That pesky “Dry Clean Only” label on your new favorite sweater or dress may seem ominous, and it might even make you less likely to wear these hard-to-clean pieces. However, there are a number of smart ways to cheat the system and wash fabrics like washable silk, solid-colored cotton, wool and linen at home. These tips will show you how.
- Check the label. The best way to tell if you can wash a garment at home is to read the label. If it recommends dry cleaning, it’s safe to proceed at home. If it says the dreaded “Dry Clean Only,” however, it’s probably smarter to take it to the pros.
- Gently wash. Once you’ve decided that your item is safe to wash at home, fill the sink with lukewarm water and a few drops of gentle detergent. Gingerly swish the item around for around 5 minutes, and be sure to avoid scrubbing or rubbing together.
- Rinse (equally gently). Next, rinse the garment completely with more lukewarm water, making sure to get all of the detergent out. Squeeze the water out before drying, but avoid harshly wringing the fabric.
- Dry with a towel. Lay the garment flat on a clean towel, then roll it up and squeeze out the extra moisture. Spread it out again on another clean towel and let it sit until completely dry.
Do I Really Have to Dry Clean This? [Real Simple]
Do You Need to Dry Clean? [Reader’s Digest]
What You Should (And Shouldn’t) Dry Clean [Care2]
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