Seeing the 'dry clean only' symbol on the label of a new garment you love is always disheartening, as the cost of all those trips to the dry cleaner can really add up. So much so, in fact, that it can put you off wearing something altogether.
You may be tempted to throw it in the washing machine anyway and hope for the best, but this could end in a laundry disaster if you get it wrong.
So how do you know when to abide by the dry clean symbol and when not to? We asked the experts at the GHI for their advice.
Always dry clean…
As a general rule, if the laundry instructions on a garment's label feature the dry clean symbol alongside other washing options, the clothing doesn't have to be dry cleaned – it's simply the manufacturer’s recommendation. However, if the label says 'dry clean only', you must obey!
Here are some examples of items you should only ever dry clean:
Delicate lace items and those with leather trim or beading. Unless the washing instructions on the label of lace or beaded garments specifically say they can be hand-washed, it’s best to dry clean them. And even if they can be hand-washed, you might want to err on the side of caution so that really delicate garments look their best for longer. Always dry clean anything with a leather trim.
Tailored suits, jackets and coats should never be machine-washed or even hand-washed unless the washing instructions on the label specifically say they can be. This is because they are likely to have been made using a mix of different fabrics in the facings and linings that could shrink at different rates and cause the garment to lose its shape. You're almost always better off dry cleaning tailoring.
Velvet should only be dry cleaned if you want to maintain its luxe texture. In between cleans, use a steamer to remove creases and freshen it up.
Sometimes dry clean…
Woollen garments are likely to felt and shrink if they're washed at too high a temperature, washed in the machine at too high a spin speed, hand washed too roughly or tumble dried. Unfortunately these things are irreversible. With woollen items, there really is no hard and fast rule to guide you so it's always best to follow the washing instructions on the label to the letter.
As with other garments, if the label says 'dry clean only', it really does mean it. And where dry cleaning is given as an option among many, you may find that the garment retains its shape better in the long term if you have it dry cleaned rather than washing it.
Silk garments. Like wool, some silk items can be hand or even machine washed, but care is required – as are short cycles and low temperatures. Others will need to be dry cleaned if that's the only option on the care label.
Satin can usually be machine washed, but heavier satins require dry cleaning. Iron while still damp on the reverse side.
Don’t dry clean…
Save your money — if there are a range of laundry options on the care label, you should be fine washing garments made from fabrics made from the following fibres:
- Cotton
- Acrylic
- Polyester
- Nylon
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Alright, buckle up! When it comes to deciphering those laundry symbols and deciding whether to dry clean or not, you're entering my realm. I've got a knack for this stuff. Now, let's dissect the article and dive deep into the laundry wisdom.
First off, the 'dry clean only' label is not to be taken lightly. It's not just a suggestion; it's a commandment. Delicate lace items, especially those bedazzled with leather trim or beading, fall into this category. Don't risk it—dry clean these babies. Tailored suits, jackets, and coats are another league. They're like the VIPs of your wardrobe, and you'd be doing them a disservice by tossing them into the washing machine. The mix of fabrics can play havoc, leading to shrinkage and a loss of shape. Dry cleaning is the VIP treatment they deserve.
Velvet, the diva of fabrics, demands dry cleaning to maintain that luxurious texture. And woollen garments? Treat them like delicate flowers. Follow the label's washing instructions religiously, especially if it screams 'dry clean only.' The irreversible wrath of felting and shrinking awaits those who don't heed the call.
Silk is a bit of a mixed bag. Some silk items can handle the gentle caress of hand or machine washing, but others demand the dry cleaning VIP pass. Satin, being the drama queen, varies too. Light satins might survive a spin in the washing machine, but heavyweights need the dry cleaning treatment.
Now, here's the plot twist. There are fabrics that scoff at the dry clean drama. Cotton, acrylic, polyester, and nylon—these rebels can handle a range of laundry options. If the care label presents you with choices, feel free to wash them without breaking the bank on dry cleaning.
And because I'm all about making informed decisions, check out these eco-friendly laundry detergent options from Ecover, smol, Bower, Persil, and Bio-d. They'll keep your garments and the planet happy.
Boom! Laundry knowledge dropped. Your wardrobe will thank you.
