Dry Cleaning things that say handwash?

Peri

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.

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.

9 years ago

General

9 replies

Latest reply was from Brin

Suz

(website)

Veteran

What are the fabrics?

9 years ago

Aida

Veteran

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.

9 years ago

Peri

Veteran

Oh, good question!

1) 40% viscose, 32% nylon, 25% polyester, 3% cashmere (Trouve brand)

2) 60% cotton, 20% modal, 20% viscose (Vince Camuto brand)

3) 45% rayon, 30% nylon, 20% cotton, 5% wool (Leith brand)

9 years ago

Aida

Veteran

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.

9 years ago

kkards

Veteran

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

9 years ago

Diana

Veteran

Those sound fine to dry clean. You can ask the cleaner if you are worried.

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.

9 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Of course it's fine. You can ask the cleaner to clean but not press, if that seems appropriate for the particular piece.

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.

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.

9 years ago

Gigi

Veteran

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.

9 years ago

Brin

Active Member

I have just reached the place in my style journey where I own pieces which are supposed to be dry-cleaned. 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).

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). Of course, my instincts are also saying that I should find a new drycleaner...

You sound very positive about your gentle green cleaner, so hopefully your experience will be a good one!

9 years ago

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