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  1. Home
  2. Better Life

Can you wash clothes with ‘dry-clean only’ tags?

Does it really have to be dry cleaned? - by Laura Barry
  • 04 Mar 2019
Can you wash clothes with ‘dry-clean only’ tags?

If you’re an enthusiastic shopper with a love for soft fabrics and pretty clothes, then you have undoubtedly come across the ‘dry-clean only’ tag.  But do you really need to dry clean these items, or is there a way around the cost of a trip to the dry cleaners?

The answer is yes and no. For some fabrics and garments, you really do need to dry clean them. However, some manufacturers use ‘dry-clean only’ tags as a blanket warning for all their clothes, regardless whether the item genuinely needs to be dry cleaned or not. So, how do you know?

Check the fabric

Most fabrics, such as cotton, wool, cashmere, some silks, nylon and robust polyesters, can be hand-washed in cold water. However, items that have been dyed with highly-saturated colours, made of leather, fur, faux fur and other difficult materials should be dry cleaned.  To check if the colour may run in water, use a wet cotton bud and rub it against the fabric in a hidden location (such as the arm pit). If colour comes off, send it to the dry cleaner. When in doubt, ask a professional dry cleaner.

clothes in soapy water
Getty

Wash it carefully

Usually, most garments can be gently hand-washed in cold water with a small amount of wool or delicate detergent. Don’t leave the item to soak or overload the water with detergent. It should be a gentle wash.

Dry it carefully

For robust items (that may have already endured a wash or two) you can pop them in a ‘delicates’ spin cycle in the machine. However, other delicate items should be rolled into a towel to remove excess water, then laid flat to dry.

white dress hanging from door
Getty

What should always go to a dry cleaner?

Delicate silk garments, velvet garments, anything beaded, wedding dresses or formal dresses should go to a dry cleaner. If the item is precious to you, have it dry cleaned as per the care label.

You might also like:

How to extend the life of your favourite clothes

How to wash clothes by hand 

How to make your laundry work for you 

  • Better Life
  • Hacks
  • Cleaning
Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

Reader reno: A combined bathroom and laundry makeover for $3,000

Reader reno: A combined bathroom and laundry makeover for $3,000

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Tara’s tiny laundry makeover

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This $15 Kmart hack is taking Aussie laundries by storm

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This mum’s Kmart hack cuts laundry time by hours

{headline}

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Reader reno: A Scandi-style budget laundry makeover for $1300

Reader reno: A Scandi-style budget laundry makeover for $1300

Reader reno: A gorgeous $700 laundry makeover

Reader reno: A gorgeous $700 laundry makeover

Kmart has released the laundry trolley of your dreams

Kmart has released the laundry trolley of your dreams

{headline}

{headline}

How to make DIY laundry dryer sheets

How to make DIY laundry dryer sheets

The smart new way to do laundry

The smart new way to do laundry

Hot vs cold water: which is the better way to wash clothes?

Hot vs cold water: which is the better way to wash clothes?

5 ways to dry your clothes quickly during winter

5 ways to dry your clothes quickly during winter

This is how much a laundry renovation will cost you

This is how much a laundry renovation will cost you

Give your laundry a timber makeover

Give your laundry a timber makeover

Why you’re failing at getting on top of your laundry

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