Instructions say 'do not wash' - might there be a way round this?

[Starfish83]

Hi all, I've found a lovely cape - it's made of 93% acrylic and 7% polyester and the washing instructions say 'do not wash'. Any ideas as to why? Or if I might put it on a particular wash so it's OK? Thanks in advance! x

I use wool/delicate settings for most dry clean clothing

I've just got some of the dry cleaning sheets you put in the tumble drier and they're great! You spot clean with them first to get rid of any marks and then put in the drier ~ everything comes out all fresh and smelling lovely.

I can’t really see why you couldn’t cool/cold wash acrylic. It’s practically indestructible.

Delicates setting with woolite detergent.

I have machine washed leather jackets with this method and they have survived just fine.

Bung it in the washing machine! I've washed silk/viscose mix velvet skirts and one that's 100% wool and they've all come out fine. Handwash/delicate cycle is the way to go. (Wish me luck when I wash my very expensive velvet dress that says 'dry clean only' but is made from polyester. It doesn't worry me when I'm washing stuff I get from the charity shop!)

I look upon "do not wash" as a challenge. I'm winning so far. I use Woolite liquid and delicates setting.

I can't think why you wouldn't be able to wash on a delicates cycle with Woolite as PP have said. Sometimes things like DD's dress up stuff I don't wash because I know it would fall apart but otherwise, I throw everything in using the most delicate cycle if necessary.

Thanks all. Great suggestions here. That cape’s gonna be mine! 😊 x

Most things say do not wash to avoid doing the correct testing for wash instructions .. did you get it from a boutique or eBay or similar ? Uk retailers should have correct instructions on them although to be fair how often would a cape need cleaning?