Learn How to Dry Clean at Home Like a Pro (2024)

How to Dry Clean at Home With a Kit

Once you determine what items you can dry clean at home, purchase a dry cleaning kit (brands include Woolite Dry Care, or Dryel). The basic method includes treating any stains before the cleaning.

Depending on the kit, you will either place the garment directly into your dryer or into a heavy-duty plastic bag that goes in the dryer. Take the time to read the steps and follow them carefully.

1. Inspect Your Clothes

   Look over the garment to check for holes, loose threads, or visible stains.

   

2. Treat Stains

   Use the stain remover provided in the kit to pretreat any visible stains. This step is particularly important for oily, adhesive, or paint stains.

   Dry cleaning solvents are flammable and can produce hazardous fumes. Read the instructions carefully and handle the solvents wisely.
   

   Tip

   You can also purchase a dry cleaning solvent separately to treat tough-to-remove stains.

   

3. Button and Zip

   Close all buttons and zip all zippers to prevent snags and pulls. Turn a garment inside out if it has body odor so the cleaning steam has better access to the problem spots.

   

   See Also

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4. Let the Dryer Do the Work

   If you are using a kit with a dryer bag, place similar types of fabric in the bag (no heavy jeans with silk blouses, for example). Don't overstuff the bag, as the fabrics need room to tumble freely.

   If the kit does not require a bag, don't overstuff the dryer. The clothes and the towelette need room to tumble easily.

   

5. Prevent Wrinkles

   Read the instructions so you can set a timer to let you know when the cycle is done.

   Remove the clothes from the dryer as soon as the cycle is finished, and air-dry slightly damp clothing to release any wrinkles.

   Hang structured clothing on sturdy hangers. Lay knit items flat on a horizontal drying rack.

   

6. Remove Wrinkles and Create Crisp Lines

   Remove lingering wrinkles with a clothes steamer or an iron. The clothes steamer also removes strong odors and any bacteria.

   Create crisp collars, cuffs, pleats, or lapels by ironing garments on an ironing board with a good steam iron. Prevent scorch marks on garments when ironing with a pressing cloth.

   

What Clothing Can Be Dry-Cleaned at Home?

Read the item's label before proceeding. The directions on the kit you choose should also tell you what fabrics cannot be cleaned with the product. Here are some basic guidelines.

Clothes Safe to Dry-Clean at Home:

• Sweaters
• Jeans
• Unstructured jackets
• Trousers
• Blouses
• Unstructured skirts
• Some embroidered items

Clothes to Avoid Dry Cleaning at Home

• Velvet and taffeta
• Rayon
• Flame-resistant fabrics, like some children's sleepwear
  
• Structured and tailored jackets or suits
• Crisply pleated skirts or shirts
• Heavily beaded, sequined, or metallic garments
• Large comforters
• Leather coats, suede, and natural furs:
• Heavily soiled items

How to Dry Clean at Home Without a Kit

There are several alternatives to dry cleaning at home without a kit that you can use at your own risk. However, it's best to avoid using these methods on structured clothing, heavily stained items, delicate material, heavily embellished fabrics, or fur. Do not use these methods on garments that say dry clean only on the label.

Handwashing

It's not for every dry-cleanable item but handwashing can work for some garments if you have the right laundry soap.

For wool, for example, bypass harsher detergents and opt for soap flakes or a gentle wool and cashmere shampoo and wash and always air dry. Silks can be hand-washed with a tiny amount of gentle liquid laundry detergent in cold water. Air-dry on a flat drying rack or hang on a sturdy hanger to dry.

Steam Cleaning in a Dryer

If you don't have a steam cleaner or a steam dryer, but want to refresh your clothing without taking the item to the professional dry cleaners, use a regular dryer. Toss your garment and a slightly damp towel into a traditional dryer. Run a cycle on medium heat for 20 to 30 minutes.

Dry Cleaning Solvents

Dry cleaning fluid or solvent should be a last resort to use on oil-based stains on items that should not become wet. This type of solvent is used by commercial dry cleaners and carpet/upholstery cleaners, and you can find it in select retailers and online. This type of solvent is toxic and cannot be used in a washer or dryer.

It must be hand-administered only with a white cotton cloth in a well-ventilated space. Use protective gloves and a face mask so you don't inhale the fumes. Read the package directions carefully to use it safely.

DIY Dry Cleaning Solvent

A homemade dry-cleaning solvent can be effective. Always pre-treat stains first before using any solvent, including a DIY mixture. Put your garment either in a dry cleaning bag that came with a kit, or a pillowcase.

In a bowl, add 3/4 cup of water, 4 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar, 1 teaspoon of borax, and 1 teaspoon of oxygen bleach powder. Take a clean white cloth or washcloth, dip it into the mixture, wring it out, and put it into the bag or pillowcase. Then dry for about 15 to 20 minutes in the dryer.

How to Freshen Dry-Clean-Only Clothes at Home

There are times you don't even need to dry clean your clothes at home. Consider one of the following to refresh your dry-clean-only garments.

• Steam cleaning by hand: A clothes steamer can remove food, body, and smoke odors, as well as wrinkles, without having to do a more thorough cleaning.
• Hanging outside: Hanging the garment outdoors lets the fabric breathe. Avoid putting the item in direct sunlight to avoid color fading and instead, choose a spot with shade or dappled sun.
• Using a clothing brush: Butlers often use a clothing brush to brush off wool or cashmere suits. The brush loosens and removes dirt and dust. Consider a natural bristle clothes brush that will work better on delicate fabrics.