Washing advice needed!

KarinSwe

How strict would you say the "Dry clean only" recommendations are? I have a grey blazer from River Island, 100% polyester, and 100% acetate for the lining, which I've managed to get some bad stains on... any ideas if it'll be completely destroyed in the washing machine? It's quite loose fitting as it is, if that makes any difference!

Being a student in not-so-cheap London I'd rather eliminate any unnecessary spendings, but on the other hand a blazer might not cost that much to get properly cleaned...

Many thanks for any advice!

15 years ago

General

12 replies

Latest reply was from Scarlet

shannon

Active Member

I "hand wash" dry clean only items in my machine all the time! The only thing I have shrank was a silk top, and that's even still wearable. A well respected dry cleaner here in town told me that most things can be washed safely at home. I wouldn't recommend silk, wool or leather, but everything else, for sure!

15 years ago

shannon

Active Member

If the blazer has shoulder pad they could move around a bit while washing. If possible try to pin the pads in place so they don't become loose and float around inside your jacket

15 years ago

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I wouldn't do a blazer in the machine. I don't think you will ever get it looking crisp without it being professionally pressed, and you run the risk of the lining and outer fabrics shrinking at different rates and not matching up afterwards.

15 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

The only thing I would not hand wash is a blazer or a tie. If it is something you really like, take it to the dry cleaners and point out the stains especially. It probably costs $10 or less and it is unlikely to be an oft-repeated expense.

15 years ago

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

I think the problem is that the main material and the lining may shrink by different amounts. Oh, just seen that Khris has said that already!

I have had some success with dry cleaning fluids - I used it to rescue 2 pants from bicycle chain oil stains (!) - both wool, dry clean only. Lots of blotting required and colour test first (mine were both dark - black and navy blue). It took two bottles of cleaner to do it, but less than professional dry cleaning. I used Dylon stain remover at a cost of £2.09 about 6 months ago. Then I bought bicycle clips

15 years ago

Lynne

Veteran

Do you know what the stains are? It's better to treat them first if you're going to attempt washing it yourself...if they are oil or fat I can recommend talcum powder: cover generously, leave 15-20minutes, brush off, and repeat as neccessary. I've saved several shirts this way. Good luck!

15 years ago

Active Member

This is what I have been told about labels in clothing. If it just says "Dry Clean" the item can probably be safely washed on a gentle cycle and hung or laid flat to dry. If the label says "Dry Clean Only" that is what you had better do. Hope that helps.

15 years ago

Dusty

(website)

Active Member

Yeah, I wouldn't wash acetate. It has a tendency to just fall completely apart if it touches water.

15 years ago

KarinSwe

Active Member

Thanks everyone, lots of great advice! It does say Dry clean only, and it is a blazer I really like, so I probably should just leave it to the dry cleaner. Better safe than sorry this time, I guess!

15 years ago

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Absolutely! If it says 'ONLY' I would only dry clean it, if its something you love....you're better off paying extra than take a chance on destroying something you really want....

15 years ago

April

Veteran

Agreeing with all the good advice you've already gotten, Karin, which is to say: many "dry clean" things can be washed but I wouldn't try it with something as structured as a blazer; getting it cleaned shouldn't be prohibitively expensive, and you won't need to do it very often since a blazer isn't usually worn next to your skin; if a dry cleaner can get out the stains this time, you might be able to get by with a "dry-clean-at-home" product next time.

15 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

Just hurry up! The sooner you treat stains, the better.

15 years ago

Category