Anyone tried home dry cleaning?

Smokemeakipper_3

Hi everyone. I was rather hoping one of you fine people would be able to help. I bought a red coat last year but it has gone a bit grubby and needs a clean. It's supposed to be dry clean only but I don't really want to fork out the cash for it (you know how it is!) Anyway I've seen stuff in the shops for doing dry cleaning at home and wondered if anyone had used it or had any idea whether it's any good. I don't want to ruin it cos it wasn't cheap and I really like it, so do you think I should just stump up the money or chance the home stuff?
Any help or advice is much appreciated. Cheers!

cjez_2

I had a "dry clean only" coat (still have it) that I took to the dry cleaners to get out a stain which I showed them. They never got it out and forgot to send it away to get cleaned so it took ages to get back. When I noticed the stain was still there I just used a damp cloth and got it out. Wish I'd just done that in the first place. The staff were pretty ignorant. My local one is better now but I just basically try to get things out with damping it down. Skirts n small things that are dry clean only I just wash and never had a problem but a coat or dress I would send away. Try n get a chain that has an offer on for joining or a monthly offer to keep the cost down.

parkgirl

At the post office in my village you can take 5 things in for £14. It takes a few days to come back but I use them all the time.

auntymabel

http://style.uk.msn.com/fashion/articles.aspx?cp-documentid=149248120

I've been meaning to try this but not got round to it yet. It was mentioned some time ago on MSE.

Butterfly_Brain

I remember in the 80's some dry cleaning sheets that you put in the tumble dryer with the article to be cleaned, I think that betterware, and amazon still do them
I found this on Amazon too http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dylon-Stain-Remover-Clean-150ml/dp/B002UZ32L2/ref=pd_sim_kh_1

jetbag

I have a wool blend red coat that I have had for about 4 years now, the label says dry clean only but I have always put it into the washing machine with woolite washing liquid on a wool wash and slow spin then hang to dry. never had any problems.
I have also washed suits that are dry clean only in the same way, always wash jacket and trousers together so that any possible fade is equal.

Smokemeakipper_3

Thanks everyone. I think I might try the home one first and see how it goes. I was dubious of taking it to the dry cleaners cos I once had a dress that had drink spilled on it and it actually came back with more stains than it went with! I too have washed suits that are dry clean only so it may end up in the wash if the other stuff doesn't work.

Smokemeakipper_3

Well if anyone's interested I tried one of the home kits and it seems to have worked ok. Easy enough to use, just wipe with a special cloth, then wipe off excess with a damp cloth and then bung coat and cloth in the tumble drier for 20 mins or so. Hey presto! Coat looks much fresher now.