Which Fabrics Must Be Dry Cleaned?

Everyone knows that feeling of buying a new piece of clothing that you just can’t wait to wear. But when you take it off and see that “Dry Clean Only” label, you might let out a groan or two. Vick’s Cleaners provides quality dry cleaning services for those pieces that must be dry cleaned, but which ones can you actually wash on your own?

Wash-At-Home Fabrics

Cotton typically does not need to be dry cleaned, but you should machine wash cold or warm with like colors. If your cotton clothing has been preshrunk, drying in a machine is suitable. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, spandex, nylon, acrylic, and acetate won’t shrink, so it is safe to wash them in warm water. They should hang dry or be dried on low because they can be permanently wrinkled in a hot dryer. 

Fabrics for the Dry Cleaners

Linen is made from flax fibers, which are cool and breathable in hot weather. If your linen clothing is washed incorrectly, it can lose its crispness. Take it to the dry cleaners for best results. Rayon is made from purified cellulose fiber and its dyes can bleed when washed. It can also shrink or lose its shape if washed in warm water. It is usually safest to dry clean this fabric. 

The dyes in silk also tend to bleed, so dry cleaning this fabric is the safest option. Proper care will keep it from losing its soft and silky qualities. Wool will shrink in any warm or hot water, so dry clean this sturdy fabric to keep it long-lasting.

Think It Can Be Hand-Washed?

Some fabrics can avoid the trip to the dry cleaners with a gentle hand wash along with being air-dried. However, there is still the risk of something going wrong and your clothes may be ruined for good. If you have a few favorite articles of clothing, consider taking them to the dry cleaners to ensure that they stay in good shape. If your washing machine is on the older side or if you typically take your clothes to the laundromat, dry clean your clothing more often to prevent ruining an item of clothing due to a bad machine. 

Vick’s Cleaners

Vick’s Cleaners has been proudly serving Kinston and surrounding areas in North Carolina for more than 100 years by providing quality dry cleaning and garment cleaning services, excellent customer service, and unmatched convenience. We currently have 3 locations for your convenience in Kinston and Snow Hill. Contact us today!