How to wash ‘dry clean only’ clothes at home

There are times when you find yourself with a favourite outfit that is stained or wrinkled and requires a quick dry cleaning solution at home. Maybe it’s a last-minute need to wear something special, or you’re simply interested in saving some money on cleaning costs. For those who don’t know, dry cleaning uses special chemicals to clean clothes that can’t handle water or regular washing. 

But what if you could perform a similar cleaning at home? So to help you navigate such tricky situations, we will explain how to wash your “dry clean only” clothes without leaving the house, so you can handle those tough yet delicate cleaning jobs yourself.

Steps to wash dry clean only clothes at home

The answer to “Can you wash dry clean only clothes at home?” is both yes and no, and it all depends on the care labels on your clothes. Some delicate items and fine knits might say “handwash” or “dry clean,” but that doesn’t mean you can’t use your washing machine. If it says “handwash” or “dry clean,” it means you just need to be careful and take some extra precautions.

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However, it’s generally a bad idea to handwash items marked “dry clean only” because they aren’t meant to be submerged in water and it’s best to take it to the professionals. That said, you can easily and successfully wash some clothes that are typically labelled dry clean only at home with the right supplies and steps. Whether you have a front load or top load washing machine, here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Review the care label

Step 2: Do a quick spot test

Step 3: Choose the right wash cycle

Step 4: Pick the perfect water temperature and add detergent

Step 5: Loading and drying your clothes

Step 1: Review the care label

First things first, take a look at the care label on your clothes. Look for symbols or writing that tells you how to wash your clothes.  A washing machine symbol means it’s machine-friendly, while a circle with an X means dry cleaning is best for delicate items. If the label says “dry clean recommended” it might still be okay to machine wash gently, but double check for any other washing instructions like using cold water or a delicate cycle. 

Cotton, linens, nylon and polyester can usually handle a gentle machine wash, but fabrics like leather, silk, and other delicate materials are best preserved through dry cleaning.

Step 2: Do a quick spot test

Now, before washing, it’s best to perform a spot test to confirm your delicate items can handle machine washing. A spot test involves applying a small amount of water and mild detergent to a hidden part of the fabric. Gently rub the area with a cotton swab. If the swab remains clean without any fabric dye, it’s generally safe to proceed with machine washing. If the swab picks up the dye, it’s best to stick with dry cleaning.

Step 3: Choose the right wash cycle

If the clothing has passed the spot test, you can go ahead with selecting a gentle or “delicate” wash cycle on your washing machine. These cycles are specifically designed for items that recommend dry cleaning. They use a low-speed spin and mild wash action, which helps to minimise entanglement and prevent clothes from getting wrinkled.

Step 4: Pick the perfect water temperature and add detergent

When washing delicates, it’s best to go with cold water since it helps prevent shrinking, fading, and pilling, keeping your clothes in tip-top shape.

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It’s also recommended to select a mild detergent formulated for delicate fabrics or one specifically designed for your clothing’s fabric type. These detergents clean without damaging fragile fibres.

Step 5: Loading and drying your clothes

Finally, prepare your delicates for washing. You can do this by either turning them inside out or unbuttoning them. Then, place them in the washing machine. Close the lid and start the wash cycle. Once the clothes are clean, instead of using a dryer, lay them out on a drying rack or clothesline and let them dry naturally. This will help prevent any sort of shrinkage or damage.

By following these easy steps, you can safely wash most of your “dry clean only” clothes at home and keep them looking fabulous!