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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
jeaux90 · 26/08/2023 09:17

It depends on the material. I use the hand wash cycle on a lot of dry clean including jackets.

Original poster
Coral12345 · 26/08/2023 09:36

Thanks might give it a try…

OP posts:
Original poster
Coral12345 · 26/08/2023 09:37

jeaux90 · 26/08/2023 09:17

It depends on the material. I use the hand wash cycle on a lot of dry clean including jackets.

Would I still use detergent?

OP posts:
stevalnamechanger · 26/08/2023 10:06

That's outrageously expensive ? Don't pay that in London for a 3 piece to be done

Qwerty21 · 26/08/2023 10:08

Coral12345 · 26/08/2023 09:37

Would I still use detergent?

Show quote history

Yep. But only a small amount for one suit. No conditioner

GCAcademic · 26/08/2023 10:08

Dry cleaning costs have gone up massively. My local dry cleaners charges £20 for a dress.

Sarvanga38 · 26/08/2023 10:10

Is it dirty and/or smelly, or does it just need freshening up? If the latter, I would either steam it if you have or can borrow a steamer, or attack it with Febreeze and hang it on the line outside to air.

jeaux90 · 26/08/2023 10:10

Firstly you shouldn't be paying more than 20 quid for a suit but yes use detergent if it's a material you can use in a machine. But use a soft one like Ecover for example. I use faith in nature on a hand wash cycle.

Please check the material though, genuinely some things need dry clean only.

Counciltelly · 26/08/2023 10:12

I think you need to tell us where you live and we will find a dry cleaner?

I’ve machine washed cold. Can go either way.

also spot clean it, hang it outside? Would that be enough

talknomore · 26/08/2023 10:13

I would check if it can be ironed with one of those hand held machines and see if anyone can lend me one.

Helenloveslee4eva · 26/08/2023 10:14

Does it even need it ?
Hang in the fresh air or on the back of the door in a steamy shower if creased.

minipie · 26/08/2023 10:15

What’s it made of?

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 .

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!

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

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

FutureThroughLensOfThePast · 26/08/2023 10:35

How dirty is it?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:
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

forgotmyusername1 · 26/08/2023 11:23

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

LesLavandes · 26/08/2023 11:34

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

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