Alternative to dry clean only

vwhqj

First time buying suit & pants and didn't check labels.
It's from Next and made from 60% Polyester, 30% Wool and 10% Viscose.
Says 'Professional Dry Clean Only' but can I machine wash it or handwash it?

Highland76

Not sure which bit of 'Professional Dry Clean Only' you don't understand?

theoretica

I wash practically everything I own that says dry clean only - with viscose in it I would probably hand wash at first and definitely not tumble dry.  Depends on how expensive and how risk averse you are - I can only remember two things I wrecked and they both came from charity shops.  A lot of the time dry clean only simply means the manufacturer wants a get out from being held responsible if home washing doesn't work not that it is actually the best way.

Pollycat

Highland76 said:

Not sure which bit of 'Professional Dry Clean Only' you don't understand?

I've machine washed - on delicates/silk - many items of clothing that says 'professional dry clean only' with great results.

I'm sure if the OP posted on the Old Style board, she would get many replies confirming what I've said.

Katiehound

I'd be handwashing for staters, spin in washing machine and leave to dry naturally. If that works then you can probably use the wool/delicates programme.

I agree the 'dry clean' statement is a bit of a get out clause- but then some folk stick everything in the machine on a relatively hot wash and wonder why the clothes look like rags!!

Ms_Mop_123

I once read that clothes manufacturers dont trust people to follow washing instructions properly,  so they put dry clean only labels on. 

pollypenny

I would normally wash a jumper or dress which say dry clean only. However, I wouldn't hand wash a suit because of the interfacing in the collar and lapels. 

helensbiggestfan

pollypenny said:

I would normally wash a jumper or dress which say dry clean only. However, I wouldn't hand wash a suit because of the interfacing in the collar and lapels. 

As above.   I think most things are pretty safe if you hand wash them and dry naturally.  However I think tailored garments with stiffenings, shoulder pads, interfacing etc are best dry cleaned. 

vwhqj

Well I washed the pants, not doing the blazer, on a cold delicate cycle. It still perfectly fits. However, I am wondering if the lines are meant to be right at the edges or did it shrink? 

Emmia

You should never clean 2 matching parts seperately (whether in a washing machine or at the dry cleaners)as the colours will diverge - so you've washed the trousers, but not the jacket  but they may no longer match now.