Dry-Cleaning

Lilith1980

Hi All

For "dry-clean only" garments, is there actually an alternative to dry-cleaning which you can do at home which is safe?

I'm just reluctant to pay to have this done

Thanks peeps.

Seakay

I usually wash fabric dry clean only items - dry cleaning can actually wear some things out more quickly. I used to have a uniform suit for work made of wool fabric. After a few dry cleanings the lining fabric started to wear through ( I was also sitting most of the time). After that I washed the suit in the machine on wool wash and it didn't wear out half as quickly.
Obviously you couldn't do this for leather or beaded evening gowns or something, but in general things are fine in a gentle or low temp wash - I think the labelling is the manufacturers covering themselves

Suzy_M

You can get dry cleaning sheets for use in a tumble dryer but you still have to spot clean them first and the sheets only really freshen things up not clean them.

OR

You could try steam cleaning - (the type of thing upmarket hotels used to do overnight).

tillyp_2

Hi, I've just finished reading 'The Thrift Book' by India Knight and this has several pages on caring for and cleaning your clothes. She mentions a product you can buy through Lakeland, www.lakeland.co.uk . It's called the Hagerty Dry Cleaner Kit which costs 8.80 and turns your tumble dryer into a " dry-cleaning machine" Just checked out their website and this item is still available, ref. 21276. Says it cleans up to 16 garments. Sorry cant work out how to do a link to it. Might be worth a look if you have access to a TD.

Suzy_M

Steam brush at Lidl's 5th February

Nicki

I've been known to use the steam setting on my washing machine (thonk only the newer ones have this though) for OH's suits, then take them out immediately it's finished and hang them up outside for a better airing, then press them lightly under a cloth to stop them going shiny.