All the things you don’t need to dry-clean (Even if the label says you do)

A washing machine is a commonly found electronic appliance in every home today. Some people also have a separate cloth dryer to get their washed outfits ready as soon as possible.

Although both appliances offer convenience, certain clothes are not suitable and require to be dry cleaned. These include garments with delicate fabrics, wool, leather, embroidery, and embellishments among others.

Fabrics that require dry cleaning are not the ones that you wear daily. They are most likely expensive purchases that come with a ‘dry clean only’ label and clear instructions for special care and maintenance. These should never be washed in a regular washing machine cycle as they can damage the cloth in various ways like shrinkage, colour bleeding or fabric distortion.

ALSO READ: Washing vs dry cleaning: What are the differences?

The main difference between machine washing and dry cleaning clothes is that the former uses water and detergent whereas the latter uses only chemical solvent and avoids the rough agitation of the washing machine. This makes dry cleaning ideal for special fabrics. 

Things you don’t need to dry clean (even if the label says so)

Dry cleaning is an expensive and tedious process. It is usually done by a professional service. However, there are certain clothes with dry clean only labels that give you a normal urge to wash them at home. This is because manufacturers recommend the safest cleaning method for the best results for consumers. This is where it becomes tough to decide between dry cleaning and washing at home. 

Here’s a list of items that do not actually require dry cleaning despite what the tag might say. We also share instructions on how to wash those clothes. 

1. Cotton

2. Wool

3. Silk

4. Synthetic

5. Linen

1. Cotton

Cotton is a widely used fabric used for a host of garments. It is also quite durable and safely washable at home if the cloth does not have any embroidery or embellishment. When washing cotton clothes at home, make sure to separate the white outfits from coloured ones and use cold or warm water.

2. Wool

Woollen fabrics are thought of as materials that must be dry-cleaned. However, it’s not true as they can be hand-washed and even machine-washed by selecting a wool-specific cycle. A gentle detergent and cold water are recommended when washing woollen clothes at home. Additionally, one needs to avoid using the dryer as the fabric can shrink and lose its shape.

3. Silk

Silk is a delicate fabric that can be hand-washed in cold water with a gentle detergent. However, if you’re opting for a machine wash, it’s imperative to choose a delicate cycle, low spin speed, and a warm water temperature. They should never be put in the dryers. Similarly, one should not wring or twist the fabric as it can result in creases and wrinkles. We still recommend silk clothes to be dry cleaned especially sarees which are luxurious and quite emotional for women. 

4. Synthetic

Most of the time, synthetic fabrics like polyester, nylon, and spandex do not require dry cleaning and can withstand machine washing without shrinking. It’s essential to keep the dryer heat and movement in a gentle setting as synthetic fabrics can accumulate wrinkles. Washing in cold and warm water is the best approach.

5. Linen

Despite what the label and most people recommend, linen can be absolutely hand-washed or machine-washed at home. The key is to select a gentle wash cycle with cold water and avoid heat. If it’s done incorrectly then the fabric can get wrinkled and shrink. 

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Understanding why certain fabrics need special care is vital as neglecting it could lead to costly consequences. Labels with dry cleaning only mean that you need to be careful and take extra precautions. One should choose the right wash cycle, the perfect water temperature, and the detergent when washing the above clothes.