To dry clean or not to dry clean
The label says ‘dry clean only’ but could you risk a home wash instead?
Some of your beloved clothes simply demand the attention of a visit to the dry cleaners. But if you don’t have the time or money to send every outfit out, dare you risk ignoring a ‘dry clean only’ label?
• When you can risk skipping the cleaners Skirts and trousers generally bear up better than tops – you can usually get away with spot sponging the occasional mark, particularly on darker colours and you can likely wear them up to five times before they’ll need a trip to the cleaners.
• Read the label Always check the label before you buy a garment and calculate how many times you are likely to clean it over its lifetime. It might be worth initially paying more for something you can sling in the washing machine.
• Avoid white ‘dry clean only’ outfits Avoid buying anything white that needs dry cleaning – guaranteed you’ll have to wash it every single time you wear it and it will end up languishing for weeks at the bottom of your laundry bin.
• When you do use the cleaners… Always take dry cleaned clothes out of the plastic wrappings and hang them up as soon as possible.