How Do You Dry Clean Your Clothes at Home?
Ever wondered how to dry clean at home to give your wardrobe a refresh without the hassle of hitting up the dry cleaners? Well, don’t worry because you can do it at home. I’ll show you an easy way with or without a special kit.
Plus, I’ll let you know which clothes are good for at-home dry cleaning and which ones to avoid. Also, I’ll share some tips on making your clothes feel as good as new afterward.
And if you’re not up for dry cleaning, I’ll give you some other ways to keep your clothes in tip-top shape at home.
How to Dry Clean at Home with a Kit
Dry cleaning at home is a method of cleaning clothes without water, using a special kit or product with a dry cleaning solution.
It allows individuals to clean delicate or special garments at home without the need for professional dry cleaning services.
According to laundry expert Patric Richardson, who owns a store in Minneapolis, dry cleaners are taught how to take care of fabrics, not necessarily to do things you can’t do at home.
If you know how to wash and care for clothes properly, you might not have to spend money on dry cleaning, even for delicate garments.
For dry cleaning, gather a Mesh Bag to shield delicate fabrics, Laundry soap (such as Soap flakes or Cashmere Shampoo and laundress wool) for cleaning, and Stain Remover (like Amodex and Stain Remover) to treat stains before washing.
The steps to dry clean at home with kits are;
1. Check Your Clothes
When you’re about to clean your clothes, begin by carefully checking them all over. Look closely to see if there are any holes, loose threads hanging around, or any stains that catch your eye.
This way, you can spot any issues that might need some extra attention before you start the cleaning process.
2. Handle Stains
If you spot any stains, use the stain remover that comes with your kit. This is especially important for complicated stains like oil or paint.
Be careful with the stain remover because it can be flammable and produce strong fumes. Follow the instructions and use it wisely. You can also buy a separate stain remover if needed.
3. Button and Zip Up
After you’ve given your clothes a good inspection, make sure to button up all the buttons and zip up any zippers. This helps prevent complications and keeps everything secure during the cleaning process.
If there’s any lingering body odor on your clothes, consider turning them inside out. This simple flip allows the cleaning steam to reach all areas more effectively, addressing any odor-related issues. It’s a straightforward step to ensure a thorough and fresh clean for your garments.
4. Let the Dryer Do Its Thing
When it’s time to use the dryer, especially if you have a kit that includes a special bag, group similar fabrics together inside the bag. Avoid mixing heavy items like jeans with delicate fabrics like silk to prevent potential damage.
If your kit doesn’t come with a bag, still be mindful not to overload the dryer with too many clothes. Follow the provided instructions carefully, and consider setting a timer so you don’t forget about your laundry. This ensures that your clothes get the right amount of drying time without any stress.
5. Avoid Wrinkles
Once your clothes have gone through the dryer, be sure to take them out promptly. This helps to prevent wrinkles from setting in. If your clothes are still a bit damp, consider letting them air-dry a bit to help smooth out any remaining wrinkles.
When it comes to hanging, choose sturdy hangers for structured garments like shirts and jackets. For knit items, lay them flat on a drying rack to maintain their shape and avoid any unwanted creases. This way, you can keep your clothes looking neat and well-kept after the cleaning process.
6. Say Goodbye to Wrinkles
If there are still wrinkles, use a clothes steamer or an iron. A steamer not only removes wrinkles but also gets rid of odors and bacteria.
If you’re using an iron, do it on an ironing board with steam to create sharp lines on collars, cuffs, pleats, or lapels. To avoid burning the clothes, use a pressing cloth.
How to Dry Clean at Home without a Kit
You can try cleaning clothes at home without a kit, but be cautious because this is not recommended for structured, heavily stained, delicate, embellished, or fur items. Also, avoid it for clothes labeled “dry clean only.”
The steps to carry out this task are;
1. Handwashing
Not all clothes that need dry cleaning have to be sent to the cleaners. You can handwash some items if you use the right soap. For wool, avoid strong detergents and use soap flakes or a gentle shampoo for wool and cashmere.
Let it air dry. Silks can be hand-washed with a bit of mild liquid laundry detergent in cold water. Dry them on a flat rack or hang them on a sturdy hanger.
2. Steam Cleaning in a Dryer
If you don’t have a steam cleaner or a special dryer but want to freshen up your clothes without going to the dry cleaners, you can use a regular dryer.
Just put your clothes and a slightly damp towel in the dryer, and run it on medium heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
3. Dry Cleaning Solvents
Only use dry cleaning fluid as a last resort for oily stains on things that shouldn’t get wet. Professionals use it, and you can find it in some stores or online.
It’s toxic, so don’t put it in your washing machine or dryer. Apply it by hand with a white cotton cloth in a well-ventilated area. Wear gloves and a mask to be safe, and follow the instructions on the package carefully.
4. DIY Dry Cleaning Solvent
You can make your dry-cleaning solution at home, and it works well. First, treat stains before using any solvent, even homemade. Put your clothes in a dry cleaning bag from a kit or in a pillowcase.
