12 March 2024 , 11:50
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One washing label which always slows up the laundry process is the dreaded 'dry clean only' symbol.
It's always disheartening when you're doing a pile of laundry to see the dreaded 'dry clean' only symbol, as not only is it time consuming to take clothing items to get them professionally cleaned, the expense can really add up. As as we're still in the middle of a cost of living crisis, many of us will be desperately trying to find ways of saving cash.
But there is a way you could save yourself some time and money. While there are some garments you definitely shouldn't attempt to wash at home, it turns out it isn't as black and white as you might have first thought.
It might be a scary thought - but 'dry clean only' isn't an unbreakable rule that you'll be arrested for breaking. Many delicate fabrics can be cleaned at home in the washing machine or the sink, even if the label warns you that it's 'dry clean only'.
According to the experts at Dependable Laundry Solutions, the "truth is that most clothing manufacturers put 'dry clean only' when a normal wash at home would be just fine". However, it isn't because they want to "inconvenience us" but to "minimise the returns due to customers not taking proper care of their clothes".
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There's also a difference between 'dry clean' and 'dry clean only'. If it says the former on the label, it's only a recommendation, and not a rule.
However, there definitely are some fabrics which are higher risk of washing at home, so you could consider dry cleaning them - or they might get ruined. However, there are some you can safely wash at home - acrylic, cashmere, cotton, nylon, polyester, denim and most wool. However, the experts say you "still need to take care of these fabrics, but probably don't need to splash the extra cash on a dry clean".
If you are worried about it being a delicate item, you should fill a basin or sink with cool water and add a bit of the appropriate cleaning detergent for that fabric. Or you could try a gentle cycle on your washing machine.
If you're concerned, you should do a spot test before you wash it properly to check for colourfastness. Moisten a cotton swap with mild detergent and dab it on a hidden seem to see if any dye comes off. If it does, you need to take it to the dry cleaners. Fabrics you definitely should dry clean are silk, velvet, leather, linen and suede.
It turns out many people didn't know the truth behind the 'dry clean' labels, and some feel cheated. One person admitted: "I wash all my 'dry clean only' clothes in the washing machine."
While another said: "I get a giddy amount of joy out of sticking 'dry clean only' clothes in the washing machine and getting away with it." Many were shocked at these admissions, with one person saying: "What!? You can actually do that!? Well in that case I'm having a field day when I get home! This Monday is turning out to be brilliant."
Another shared: "Unbeknown to me, my now 92-year-old mother has done this for years! Wish she'd told me prior to six months ago," to which someone replied: "Yes, I feel like I've been duped by Big Laundro for years now! If only I'd known all this time!"
It turns out this isn't the only lie we've been told, as another shared: "I use tiny amounts of detergent as my friend's FIL [father in law] had been chemist at one of the big producers and he said that you don't need anywhere near the packet dosing instructions - win win," and someone replied, saying: "We are busting their myths wide open!! Love it."