Is it safe?
2007-02-12 00:17:19 · 29 answers · asked by tulip 4 in Home & Garden ➔ Cleaning & Laundry
It depends on the clothes. Tailored clothes with linings and stuff would probably be ruined, wool is notorious for shrinking, and any "glamour" fabrics would be ruined. Some things I see at thrift stores look like they were washed and ended up so wrinkled the owner gave up. But if something seems to be made of the same fabric and construction method as things you normally wash, it might be worth testing before you wash it. I've had polyester blouses marked Dry Clean Only--why? They washed just fine on Delicate.
If the garment has facings or some other fabric that doesn't show, rub a spot with a clean wet paper towel and look for dye coming off. If the fabric dries without fading, shrinking, or excess wrinkling, you may be able to wash it by hand or on Delicate/cold in one of those mesh bags.
Mild shampoo is often good for washing silk and wool, which are protein fibers similar to hair. Never twist or wring these fibers; silk can break when wet, and wool compacts into felt. Use cold water (or, in winter, just warm enough your hands don't hurt from the chill).
Some rayon fabric gets nasty wrinkles when washed, while others (slightly heavier) can be smoothed out easily while wet.
I haven't tried the dryer sheets. I'm allergic to Febreze, so I figure those would bother me too. I wouldn't trust those to take out real dirt anyhow, like sweat after dancing in the summer, or spilled food. The garment might smell OK, but sweat can damage the fibers or change the color (particularly rayon, acetate, and silk).
2007-02-18 23:04:07 · answer #1 · answered by Kathryn H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think this can depend on materials etc I have found so many times that after i have had a item for a while and give in and wash by hand or a low setting in machine that it has come out as good as new. items that are fussy to iron ,I wash in the shower and hang up to dry dripping wet and they dry out fine. I am sure some manufacturers just play it safe and put the dry cleaning label in.
2007-02-19 23:46:47 · answer #2 · answered by lucy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends what the item is really and what material its made from.
I do wash dry clean only on a 30 degree wash, items such as trousers, jackets and coats made from wool. Any fabrics that look delicate I'd take to the cleaners.
I've just got a new washing machine and its got a Handwash button it, so I presume that It'll wash gently on that.
2007-02-19 04:11:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not a thing! You are more than smart if you learn to wash your "dry clean only's" in your washer. Just use the gentle cycle and don't dry in the dryer. Mine spin out enough that I can hang them right back on the rod to dry. If they dry a bit wrinkled, turn on a hot shower and close the bathroom door and drape over the shower curtain to get rid of the wrinkles. Good luck! :)
2016-03-29 03:20:14 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes - all the time - cool wash only - put into a washing machine bag - you know the one's - holes all over and tie at the top!
Dry clean is not really dry at all - it is washed in a big machine with a petroleum based liquid - I know what I would rather do!
Then just hang in airing cupboard to dry
2007-02-12 00:22:09 · answer #5 · answered by jamand 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on the material if it was Taffeta i wouldn`t try it
but most things can be washed on a low wash
preferable a wool wash or a delicate wash then warm iron with a cloth over it to stop any shine marks
2007-02-14 03:55:21 · answer #6 · answered by Black Orchid 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My roommate washes his "Dry Clean Only" work clothes all the time and they seem to be fine. His been doing it for ages now.
2007-02-12 00:29:23 · answer #7 · answered by gary_deafrique 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I sometimes do this - on a 30 degree delicates wash - although there's an element of risk the first time you do it, because if it mangles your clothes you'll never be able to un-mangle them, so to speak; so if you really like whatever it is then just get it dry cleaned.
2007-02-12 00:26:29 · answer #8 · answered by Marzipan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wash most things on a 30 degree wash with a washball. It's eco-friendly and does not shrink or damage anything. I would not recommend this for leather or suede, however!
You can reshape things as they dry naturally, using hangers.
The chemicals used by dry cleaners (such as "perc") are pretty toxic - for you and the environment, so avoid them if you possibly can.
2007-02-12 01:23:09 · answer #9 · answered by Leaf 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would never do it, it will ruin your clothes. Take it to a pro to have them washed if they say dry clean only.
2007-02-17 09:48:01 · answer #10 · answered by Stanleyscg 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