Avoid dry cleaning these items: Infant garments, sportswear, woolens, silk, leather, and down-filled clothing. Instead, opt for hand washing, machine washing, or air drying at home for these fabrics.
Wondering about the things you should keep far, far away from that trusty dry cleaner? We've got you covered! Here are the laundry misfits that can't, or shouldn't, take a spin through the dry cleaner's racks. Our launderer gurus have piped up with a heap of tips to help you clean these troublemakers at home.
7 Clothes You Should Skip Dry Cleaning
1. Baby Bliss & Oy:
All things baby-related. Babies' skins are sensitive, and the harsh chemicals used in dry cleaning can lead to skin irritation or allergies. Learn to properly wash baby clothing using the right detergents, inside-out washing, and double rinsing techniques to keep them squeaky clean and your baby happy!
2. Fabric Faux Pas:
Leather & Suede. The chemicals found in dry cleaners can strip the natural oils found in these materials, causing them to crack, stiffen, or dry out. Use mild leather cleaning agents designed for the specific leather type, and always test any cleaning methods on a small, hidden area first.
3. Sweat's Best Friend:
Activewear can be a pain to wash, but dry cleaning is out of the question! Most activewear is made from fabrics like spandex, Lycra, or elastane blends, which can degrade or lose elasticity with exposure to dry cleaning solvents. Instead, practice proper hand washing, cold water, inside-out techniques to keep activewear fresh and functional.
4. Fancy Fibers:
Fleece & Wool. These materials can lose their natural resilience with dry cleaning, becoming prone to pilling and weakening. Master hand-washing techniques, use mild soap, and always air dry flat to preserve the quality, shape, and elasticity of these fabrics.
5. Wet-Weather Warriors:
Raincoats. Most raincoats boast water-resistant coatings, but dry cleaning can degrade these coatings, negating your raincoat's protective capabilities. Stick to spot-cleaning with mild soap and water, and let your raincoat air-dry to maintain its waterproof wonder.
6. Sparkle & Shine:
Embellished Garments. The solvents used in dry cleaning can loosen adhesives, melt embellishments, or tarnish delicate finishes—causing major damage. Instead, spot clean embellished items with a soft, damp cloth and mild detergent. For more resilient garments, hand wash carefully and air dry flat.
7. Body Odor Battles:
Heavy Stain Suspects. Dry cleaning is ineffective at removing water-based stains like sweat or deodorant. Pre-treat stains with baking soda, vinegar, or oxygen bleach, and wash carefully using cold water. Always air dry before checking stains—relying on heavier drying methods can set stains and make them more difficult to remove.
Stay tuned for more laundry tips, tricks, and up-to-the-minute knowledge to help uplevel your cleaning game!
In the realm of fashion-and-beauty, it's advisable to avoid dry cleaning baby clothing due to their sensitive nature, opting instead for gentle washing methods to ensure a happy baby and clean garments. Additionally, skip dry cleaning leather & suede as the chemicals used can cause damage, requiring gentle leather cleaning agents for proper maintenance.
