Professional dry clean only

[senua]

I bought a jacket yesterday with care instructions that say 'professional dry clean'. I bought in a charity shop for less than £4 so I'm prepared to risk washing it instead. It's an OK brand (Alex & Co) and made of 52% cotton / 23% polyester / 18% acrylic / 7% polyamide. The lining is acetate. The jacket has quite a soft handle so need to worry about losing the structure. Here it is on ebay (it's more fitted than that photo suggests).

Do you think washing it - carefully, by hand - will be OK? What's the worst that could happen?

I think the worst is it will shrink. But since it's just 4gbp, I also will risk it. Use cold water and don't hang to dry.

I agree with CoolToned - exactly what I'd do.

I agree, as a former employee at a dry-cleaner's. Acetate can be difficult but for 4 pounds I'd do it. Shrinking is the worst outcome - the jacket and the lining will shrink up differently maybe, so the lining hangs out for example.

I'm pleased to report back that the jacket is fine. I did a hand-warm hand wash, gave it a bit of a spin, pulled it into shape and then dried it flat. There was a bit of dye run and the lining is crinkly wrinkled but it hasn't shrunk.

Yay! I for one appreciate the update (am sad like that )