Dry Cleaning Garment Guidelines For Keeping Your Clothes Clean
You've purchased a new blouse and love the fit, and you're planning to wear it frequently. When you look at the tag inside, you see that the instructions for cleaning it say "dry clean only." What makes certain items and articles of clothing only able to be cleaned using this method? Read on to find out what you need to know about the proper care of your important wardrobe.
Understanding Labels
Some clothing may instruct the wearer that the garment should be dry cleaned only, while others may just use the words "dry clean." If the tag includes the word "only" on it, you should never attempt to wash it yourself. These items are usually extremely delicate, have a special lining, or can become damaged in a regular wash cycle. If the tag only recommends that you dry clean it, you can attempt to clean it at home, but the manufacturer still suggests dry cleaning to avoid any rips, shrinking, or fading of the garment. To err on the side of caution, taking these items to the dry cleaners is your best defense against causing any damage to your special clothes.
What To Take To The Dry Cleaners
Almost anything made of silk should be dry cleaned only. Silk can fade, stretch, and tear if it's run through a regular wash cycle. Anything with a lining like a nice coat should also be dry cleaned to avoid the lining separating from the outer shell of the coat. Items with a lot of embellishments like sequins or rhinestones should be dry cleaned or else they can come loose and fall off in the washing machine. Even clothing that recommends you wash it on the delicate cycle only would be best cared for by taking it to a dry cleaner to avoid the agitation that a washing machine can cause.
Alternative Methods
If you don't have the time or extra money to take your special clothing items to the dry cleaners, there are at-home dry cleaning kits you can purchase at most retail stores in the laundry care aisle. These kits come with a special spot cleaning solution and a bag to place the item in when you run it through the dryer. These kits can work well for clothing that just needs to be freshened up, but if you have something with a stubborn stain on it, taking to the dry cleaners is the best way to guarantee the stains will be completely removed. A good rule of thumb is to read all of the labels on your clothing, wear them with care, and find a reputable dry cleaner in Calgary or another location who can take care of them properly so that your investment will last for many years to come.