may take off during the day.
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Look at each garment carefully as you sort through your laundry. Check the care tag for washing instructions and inspect each item for stains. Some fabrics, like silk, will almost always need dry cleaning, while others may be washed on the delicate cycle of your washing machine.
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Identify which pieces of your wardrobe could benefit from a bit of freshening with a lint roller or a clothing brush. You may be able to use these tools instead of taking non-washable items to the dry cleaner.
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Study any intricate pin tucks or pleats in your clothing and determine whether you have the ability to recreate them if you wash the items at home. Send items that require special attention to the dry cleaner.
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Freshen and deodorize fabrics that cannot be submerged in water with a refresher spray. Hang them in an open area for several hours. If they do not meet your standards of appearance after that time, send them to the dry cleaner.
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Tips & Warnings
Cut your dry cleaning bill by buying a home dry cleaning kit. The kit provides you with a special bag and wipes, allowing you to "dry clean" your clothing in your clothes dryer. Be sure to read the directions carefully before using one.
