Because the dry cleaning process is different from washing laundry in a regular machine, it’s important to know what pieces of clothing actually need to be dry cleaned and what pieces can just be washed at home.
Sometimes it’s easy to tell which pieces of clothing need to be dry cleaned and which pieces of clothing don’t without even looking at the label. You might be surprised, though, at how many clothing items you would assume don’t need any special care do, and how many you might think need special consideration don’t. That’s why it’s always important to check the label.
If your clothing is missing care labels, you’re not sure whether or not a certain item has to be dry cleaned or not, or think that a certain item really should be dry cleaned, check out our guide. In it, we’ve outlined the things that you should and shouldn’t dry clean.
What You Should be Dry Cleaning
Linen
Not all linen items need to be dry cleaned, but certain items, especially those that are embellished should be taken to the dry cleaner. Linen can be especially difficult to iron and keep smooth so having it washed at the dry cleaner and then properly pressed may be easier than taking the time to do it yourself.
Rayon
It may be a semi-synthetic fabric, but rayon is not a fabric that should be washed at home. Because dyes can bleed when its washed and because it may lose its shape, shrink, or become misaligned, having rayon pieces of clothing dry cleaned is the best option.
Silk
Because it’s a completely natural and delicate material, silk clothing pieces should be cleaned at the dry cleaner. If not properly cared for, silk can lose its soft feel and “silkiness” as well as its beautiful luster. Having silk pieces dry cleaned can help preserve and protect the fabric.
Wool
It’s fairly common knowledge that washing wool the wrong way will cause it to shrink. Maybe you’ve already learned that the hard way. The best way to ensure that wool clothing pieces retain their proper size and feel is by having them cleaned by the dry cleaner.
Leather
Leather and clothing items can be tricky. Although some stains and soiled spots may be easily cleaned at home, others will not be so easy to manage. By having leather clothing items cleaned at the dry cleaner, you can avoid cracking and damage, preserving your favorite pieces for longer.
Lined Items
Any item with a lining should be taken to the dry cleaner. It’s easy for the lining and outside of a piece of clothing to become separated, making it uncomfortable to wear and even causing it to become misshaped.
What Does Not Need Dry Cleaning
Cotton
Be sure to follow the proper care instructions and wash cotton items in the right water temperature. Although they do not need to be cared for at the dry cleaner, cotton clothing items can become misshapen and shrunk if washed the wrong way.
Synthetic Fabrics
Synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and spandex are easy enough to wash at home. It is best to wash them on a delicate cycle and lay them flat or hang them to dry to ensure they stay as good as new, though.
Denim
Because jeans are made to be casual and comfortable, taking them to the dry cleaner isn’t necessary. Most jeans should be able to handle a regular wash cycle and can be thrown in with your weekly loads of laundry.
Cashmere
Believe it or not, cashmere clothing items do not need to be dry cleaned. Be careful when washing this luxurious fabric, though. Cashmere items shouldn’t be thrown in with the regular wash – they need to be washed by hand with a mild detergent in order to preserve their softness and shape.
If you still aren’t sure whether or not you should be dry cleaning a certain clothing item, contact us. We know how important your favorite pieces of clothing are and we want to help you make sure it stays in the best condition possible. That’s why we make it easy for you to take care of your favorite clothing items with little to no hassle!