Dry clean only, in the washing machine?

[Kendodd]

My dd (age 4) was given a beautiful dress for her birthday, it's dry clean only though (silk velvet). Do I dare put it in the washing machine?

How long is it going to fit her for? I'd be tempted to hand wash it, but don't take my word for it! I'm pretty gungho with clothes care labels!

If you do wash it, remember silk (like wool) needs non-bio detergent as its protein fibre.

I think I'd get it dry cleaned once and then risk it.

I would put it on 30 degree quick wash using "silk and wool" delicate washing liquid. Think it is by persil.

I'd wash it on a low temp for delicates.

It is really beautiful and I don't want to ruin it, but I don't want to spend a tenner every time she wears it. Thanks for the answers, and the tip about non-bio, I think I'll try hand washing and hope for the best.

I don't know if they still make it but Persil used to do a thing you could put in the tumble dryer with dry clean only item to freshen them up. It was like a giant wet wipe you could use on marks then chuck in the dryer iwth the item.

I'd only get it cleaned if it was actually dirty - I'd heard of those wipes too timidviper - ideal for clothes that are very slightly marked or just need freshening up.
The risk you run by washing it is it will shrink or dry mis-shapen.
I washed a silk top once that was supposed to be dry clean only - it ruined it.