It can feel quite intimidating to over-rule your clothing care labels and opt to wash at home, instead of obliging those "dry-clean only" guidelines. But, with the help of our definitive guide and collection or gorgeous, specialist Eco Liquid Detergents, we promise you'll never look back!
Read on to find out exactly which fabrics can - and can't - be washed at home.
What exactly is dry-cleaning?
Can you wash something that is dry clean only?
The truth is that most 'dry-clean only' items can be washed at home with very little added time and effort.
Cotton, linens, and durable polyesters can be washed in the washing machine on a normal cycle with an everyday detergent at a low temperature. To minimise any potential damage, you can also turn each garment inside out, or use a mesh laundry bag. Most wool and silk garments can be washed at home using thoughtfully-designed products and the correct technique.
PS: If you want to learn more about what your washing machine settings actually mean, we've got this blog to break them down for you.
Alternatives to dry cleaning
The good news is that there are plenty of alternatives to dry cleaning. Most wool and silk garments can be hand washed at home with gentle detergent and cool water. Our range of specialist detergents has been crafted by care experts for all your hand washing needs. For example, our Eco Liquid Detergent for Cashmere & Wool, is a gentle pH-neutral formula designed to protect fabric fibres, while helping to deter common pests, such as moths.
For those times when a quick refresh is needed, our Crease Release Refreshing Sprtiz stunningly scents your clothes with the natural fragrance of Blue Lily and Bergamot, while also killing 96% of odour-causing bacteria, and eliminating wrinkles.
Finally, you can be sure to save yourself a trip to the dry-cleaners using our Natural Bristle Clothes Brush to get rid of any surface marks and dirt.
The truth is that there is no definitive rule when it comes to washing your clothes - each garment is constructed differently with a unique blend of fibres, so it's essential to consider each item, individually, before deciding whether to wash it at home or take it to a professional for treatment.
Before determining what's best for your item, consider asking yourself the following questions to help you decide:
1. What is it made from?
Photo by Sir Galloway
The first thing to do is check the label - looking at both the fabric type and the cleaning instructions. More often than not, items made from silk or wool are labelled as 'dry-clean only' due to their delicate nature. But these delicate fabrics can in fact be washed just as (if not more) effectively at home with a gentle detergent such as our Silk and Cashmere wash.
Rayon is a semi-synthetic fabric that may shrink or lose its shape if not washed properly, so we recommend hand-washing this fabric in cold water with a gentle detergent. Our tip here is to always test the product on a hidden part of the fabric before washing, if you are unsure. Viscose is a type of rayon which requires particular care; if the label says 'dry clean only' we recommend you do actually dry clean this one! You can also lightly steam these.
Most, polyester, cotton, linen, or synthetic fabrics (including acrylic) are durable enough to withstand machine washing with no trouble at all. But it's best to use a gentle detergent and wash at a lower temperature to keep them looking their best. Our bestselling Basil & Mandarin Leaf Duo Set is great for washing fabrics at a low temperature while still removing any stains - plus, your home will be filled with this gorgeous scent.
2. Does it have any embroidery, embellishments, tailoring, or padding?
Our next step is to check if the garment has any detailing such as beading, sequins, feathers, or embellishments, or structure such as padding, pleating, or intricate folding. These are extremely delicate and likely to become damaged, misshapen or fall off when the garment is washed. In most cases, items with these will need to be dry cleaned, but keep reading for alternatives.
3. Is this a fabric that definitely can't be washed in water at home?
There are some fabrics that just can't be washed in water at home. Our shortlist includes: taffeta, suede, acetate, leather, fur, and most formal items such as ball gowns, bridal wear, and tuxedos.
The above fabric types will need to be dry-cleaned. Luckily, these items otherwise need little attention in the way of washing. Formal suits hardly ever need to be washed, and most marks can be easily removed when dry with our Natural Bristle Clothes Brush. In fact, Stella McCartney is famous for saying that you should never dry clean a handmade suit, but just simply brush it down. And we certainly agree.
Leather and suede, in particular, are likely to crack and shrivel in the wash; while fur, on the other hand, will likely shrink, so it's best to avoid washing these at all if you can.
Leather, while it should not be submerged in water, can however be cleaned effectively using our Leather Care Kit. The Natural Sponge is used to apply our Sandalwood Leather Balm, and then there is a Lint-Free Cloth to gently buff it off. It cleans, protects and restores all types of leather ranging from jackets, to shoes to belts, gloves and wallets.
If you are looking for alternatives to dry cleaning specialist items, steam cleaning works wonders for refreshing items between wearing, especially formal items which are not worn very often. You could also brush fur to remove surface dirt and debris instead of sending it to the dry cleaners.
Top tips for washing 'dry clean only' items at home
- If you're unsure, you can test the product on a hidden part of the fabric when hand washing.
- Bear in mind that dye is often released when a garment is washed, so a little dye in the water is nothing to worry about.
- Wash with cool water - heat is more likely to damage or shrink the fabric
- Avoid wringing out the garment and never use the dryer for delicate items
- Dry flat on a towel, away from heat and sunlight
To summarise, silk, wool, and rayon (excluding viscose) can be delicately hand washed at home with a gentle pH-neutral laundry detergent. Most polyester, cotton, linen, or synthetic fabrics (including acrylic) can be machine washed.
But any garment with detailing or structure cannot be washed at home. We recommend that you steam clean items as an alternative to dry cleaning and for a quick refresh between wearing. You can also brush items such as formalwear or fur to remove any surface dirt or debris, and try our leather balm to restore your leather garments.
Shop our range of dry cleaning alternative products, and for more expert tips, such as how to repair a moth hole, or how to hand-wash clothes, head to our other clothing care journals.
Disclaimer: Our recommendations for washing 'dry clean only' items are intended solely for use with Clothes Doctor delicate eco washes. And whilst we are happy to provide advice, any attempts to wash 'dry clean only' items are done so at the risk of the reader. If you are unsure, feel free to contact us on workshop@clothes-doctor.com for more information or help.
