does anyone hand wash sweaters that are supposed to be dry cleaned?

Question

well there's a sweater that i have that's dry clean only but i hand wash it and hang it up to dry.. but when it's hanged up to dry, it stretches out because it's so heavy.. maybe i should lay it flat to dry? how should i do that? and also, can i put it into the washing machine to wash? (i won't put it into the dryer)

Answer 1

If you have a front loading washing machine you could probably put it in - put it in a mesh bag to protect it.

I think you can still get "sweater dryers" at Walmart - a sort of square mesh rack that you can lay the sweater on. Otherwise place it flat on a big towel, roll it up like a jelly roll and gently squeeze to get the water out. Then lay the sweater flat on a sweater rack or a towel to air dry. Depending on where you live you might be able to put it outside on top of a picnic table or something to speed up the drying - not in the sun.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

You might try cold water and Woolite on the gentle cycle.
I spread a couple of bath towels on a flat surface (one where you won't have to move it for a couple of days) I lay the sweater flat and I try to shape it and get the wrinkles out while it is wet. The next day I turn it over, so it can dry on the other side. When I hang it up, I hang it on a padded hanger so that the shoulders don't get those cloths hanger marks in them

Answer 3

It depends on the material. Some can be dry cleaned and others will be ruined by it. Dry cleaning chemicals are pretty harsh and can cut down on the life of the sweater too. Also, not all dry cleaners are honest. They may just wash it and lay it flat to dry and charge you for the dry cleaning.

Answer 4

Hand wash in Woolite, then lay flat on thick towel.
Roll towel, like a jelly roll, to absorb water from sweater.
Unroll towel, and "block" sweater to original size.
Let sweater dry completely.
Fold in thirds and lay flat for storage, NEVER hang sweaters.

Answer 5

if you choose to hand wash dry clean only items (and i sometimes do) make sure it is rinsed carefully and thoroughly. don't over wring it when done...lay towels out on a flat surface- i use my bed- and then "block" it, meaning put it into the shape you wish it to dry. after a few hours, turn it over and do the same. depending on fabric content, you may need to do this 1 or 2 more times. if you have a hand wash cycle on your washer, MAYBE use it, if your sweater has wool in it, don't use it. good luck!! (it's almost easier to take it to the dry cleaners!)

Answer 6

You should buy one of those sweater racks that are meshy where you can lay a sweater on top. Lay the sweater out to dry, or even hang it over a towel bar!

Answer 7

Yes just be careful to lay them flat to dry...also whats good about it is that u can stretch the sleeves if u need too...lol

Answer 8

hand wash with woolite and squeeze and lay flat on towels. do not hang it up it will loose it's shape. dont wash in the washer might lose it shape also.

Answer 9

I hand wash mine and then lay them out flat on top of a towel large enough to accomodate them. you can lay them anywhere, just keep turning them over until they are dry. :-)

Answer 10

yes i hand wash certain things that must b laid flat to dry, u have to lat them on the bed or table. also i use woolite in the gentle cycle of the washer.