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Original poster

dry cleaning advice

18 replies

star · 17/12/2002 12:53

I've always been a bit of a believer in washing things even if they say dry clean as it isn't always necessary dry cleaning,I mostly get good results and haven't ruined anything yet.I'm getting a 100% lambswool cardi for xmas and seeing as it's a cardi and I'll be wearing it a lot I don't want to be paying out for dry cleaning every week.it says dry clean only.I really don't want to spoil it either,but would anyone suggest I give it a go.I thought you could hand wash wool-be grateful to hear what you think?

OP posts:

threeangels · 17/12/2002 14:02

Hi star - Here is a tip I found on dry cleaning wool and cashmere sweaters.

No more dry cleaning : Clothes

Hand washing wool or cashmere sweaters is better than dry cleaning them. Why? Because they will get cleaner, keep their shape and smell great. Here's how:

Soak briefly in mild soap & cold water.
Swish suds through.
Rinse well in cold water.
Gently squeeze out water. Don't wring!
Roll in a towel.
Lay sweater flat to dry.
Arrange the neckline, sleeves and ribbing in their proper shapes.

InStyle Feb

Original poster

star · 17/12/2002 15:07

Hi Threeangels,how are you settling in now should I ask?Thanks for the recipe.Bit nervous about doing it I would hate to shrink it,it's rather special.But think I'll go for it.Thanks for advice.

OP posts:

threeangels · 17/12/2002 15:17

Your very welcome. Well my family and I are trying to move back to where I came from. I miss my family quite a bit and my children do even more. I thought Id really end up staying here near DC but it is just too busy for me. I miss the more relaxed living. Its also so expensive here. Were trying to find another home to rent along with my moms help. Hopefully well be moving by the end of Jan.

Thanks for asking.

threeangels · 17/12/2002 15:20

Star meant to mention that it probally wont shrink as long as you lay it flat to dry after taking the water out. Its the dryer that will shrink it. I have messed up so many dry cleaning only clothes by stupidly putting them in the dryer. Mainly just shrinking them.

Original poster

star · 17/12/2002 16:16

Threeangels,it's great you can find the opportunity to move back.I never realised how much I would miss people when we moved a long way away from everyone a few years ago now.You never know about things until you try them do you.We're a lot closer to everyone now which is great for everyone's driving time.I reckon it takes about 2 years to feel comfortably settled somewhere new.Of course you worry about the kids too when they're settled at school.I bet your Mum is pleased.Have a nice xmas.Thanks again for the tips.

OP posts:

threeangels · 17/12/2002 16:33

My mom was so happy. We werent speaking at the time until I made the call to tell her. She was crying like a baby. I think by me telling her we were going back I changed her world. I think she missed us more then I ever could imagine.

Have a wonderful Christmas too.

WideWebWitch · 17/12/2002 18:52

star I always take the view that if something is dry clean only it's either to going to go in the machine and then the bin if I ruin it or, it's going to go in the bin anyway eventually since I know I won't get around to dry cleaning it anyway Plus we don't have a dry cleaners for miles. I do always check the material though to see if I think they're really really serious about dry cleaning being the only way! I can't imagine handwashing in cold water would damage it.

willow2 · 17/12/2002 22:30

I inadvertently washed a pair of Gap tailored trousers that said dry clean only - and that was the last time they ever went to the dry cleaners. They are absolutely fine on a normal wash - it really bugs me that clothes manufacturers use the dry clean label when it really isn't necessary, it's so obviously to protect them from the odd case of faulty manufacture. And it ends up costing us all a fortune.

bells2 · 18/12/2002 07:54

I follow the same theory as WWW, if it doesn't survive a machine wash then it may as well go into the bin so I always risk it. I even wash cashmere in the machine but on cold only, obviously on the knitwear cycle and also in one of those net bag things. I find that if you are careful about drying it flat it holds its shape etc perfectly.

SoupDragon · 18/12/2002 08:51

My dry clean only plum velvet trousers from Monsoon wash perfectly every time.

Tinker · 27/02/2003 19:13

OK - I'm far too lazy (and still on my economy drive) to go to the dry cleaners so would any of you risk machine washing these:

skirt - 99% wool, no woolmark thing

trousers - 58% virgin wool (the difference being?), 40% polyester

skirt - 43% acrylic (nice), 23% polyester (nice) and 30% wool

These are work clothes so I'm a bit buggered if they all go wrong, hate buying clothes for work!

Thanks

SoupDragon · 27/02/2003 19:19

I'd probably risk the skirt on a cool wash as it's mostly other fabrics. If the others just need freshening rather than cleaning, I'd maybe hand wash them.

Scatterbrain · 27/02/2003 19:23

I wouldn't risk the 99% wool one in the machine - but I'd try the others for definite !

IME it's the tumble dryer that kills stuff not the washing machine !

GeorginaA · 27/02/2003 19:23

I seem to remember most of the problem isn't the temperature as such but the spin where delicate clothes can snag. Does your machine have a "hand wash" option with a really gentle spin you can use? I've also seen advertised mesh bags you can put delicates in for washing purposes - don't know if they're any good though.

To be honest, if they're "I really can't afford to replace these" clothes then I wouldn't risk it though.

SoupDragon · 27/02/2003 19:34

I did shrink a lovely woollen jumper in the washing machine on a 40 degree wash once so it's not just the tumble drier that causes the problem, it's stupid ignorant woollen jumper owners too

Tinker · 27/02/2003 19:43

Thank you everyone. Neither of the skirts are precious, just can't be arsed to look for new ones if they get ruined. But the pants are pretty good, however have just been lying on the bedroom floor for weeks now. Need to get my act together.

SofiaAmes · 28/02/2003 13:15

Tinker, I don't really believe in dry cleaning as it is too expensive so I machine wash almost everything. My rule of thumb is if there are two different fabrics involved (ie wool skirt with synthetic lining) then I dryclean in case of different amounts of shrinkage. Otherwise go for the handwash cycle with cold water on the washing machine. I have cashmere and wool sweaters that I have machine washed for years and they still look great. Just be careful with rayon as it "shrinks" with the water not the temperature. In most cases it can be ironed right back to its original shape (unlike wool which has been "boiled" in hot water).

helenmc · 01/03/2003 12:45

aaaargh ...dh has done it again- chucked a Monsoon labswool cardi into the was...it won't even fit my youngest now!!!

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