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AIBU?

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Original poster

It was a dry clean only suit

37 replies

Coral12345 · 26/08/2023 09:13

hi we have a wedding coming up and sons suit, which was a hand me down, is dry clean only.

but it will cost £45 to dry clean!
is there a way to wash it at home in machine without ruining or would that be unreasonable?!

help please!!! Thanks :)

OP posts:
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GoldenSpangles · 27/08/2023 02:59

I think you did the right thing with the dry cleaning. But I just don't understand the mania people have with washing machines. If I am laundering dangerously I usually just swish it round in a bathtub of cold water with minimal detergent and soap any stains and rinse and leave to drip dry on a hanger to try to retain shape. It is much more likely to survive that treatment than a washing machine. My old trench coat looked like new after this treatment during lockdown with no dry cleaners open.

Dotcheck · 27/08/2023 02:10

I would have just washed a polyester suit.

Original poster
Coral12345 · 26/08/2023 17:59

cobden28 · 26/08/2023 17:49

You could try washing it in your machine, but do be careful as you could ruin the suit. To be on the safe side, I'd be inclined to pay to have it professionally dry-cleaned as per the instructions on the label.

I went to Morrisons in they end and they did it for £16 :D

OP posts:
cobden28 · 26/08/2023 17:49

You could try washing it in your machine, but do be careful as you could ruin the suit. To be on the safe side, I'd be inclined to pay to have it professionally dry-cleaned as per the instructions on the label.

KnackeredBack · 26/08/2023 17:47

Fab - far better. Sorry, I just missed your earlier reply with happy outcome.

Original poster
Coral12345 · 26/08/2023 17:46

KnackeredBack · 26/08/2023 17:43

Blimey, how much?! Have you shopped around, e.g. Timpsons etc?

Yes I went to Morrison’s in the end (it’s a timpsons in there). And it was only £16 and a free carry bag thing :)

OP posts:
KnackeredBack · 26/08/2023 17:43

Blimey, how much?! Have you shopped around, e.g. Timpsons etc?

Original poster
Coral12345 · 26/08/2023 17:38

Hi I took it to Morrisons and they only charged £16 because it was small!! Some kind of promotion this weekend so they’ll put it in one of those nice bags when I pick it up! :D
thanks for all the advice though, I know it will come in handy another time! X

OP posts:
jlpth · 26/08/2023 12:25

I’d just hang it outside without washing

Original poster
Coral12345 · 26/08/2023 12:24

Hi sorry everyone! Didn’t mean to not answer all the questions!
the jacket is 100% polyester
the waistcoat and trousers are 80% polyester and 20 % viscose

OP posts:
LaLaLouella · 26/08/2023 11:50

What material is it made of?

No one can advise you properly if you don't tell us this...

Maddy70 · 26/08/2023 11:39

Putvon a gentle wash. Hang up immediately to dry

LesLavandes · 26/08/2023 11:34

Don't wash it. It will get ruined. Dry clean for safety

forgotmyusername1 · 26/08/2023 11:23

Hand wash it in the sink with some detergent and line dry

Dotcheck · 26/08/2023 11:17

OP
If ALL depends on what it is made of!
If it’s polyester, it will wash with ease.
If it is pure wool or silk, then it would probably be best to dry clean it

Original poster
Coral12345 · 26/08/2023 11:12

Thanks everyone, I called Morrisons and they said £21 - does that seem an ok price?
I think I’m a little scared to wash it as some have pointed out it will cost us more if we shrink/ruin it!
I could try the iron but it does have some visible dirty marks!
how would I spot clean?

OP posts:
Beamur · 26/08/2023 11:05

Don't wash it. If it shrinks or distorts (highly likely) you won't be able to wear it at all.
Spot clean any marks, hang it somewhere steamy like a shower and iron it.
Use something like Febreze to freshen it.

amylou8 · 26/08/2023 11:00

What's it made of? You might be able to machine wash it on a wool cycle or a gentle hand wash. If it not dirty and just needs a freshen febreeze then steam it. If you don't have a steamer lay it on the ironing board, iron on max heat, then hover over it with the iron without actually touching it while holding the boost button.

Dotcheck · 26/08/2023 10:58

Use the delicate or hand wash cycle, low temp, spin cycle after, hang on proper hangars ( ie suit hangars with the wide arms) after. Otherwise, dry flat and make sure you give it loads of ventilation.

Badbudgeter · 26/08/2023 10:53

If it just needs a refresh. Pop it in the dryer with a damp towel If there are stains/ it smells you get these sheets called dry cleaners secrets. Rub it on stains then tumble dry with the sheet.

FutureThroughLensOfThePast · 26/08/2023 10:35

How dirty is it?

ActDottie · 26/08/2023 10:27

Just put it in on hand wash or a low temperature I do this for all my dry clean only stuff never had an issue

Katrinawaves · 26/08/2023 10:18

If you can’t afford to pay £45 to dry clean it, you presumably can’t afford to buy a new outfit at short notice for him if you shrink it in the wash. On that basis I would not risk washing it.

If you have a tumble dryer or can get to a laundrette to use one, you could try using one of these kits?

https://www.homecareessentials.co.uk/product/dry-cleaners-secret-dry-cleaner-pack-of-6-cloths?gclid=CjwKCAjwxaanBhBQEiwA84TVXLJ-e9JVICmsZjPuyrqSWx4fIA_zy3B2pcJAo3YJGdVIuvWjpMZJ5RoCrz8QAvD_BwE

Though £45 to dry clean sounds really expensive to me which makes me wonder if it’s made from some really tricky fabric and needs special treatment. It’s not velvet or similar is it? If it is a delicate fabric, you might have to just bite the bullet

Dry Cleaners Secret Dry Cleaner Pack of 6 Cloths

The perfect pick-me-up to clean and refresh your most loved clothes,Dry Cleaner's Secret At-Home Dry Cleaner uses advanced cleaning technology. Floral fresh.

https://www.homecareessentials.co.uk/product/dry-cleaners-secret-dry-cleaner-pack-of-6-cloths?gclid=CjwKCAjwxaanBhBQEiwA84TVXLJ-e9JVICmsZjPuyrqSWx4fIA_zy3B2pcJAo3YJGdVIuvWjpMZJ5RoCrz8QAvD_BwE

BaronessBomburst · 26/08/2023 10:18

Can you post a photograph, including the care label and fabric composition? Some things I wash, but there are some things you just daren't!

Iclyn · 26/08/2023 10:18

Could you fold the jacket and put in a pillowcase , same for trousers in another pillowcase ? Then a short , light wash , with a short spin. Drip dry outside .

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