Do you put anything 'dry clean only' in the washing machine?

[HesGotHisTrombolyse]

Years ago I tried to put a couple of dry clean only bits in the machine machine because I wasn't happy to continue to pay dry cleaning prices (and couldn't really afford it). And, guess what? They came out just fine. I didn't put anything terribly delicate or 'structured' (like anything heavily pleated) but even a ladies suit jacket came out really well (it wasn't a natural fabric but I looked at it the other day and the fabric still looks good - the style of the jacket on the other hand...).

Have you ever washed an item of clothing marked as dry clean only, in the washing machine? If so, what happened?

I think I would use tepid instead of ice cold water.

I don't know why though. I was thinking perhaps tepid has less of a shock factor?

Dry cleaning is a mystery to me as most of the shops have these big machines in them
Is it all chemicals they use ? Anything that comes out of there is always fine , it's so nice having clothes cleaned occasionally
I admit I gave put dry clean only in a normal washer and it's been fine ( cold wash , delicate or wool one used ) but big coats or jackets I usually get those done properly once a year

I put everything in the washing machine. It's never been an issue- only the tumble dryer can ruin clothes.

I try not to buy DCO now but in the past I have washed plenty of items in the machine without any problems.

I tend to use a low temperature, delicates or wool cycle with a low spin speed. As mentioned by PP I turn the items inside out and either wash in a laundry bag or, for more structured items, I fold carefully and wriggle them into a large stocking which I knot at the top before putting in the machine to make sure they keep their shape. Air dry flat if the fabric is stretchy, otherwise on a hanger.

The only item I've ever ruined was a lambswool jumper that should have been hand wash only and got put in the machine by mistake.

Yes,I washed a suede jacket in the washing machine,on the delicate cycle,a few years ago. It was absolutely fine.

Yes, including DH's suits. However, I am choosey as to purchasing items where the fabric / construction looks less than durable. I use the handwash option on the machine, use mild machine soaps etc., and on occasions do a handwash and soak, then spin in a machine / drip dry. Often items are marked dry clean only due to the fact the fabric has not been pre-shrunk, or that the item has not been tested and the manufacturer is essentially pushing the risk onto the consumer. For jackets, I sponge clean, steam and do as little as possible. Dry cleaning imo kills fabric and the pressing then adds insult to injury, so the item never looks (or feels) the same.

I used to wash my daughter's school blazer in the washing machine. Said dry only. I washed it every week and it lasted the whole of secondary.

Absolutely - Liberty silk blouse and a short wool duffle coat (not in the same wash!) recently. Short, cool wash, make sure washing powder completely dissolved before putting clothes in, slow spin for coat and no spin for blouse.

I think it's easier to control because we have a top load washing machine.

One failure, many years ago, Australian label, quite expensive, beautiful 'New Look' style dress just about fell apart - it was incredibly badly made.

My sofa covers at least 3 times a year

Yes it would have to be tepid so that my hands don’t fall off! Then I guess drying it on a hanger in the shade ?