Dry cleaning alternatives

[Stillstarving]

I have a knitted dress which is dry clean only. Normally I'm quite cavalier and throw such things in the washing machine but I'm pretty sure this will shrink/ go bobbly if I do. I've worn it a couple of times and its quite warm so it could do with a freshen up as I am clearly a stinky mare. It's perfectly clean otherwise, no dinner down the front. Any ideas what I could do that would save a trip to the drycleaners? I've no time before Christmas to leave it in. TIA!

What is it made of?

I live in knitted dresses and, ahem, tunics. Always put them in a wool wash no problems. You do have to remember to iron when still a little damp as it's easier.

I reason that I would rather have to replace an item if it does go bobbly than pay for dry cleaning throughout it's wearable life. Certain stores such as Monsoon seem to put dry clean only on everything.

It's 95% acrylic and 5% elastase which is pretty outrageous considering what I paid for it!

• elastane