https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dry-cleaning-things-that-say-handwash Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 17:01:00 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dry-cleaning-things-that-say-handwash#post-1631739 Fri, 18 Mar 2016 23:36:37 +0000 Brin 1631739@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have just reached the place in my style journey where I own pieces which are supposed to be dry-cleaned. &nbsp;However, I am quite sure that some of my new garments are shrinking due to this treatment, which is rather heartbreaking (one piece I can't wear anymore at all).</p> <p>So I find my instincts are saying that I should go back to try handwashing garments where this is an option (exactly what you don't want to do, Peri, and I can't say I'm looking forward to it). &nbsp;Of course, my instincts are also saying that I should find a new drycleaner... &nbsp;</p> <p>You sound very positive about your gentle green cleaner, so hopefully your experience will be a good one!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dry-cleaning-things-that-say-handwash#post-1631738 Fri, 18 Mar 2016 23:36:13 +0000 Gigi 1631738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't read the other responses, but my understanding is that most dry cleaners do lots more than dry clean. So you could probably take them in and ask them to handwash them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dry-cleaning-things-that-say-handwash#post-1631566 Fri, 18 Mar 2016 18:46:11 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1631566@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Of course it's fine. You can ask the cleaner to clean but not press, if that seems appropriate for the particular piece. </p> <p>Most dry cleaners also do laundry (i.e. wet cleaning), at least occasionally - for men's dress shirts and for big household items like quilts and such. You can ask them if they recommend one process over the other. </p> <p>There are, very occasionally, garments that have labels that say do not dry clean - usually that's because of some trim that might dissolve in the solvent, although solvents are much gentler these days, or some kind of bonded faux-leather. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dry-cleaning-things-that-say-handwash#post-1631561 Fri, 18 Mar 2016 18:43:57 +0000 Diana 1631561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those sound fine to dry clean. You can ask the cleaner if you are worried. </p> <p>Dry cleaning chemicals can be bad for finer wools like merino and cashmere (they can make them brittle; I don't know if the greener ones are any better) but should be fine for plant fibers and synthetics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dry-cleaning-things-that-say-handwash#post-1631454 Fri, 18 Mar 2016 16:43:21 +0000 kkards 1631454@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i also have dry cleaned 'hand wash' items....generally as long as it doesn't say 'do not iron' and/or doesn't have studs or metallic i've been ok. sometimes the counter person doesn't know, but the actual "dry cleaner" will look at it before doing anything </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dry-cleaning-things-that-say-handwash#post-1631453 Fri, 18 Mar 2016 16:43:16 +0000 Aida 1631453@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>1 and 3 sound like pieces I'd definitely take to the cleaners. 2 sounds stable enough to wash at home with all that cotton, but should be fine for them to wash too. When you take them in you specify that it's a hand wash rather than dry clean piece; the actual cleaner might suggest what's best, too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dry-cleaning-things-that-say-handwash#post-1631446 Fri, 18 Mar 2016 16:39:28 +0000 Peri 1631446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, good question!</p> <p>1) 40% viscose, 32% nylon, 25% polyester, 3% cashmere (Trouve brand)</p> <p>2) 60% cotton, 20% modal, 20% viscose (Vince Camuto brand)</p> <p>3) &nbsp;45% rayon, 30% nylon, 20% cotton, 5% wool (Leith brand)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dry-cleaning-things-that-say-handwash#post-1631441 Fri, 18 Mar 2016 16:33:44 +0000 Aida 1631441@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I take several of my "hand wash" items to the dry cleaners. Usually heavier pieces that might get misshapen while hanging to dry (like a waterfall knit jacket), pieces that need ironing at odd angles (like some kinds of ruffles) and delicate fabrics like viscose wovens (I've given up washing those myself). To me it's worth it for those handful of pieces so I can happily wear them. My cleaner checks the labels of what I bring in and lets me know if it's something they can do. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dry-cleaning-things-that-say-handwash#post-1631436 Fri, 18 Mar 2016 16:22:36 +0000 Suz 1631436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What are the fabrics? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/dry-cleaning-things-that-say-handwash#post-1631356 Fri, 18 Mar 2016 14:56:55 +0000 Peri 1631356@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I know this is backwards from the usual post asking how to avoid dry-cleaning! But I have 6 or so fine knit sweaters that ask to be hand washed and I just don't have the time and patience currently to do that. I have a hand wash cycle on my washing machine but it is almost an hour long and that seems to defeat the purpose, too much time spent in water. My dry cleaners is "green" and seems fairly gentle and this season I would really rather pay than hand wash.&nbsp;</p> <p>The labels don't say either way. Some things I have go through the hand wash directions and then say "or dry clean" and I've had things in the past that say "do not dry clean". These don't give the option, but don't forbid it either! I asked the girl at the counter yesterday and she didn't seem to know. </p>