19 Feb What Fabrics Can and Cannot be Dry Cleaned

Proper care of clothes makes them look fresh and more durable. The maintenance method is different for each garment and depends on the material and type of clothing. Some clothes just need to be dry cleaned and some are damaged by it. All this information is available on the label of each garment. But have you ever wondered whether you should dry clean your clothes or not? fabrics dry cleaning need a lot of attention. Here we explain it in detail. So you no longer need to look at the labels and only by looking at your clothes you will know what is the best way to do it.

First of all, you need to know that dry cleaning is a method of cleaning clothes that uses a chemical solvent other than water. The usual solvent selected for dry cleaning is tetrachloroethylene. Dry cleaning is usually used to wash delicate fabrics that don’t tolerate severe washing in the washing machine and are cleaner and softer than hand washing. However, not all delicate fabrics can withstand the drying process, too.

Fabrics that should not be dry cleaned:

Usually cotton should not be dry cleaned. Most cotton clothes are pre-washed and shrunk, so they can be washed in hot and cold water and dried in the machine is completely safe.

Synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, spandex, acrylic, acetate, rubber, PVC or polyurethane don’t shrink, so wash them safely in warm water. However, they should be gently or slightly dried; because this type of fabric is usually wrinkled in a hot dryer. Synthetic fabrics produce a lot of static; therefore, use a drying sheet or hanging dryer.

Fabrics that need to be dry cleaned:

Linen fabrics can be washed by hand in cold water and dried in the open air. But after drying, you must iron them. Linen is made of flax fibre and can stay cool and fresh in hot weather. If you wash this fabric incorrectly, they will lose their crispness and clean finish. Laundry is the best option for linen clothes.

Rayon needs a lot of care; because it is semi-synthetic and made of refined cellulose fibre. Washing in hot water may cause the fabric to discolour, shrink, or lose its shape. Rayon can be washed by hand in cold water with a mild detergent, But the best and safest way is to dry clean this fabric.

Silk is a natural and durable material that is considered a luxurious fabric. Keeping it soft and silky also requires a lot of care. Silk usually changes colour during washing. For this reason, it should be dry cleaned or washed with cold water and mild detergent. Dry cleaning of silk is the easiest way; especially if that dress is your favourite outfit.

Wool is a sturdy fabric that should be as dry cleaned if possible. If you can’t dry clean it, you can wash it by hand in cold water; because the wool shrinks in hot water. This fabric is durable and will last a long time with proper care.

As mentioned above, many natural fabrics are hand washable and air dry. But this process is time-consuming and you may damage your clothes. But it’s better to dry clean the clothes you use for work or special celebration to make sure that the texture and quality are maintained. If your washing machine is old, or you need a washing machine to wash your clothes, you can try NeatEx laundry. So you no longer have to worry about your favourite shirt or dress is damaged due to the old devices.