How to Wash Certain Dry-clean-only Fabrics

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By bellerose
User-Submitted Article

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I used to avoid buying clothing with "Dry Clean Only" labels. But after spilling food on a silk shirt, and finding I could hand wash it, I got more adventurous with delicate fabrics. Besides silk, rayon, linen, wool, and down-filled items can be washed. How you dry these objects is as important as how you wash them though.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Large clean sink
Laundry detergent or soap
Space to air-dry washed items

Step 1

Silk: Hand wash in lukewarm water. You can use regular laundry detergent. For spots or dirty areas, put a little extra detergent on spot after the item is wet and gently rub. Swish item around in the sink gently. Flush with water to rinse. Don't squeeze or wring out the item. Dry by hanging straight on a plastic clothes hanger when soaking wet and letting it drip dry.
Step 2

Rayon: Wash and dry as with silk. Water temperature can be warmer though.
Step 3

Linen: Wash as with silk. Dry by spreading out on a flat surface (outdoors on a plastic sheet or a towel is good), turning the item over several times so it dries evenly.
Step 4

Wool: Wash as with silk--water does not have to be cold. For heavier woolens, squeeze a little of the water out after rinsing, but don't wring out. You can wash cashmere, but don't squeeze or wring. Dry by spreading out on a flat surface and turning from time to time.
Step 5

Down-filled objects: Simpler items like comforters covered with cotton or acrylic blends can be macine washed in warm water and dried in a dryer on medium heat.