Oh bum. Should've read the washing labels IN the shop - please help!

[SomersetBelle]

Bought this today for work, and is lovely, if a bit ££ for the quality.

But I've just read the washing instructions and am a bit . It's dry clean only. Does anyone know what would happen to it if I hand washed it? I'm not organised enough for dry cleaning...

I think it will shrink. I would take it back.

P in a circle used to mean specialist dry clean only, which seems a bit OTT for a summer dress.

I would convince myself that it would be fine on a delicates wash, but then I've not had good experiences with dry cleaners. I've got away with it so far. Viscose can be funny though and go a bit crunchy when washed.

Depends how much you like the dress, and whether you can afford to mess it up in your washing machine.

I don't think viscose shrinks but the texture can change and it might not be colour-fast.

you could try a little corner of it in some water?

I wash EVERYTHING. Viscose can shrink but will come back to size if you steam press it carefully. Wash it cold and delicate,using wool wash liquid (no biological stuff as that can damage the viscose).

Thanks everyone, really useful advice. I do really like it Maiasaurus, and perfect for my work, but I don't love it that much to justify dry-cleaning!

I like the corner idea Sybil, will give that a go. Thanks.

Thanks for washing advice too hellymelly