Mix 3/4 cup of water, 4 tablespoons of white vinegar, 1 teaspoon of borax, and 1 teaspoon of oxygen bleach powder in a bowl. Dip a clean cloth in the mixture, squeeze it out, and put it in the bag or pillowcase. Dry the clothes in the dryer for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Clothes You Can Dry Clean at Home
There are kinds of clothes you can dry clean at home, and some of them are;
1. Everyday Fabrics
Clothes made from basic materials like cotton, linen, and simple synthetics are usually okay for DIY dry cleaning at home.
2. Suits and Blazers
If you have a basic suit or blazer made from tough fabrics like wool, you might be able to freshen it up yourself with some steam and spot cleaning.
3. Lightweight Jackets
Light jackets and coats made from materials like cotton or lightweight wool could be suitable for at-home cleaning using steaming and spot cleaning.
4. Cashmere Sweaters
You might be able to spruce up your cashmere sweaters at home by steaming and using natural methods to clean small stains.
5. Special Occasion Clothes
Clothes that you don’t wear often, like formal gowns or tuxedos, can be stored carefully at home. Just use garment bags and keep them in a cool, dry place to maintain their condition.
Clothes You Shouldn’t Dry Clean at Home
These are some of the clothes you shouldn’t dry clean at home;
1. Wedding Dresses
Wedding gowns are usually made of delicate fabrics with intricate details. To keep them looking beautiful, it’s crucial to get them professionally cleaned and preserved.
2. Fur
If you have fur coats or accessories, it’s best to let professionals who know how to clean and maintain fur handle them. Doing it wrong can mess up the fur.
3. Big Stuff like Drapes
When it comes to large items like drapes, it’s often complicated to clean them well at home. It’s better to let the professionals handle it with their specialized equipment.
4. Structured Shoulder Suits
Suits with shoulder pads or structured shoulders can lose their shape if they get too wet. It’s better to have these professionally dry-cleaned to avoid any mishaps.
5. Valuable or Old Clothes
If you have clothes that are valuable or old, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional for cleaning and preservation. This helps prevent damage and keeps their historical value intact.
6. Tough Stains
If you’ve tried and failed to get rid of stubborn stains at home, take your clothing to a dry cleaner. They have special stuff to deal with those kinds of stains.
How to Freshen Dry-Clean-Only Clothes at Home
There are many ways to freshen dry clean clothes at home, and some of them are;
1. Steam Cleaning at Home
If your clothes have a “dry clean only” tag, you can refresh them with a clothes steamer. This accessible device uses steam to loosen up odors, wrinkles, and even minor stains.
It’s a quick way to give your garments a fresh and neat look without going through the full dry cleaning process. Just be cautious and follow the steamer instructions to avoid damaging delicate fabrics.
2. Air It Out Outside
Taking your clothes outside for some fresh air is a simple yet effective way to freshen them up. Hanging them outdoors allows the fabric to breathe and lets any lingering odors dissipate.
Choose a shaded area or a spot with dappled sunlight to avoid direct exposure, as prolonged sunlight can lead to color fading. This method is particularly useful for garments that have absorbed cooking smells or need a general refresh.
3. Give it a Brush
Clothing brushes, like the ones used by butlers, are excellent for maintaining the cleanliness of wool or cashmere suits. These brushes are designed with natural bristles that are gentle on delicate fabrics.
Regular brushing helps loosen and remove dirt and dust, keeping your garments looking sharp and well-maintained. It’s a simple yet effective step in the care of your clothes, especially those made from materials that may attract and hold onto particles.
What are the Substitutes for Dry Cleaning?
There are many substitutes for dry cleaning and some of them are;
1. Get Help from Professional
If you don’t want to deal with dry cleaning, try a professional laundry service.
Order online and they’ll pick up your dirty laundry, returning it clean without you leaving home.
2. DIY with Mesh Bags
Do your laundry at home but be careful with delicate items. Use mesh laundry bags for things like sequined or expensive clothes.
Throw them in the washing machine for a routine wash. You can use these bags for lace, athletic wear, wool, silk, denim, and velvet too.
3. Fight Stains First
You can sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on greasy stains. Use a clean cloth or brush to work it in.
Wait a few minutes; it might absorb the stain. Good for stains not needing a dry cleaner trip.
4. Hand Wash Gently
Hand washing is an option if you don’t want dry cleaning. Fill a tub with warm water, add soap, toss in your dirty clothes, and swirl them around gently. Don’t scrub too hard; it could damage the fabric.
Rinse and repeat. Let clothes dry fully, but avoid drying on a radiator to prevent mold. Save suits and coats for the dry cleaner.
5. Launderette Visit
If the dry cleaner isn’t your thing, go to a launderette. Use their washing machines and dryers. Bring change, laundry detergent, and fabric softener if you like and some places charge extra for them.
Dry cleaning at home can be very easy if you’re up for it. Whether you’re handing it over to professionals, using mesh bags for your washing machine adventures, tackling stubborn stains, or giving your clothes a gentle hand wash, there are options galore.
Just remember, some items, like delicate suits and coats, might prefer the professional touch. And if you don’t feel like doing it on your own, then a trip to the local launderette could be your ticket to clean clothes.
So, go ahead, pick the method that suits your style, and keep rocking those fresh, clean outfits.
