Dry cleaning can be expensive and time consuming, especially if you have a lot of work clothes that have to be dry cleaned. If you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered from time to time if you really have to do it. Are designers labeling their clothing “dry clean only” to make it seem fancier or more “high-end”? It has happened, but don’t ruin an expensive garment just because you’re pretty sure it’ll be okay. Read this first.
Dye: Most garments labeled “dry clean only” are done so because of the dyes. Some dyes will just wash right out if you put them in water. On the flip side, you may have an item that says to wash it in water that you’re thinking about dry cleaning. This may not be a good idea either, because there is another type of dye that breaks down when dry cleaned, but not when washed in water. If you are really curious, test a hidden spot by rubbing it with a wet cloth to see if it bleeds.
Interfacing: Another common reason to dry clean something is because it has interfacings. Interfacing is a thin fabric infused with glue that is usually ironed on, inside of collars, waistbands, yolks, and the shoulders of some clothing. This interfacing can shrink a lot if it gets wet, causing your garment to be permanently crumpled up. The glue used can also dissolve in water, causing the garment to sag and lose its shape.
Pleats and Hems: Many suits have pleats or hems that are created by ironing. Submerging these pleats in water will sometimes eliminate them completely and can be hard to recreate with a regular home iron.
Different Fabrics: Some items are labeled “dry clean only” because they contain more than one type of fabric. For example, think of a suit coat. The outside material can be different from the liner. If one fabric requires different care than the other, dry cleaning is usually necessary.
Fabric Treatments: Sizing is a chemical used in many suits and dresses that is similar to starch, but can make certain fabrics feel soft while helping them to keep their shape. Sizing will wash away in water causing the fabric texture to change. This can make the garment limp and gritty as opposed to firm and soft.
The bottom line is that you should take your dry clean garments to the dry cleaners unless it just isn’t worth the money. If you’d be okay losing it, go ahead and try a gentle cycle on cold, or hand wash, just to see if it survives. If it does, then you may not have to dry clean that garment any more. Hang items that you hand wash on curved hangers that properly support shoulders to help keep the shape nice.
About the Author: Sam Morton is on the staff of USA Hanger, a leading online resource for wood hangers, coat hangers and all types of clothes hangers. They are known for the excellent quality and value of their hangers. For more information, please visit http://www.usahanger.com/.
Sources:
http://frenchcleaner.com/include/help/whyDryClean.php
http://londonist.com/2005/06/do_we_need_to_d.php
