We've all been there - standing in front of the washing machine with your favorite piece of clothing in hand, wondering if you should ignore the "dry clean only" label. The temptation to save time and money by throwing your "dry clean only" clothes in with regular laundry can be strong, but is it worth taking the risk?
It turns out it's important to consider what happens if you wash dry-clean-only items, as they can get destroyed in a regular washing machine. Let's take a look at what happens when you throw your dry-clean-only clothes in the regular wash and how you can care for delicate fabrics to protect them from damage.
Understanding "Dry Clean Only" Labels
When you dry clean something, the item is cleaned with cleaning solvents instead of water. This process is gentler on fabric that can't handle the tumbling of the washing machine.
When a garment has a "dry clean only" label, the fabric or construction is too delicate for regular washing machines. Clothing with this label is usually made from delicate fabrics or has special finishes that will get ruined by water.
Common Issues With Washing Dry Clean Only Garments
If you ignore the "dry clean only" tag and throw the garment in the regular laundry, a variety of things will happen depending on the garment you are washing. Here are some of the most common things that could happen when washing dry clean clothes:
Shrinking
Have you ever pulled out your favorite sweater from the wash only to realize it is two sizes smaller? Washing a wool sweater is one of the biggest laundry mistakes that people make. Many dry-clean-only fabrics like wool, silk, and other synthetics can shrink when they get in water or heat.
Fabric Distortion
Many delicate fabrics like lace or silk can lose shape if you wash them. When they get agitated in the washing machine, the garments made from these fabrics can stretch or wrinkle. This makes the clothing item change its shape and will likely fit poorly.
Embellishment Damage
Another common property of dry clean only items is that they have embellishments like beads, sequins, or embroidery. The movement that the washing machine makes can damage these details, and ruin your garment.
Structural Damage
Some clothing items, like coats or suits, have padding and lining in them so they can keep their shape. Washing these in a regular machine can damage these parts and cause the shape to change, resulting in a poor fit.
Color Bleeding
Many dry clean only clothing uses dyes that will wash away with water. If you wash these in a washing machine, the dyes can fade or wash away. The dye can get on other clothes in the machine, damaging a whole load.
What Happens if You Wash Dry Clean Only Fabrics in a Machine
Every fabric with a dry-clean-only tag has specific properties that make it too delicate to wash in a regular washing machine. If you throw these garments in the wash, you can damage the clothing in different ways.
Here's what could happen if you machine wash some of the more common dry-clean-only fabrics:Â
Wool and Cashmere
People love wool and cashmere because they are a luxurious natural fiber that is soft and warm. The biggest problem with machine washing these fabrics is that they can shrink.
Another issue is that a washed wool or cashmere garment could turn to felt in the machine. When wool or cashmere felts, the fibers mat to make this new fabric.
Silk
Silk is a natural fabric loved for its smooth texture and beautiful finish. Because of how delicate silk is, it's recommended that it is dry cleaned instead of put in the washing machine.
If you put silk in the washing machine, it can cause the color of the silk to wash out. Water and the agitation of the machine can also weaken silk and cause it to fray or tear.
Machine-washing silk can make the shine of the fabric dull. Finally, silk can wrinkle if machine-washed, and these wrinkles are hard to get out.
Leather and Suede
Although leather and suede are durable, they need special care when washing. If you don't wash leather and suede correctly, you can strip the natural oils from the fabrics and cause them to crack or get stiff.
Leather and suede can change color if it gets exposed to water. It can also become rough and lose its smooth texture.
Tips for Preserving Your Clothing Quality
When you invest in quality clothing, you'll want to take care of it so it can last you a long time. Here are some tips you can use to keep your clothing looking and feeling new longer:
Read Care Labels
Don't ignore the care labels sewn into your garments! These instructions will tell you exactly how to clean your clothes to keep them fresh and looking their best.
Invest in Quality
Make investments in high-quality clothing. Although they need some extra care, high-quality clothing is made to last and will stay a staple in your closet for a long time.
Rotate Your Wardrobe
Another way to keep your clothing looking its best is by rotating what you wear. When you rotate clothing, you'll limit how much wear and tear they get and they will stay looking great longer.
Consider Alternative Cleaning Methods
If you’re hesitant to take your delicate items to a dry cleaner but still want to avoid machine washing, there are some alternative cleaning methods you can try at home. For instance, if you're dealing with a delicate garment that isn't heavily soiled, you might try spot cleaning. Using a mild detergent and a soft cloth, gently blot the stain instead of scrubbing, which can damage the fabric.
For wool or cashmere, consider hand washing in cold water using a specialized wool detergent. While this is not always recommended for "dry clean only" garments, some items may tolerate hand washing with careful attention. Always lay these garments flat to dry to avoid stretching or distortion.
Additionally, fabric-specific sprays are available that can refresh and eliminate odors without the need for a full wash. These sprays are ideal for items like suits or dresses that may not need frequent cleaning but could benefit from a quick freshening up.
When in Doubt, Trust a Professional
Ultimately, if you're unsure about how to care for a dry clean only garment or are worried about causing permanent damage, seeking professional cleaning services is always the safest option. Dry cleaners not only have the proper equipment to clean delicate fabrics but also have the expertise to treat stains, repair minor damages, and even restore the original shape and structure of your clothes.
Professional cleaning ensures that your favorite garments stay in the best possible condition, helping you avoid costly mistakes. At Minute Men Cleaners, we specialize in caring for delicate clothing, so you can rest easy knowing your wardrobe is in good hands.
Protect Your Favorite Clothing With Dry Cleaning
Keeping your clothes looking their best starts with reading care tags and knowing how to clean them properly. Understanding what happens if you wash dry clean only garments can save you from future headaches and replacing expensive clothes. If you're ever unsure if something can be washed at home, bring the garment in to get a professional opinion.
If you're searching for a top-notch dry cleaner in Connecticut, look no further than Minute Men Cleaners. Since 1960, our expert cleaners have been dedicated to preserving the quality and longevity of even your most delicate clothing. Contact us today for all your clothing care needs and experience the difference that professional care can make.