Can I machine-wash polyester velvet?

[bluejelly]

I have a black velvet dress, 100% polyester. It says dry clean only - but surely if it's polyester it can be machine-washed? It was quite expensive so don't want to ruin it...
any advice gratefully received!

Hopeful bump!

Can you post a picture of the fabric? If it's a stretch velour type velvet, it'd probably be fine. If it's more of a silky style velvet there's a risk it could come out looking like crushed velvet.
In my experience...

I'd say yes, but at 30C or on a wool cycle.

so many clothes that are supposed to be DCO can be washed.

i would just hand wash it to be sure.

Yes, as long as your machine has a good gentle cycle.
Dry it naturally.

In my experience this is risky and it might as a pp says come out as crushed velvet. I would follow the instructions for once. If it’s a special occasion dress it’s not like you’ll be wearing it every week.

I have a polyester velvet top (Boden) and it's machine/ hand washable.

I work for a fabric retailer and we sell polyester velvet. Washable at 30C in the machine, don't tumble dry.

Thanks everyone! Super useful advice.

I popped it in the dry cleaners today but may try a gentle hand wash next time

I have but mine was glittery just did a cold/ delicate wash.
The dye might run though.

I would have risked it in a 30 degree delicate wash. Unlike the dry cleaners l know what has been in my machine.

I would have thought biggest risk is that it might need ironing or shrinkage. By co-incidence a lot of my dresses shrunk during lockdown!!!

But if a friend asked me, l might sit on the fence as l wouldn’t want to be blamed if it went wrong.

I have a good wool setting on my Samsung machine. Is there a chance of creasing and crease marks with a fast spin? My wool has an 800 spin.

DD has two polyester velvet dresses from M&S and John Lewis which may not be the same but they get washed and tumble dried