How to clean clothes without water?

[Nonplusultra]

Pre dry cleaning, how did people clean items of clothing without or between washes?

I’m thinking of heavy wools, velvets, gabardines? Winter weight fabrics and damp climates.

undergarments that could be washed
Put over a line and beaten
Aired in the sunlight
Stored with lavender
Spot cleaning

If you’re dealing with clothes that you can’t wash with water, like delicate fabrics or embroidered items, there are a few tricks you can try. For most items, using a fabric freshener or a dry cleaning spray can help refresh them. Simply hang the clothing in a well-ventilated area and lightly spray. You can also use a soft brush to gently remove any dust or dirt from the fabric.

For caring for embroidered clothing, it's a good idea to be extra gentle. You can use a soft brush to remove any debris and spot-clean any stains with a damp cloth.

Costume departments spray costumes that can't be laundered with vodka.

People used to brush their wool coats thoroughly to discourage moths and remove dried splashes of mud etc. Clothes would be aired frequently to keep them fresh.

They would protect underarms with washable dress shields. I think they had more washable layers under their clothes than we do. For example, we will perhaps wear a jumper a couple of times then wash it, they would wear something under the jumper so it could be washed far less frequently.

People used napkins at the table, so perhaps fewer food-related mishaps!

Just remembered fuller's earth, which was used to absorb grease stains.