Dry clean only?

ivyleaf

I've had clothes which were polyester/viscose and they didn't shrink in the wash despite the "dry clean only" labels. I think I would try it on a gentle wash and cross my fingers.

hilstep2000

I think I'd try hand washing. I have done it before with some viscose clothing. Don't get it too wet though.

Rikki

I recently put a dry clean only skirt in the wash and it shrunk and that was only on a wool wash. This was a dense fabric, probably similar to a jacket.

It really depends on whether the fabric has been pre shrunk prior to making up. If it hasn't it will shrink. You could find the material shrinking and not the lining, pulling the garment out of shape.

Is it really worth taking the risk if it is a jacket he loves and frequently wears?

martindow

Thank you everyone for such quick replies. It is an old jacket but I struggle to get him to change or replace anything so it is worn frequently.

If I could persuade him to wear something else can you buy any jackets that are machine or hand washable?

[EDIT] Answering my own question! They do exist and maybe this would be the answer

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_10001_10001_65889_615277_-1

I could then take the risk with washing the present jacket.

Rikki

Matalan has washable suit jackets and trousers.. I believe Asda has too but I have never looked there.

Barneysmom

I had a size 10 viscos dress and when I washed it, it turned into a size 6 or thereabouts, it was tiny. But when I ironed it, it went back to size 10 again. It happened every time I washed it. :cool:

greenbee

Barneysmom wrote: »

I had a size 10 viscos dress and when I washed it, it turned into a size 6 or thereabouts, it was tiny. But when I ironed it, it went back to size 10 again. It happened every time I washed it. :cool:

Viscose is a cellulose fibre, so shrinks when wet - it can be a bit scary the first time you wash it, but as Barneysmom says, ironing sorts the problem out!

As the lining is 100% viscose, it will probably shrink more than the outside of the jacket, as the polyester may help it prevent it shrinking.

Floss

I have a dilemma....

I picked up a really nice crean silk / linen mix dress by Kaliko last weekend from a local charity shop. it has a few small faintly grubby marks on, mainly around the hemline, and is also a little grubby around the neckline - doesn't appear to be make-up or self-tan stained, probably just from general day-to-day wearing of a cream, fine-fabric garment.

However, the label states Dry Clean Only.

Does this really mean dry clean only or could I wash it in coolish water with some soap flakes dissolved into it? And do I iron it on the reverse? It's quite a simple cut, no fancy pleats or trimmings so that shouldn't be a problem....

But obviously I don't want to ruin it, especially as it has been bought to be worn at a wedding.

Can anyone offer advice?

Thanks,
Floss x

greenbee

I would spot-clean rather than wash the whole thing. Try cold water and a very small amount of either soap flakes or a handwash liquid - rubbing gently should loosen the dirt. Or you could get some dry-cleaning pads/wipes and see wehther they work.

Definitely iron on the reverse - in fact, it's probably worth ironing through a tea-towel to prevent it going shiny.

rosalie-lavender

Marks and Spencers sell washable suits. I bought one for my son when he went into sixth form two years ago. It only cost me £75 for the jacket and two pairs of trousers. It has washed really well and has been a very good buy. We didn't actually set out to buy the cheapest one but it was the best fit.
They do a range of washable suits and some are tumble dryable too.