is it safe to wash an article of clothing that is supposed to be dry cleaned in a regular washer?

Answer 1

It depends on what it is. My experience with wools, for instance, has been that if you use lukewarm or cold water, low speed spin (or take it out before the spin and towel blot it) and then carefully lay it out flat, shaping as you go- it does OK. (When it's nearly dry, you'll need to take a pressing cloth and iron it carefully to help it hold it's shape and get rid of wrinkles. Don't move the iron back and forth but up and down- pressing it for about 10 sec at a time- wools are the hardest and it's easier to just let the pros do them!) Most things, I have either machine or hand-washed... but I always expect it to maybe not work! It's a risk! Also, it may never again look quite as nice... The only things that I'v tried to wash that were complete failures are acetates... Oh yeah, and if there are pleats involved (like all the way down a skirt, all the way around, for instance... don't even go there... let the cleaners do it. You will NEVER get them back in satisfactorily!)

You could try a "Heloise Hints" site... I'll get a url for you...OK- couldn't find what I was looking for. The thing is, I live in Eastern Eur where we can't always find a dry-cleaner, so I've learned to wash everything, but carefully. I use delicate soap (like someone above mentioned- Woolite, for example), often hand wash, for sure the delicate cycle if in the washer. Be careful about wringing things out (better not to). You can use a tub full of water- that makes it easier. If you're really concerned about something, if it's expensive, better stick to the label directions if at all possible! Good luck!

Answer 2

Depends on the article. Woolen knitwear - definitely not.

Long time ago a friends house was flooded when the river rose 30 feet overnight. We lived on a hill and were not affected (Never buy a house on a flood plain.) They had to run away and left many clothes behind. When the flood went down all the dry cleaners in the city were backed up for a month of Sundays. My mother put several mens' suits (which were still wet) through a front loading washing machine, including the jackets with ordinary washing powder. They came out OK but needed expert pressing. They were ruined otherwise so nothing would have been lost.

If your stuff is not ruined otherwise I'd take it to a dry cleaner. Or hand wash, squeeze gently etc. The lady from Eastern Europe and the dry cleaner have good answers.

Answer 3

13 years personal exp as a Dry Cleaner
38-year family


Depending what the article is, you should really consider hand washing rather the putting in the machine. Best bet is to dry clean in. The care label in clothing is put there by the manufacture as the safest method. That does not mean that it is the only way. Ex. If you bring a Dry Clean only item to the cleaners and the items bleeds, shrinks, melts ect. You are able to return the item to place of purchase for a refund, or exchange. Not many people know this or many cleaner don’t know how to explain this. Hence the saying” Cleaners ruined my blouse”. If that label is followed and something happens to it, the manufactures are to blame not the cleaners. If you do it at home the retailer may ask for a letter from your cleaner stating that they cleaned the garment as per the care label and this was the result. Keep in mind what you are going to wash at home. Have posted other replies to question regarding finishing the garment (Pressing). Cleaning may be the easy part but once cleaned now you have to finish it (Press or Iron). Take a look. If you have a question drop me an email. Good luck


Dominick

Answer 4

It will damage the article of clothing. Some pieces may be hand washed in Woolite, depending on the material.

Answer 5

No, it is not safe to wash an article that is labeled 'dry clean only.' That is why it is labeled so.