I know this may seem like a radical notion to some, but dry cleaning is terrible for our clothes. And not to mention, the environment. A lot of brands put “dry clean only” on their care labels as suggestions, in case you wash it incorrectly as it usually is a more delicate piece. BUT you don’t actually need to dry clean it!
Great post! I know as a designer that the dry clean only label is the default label manufacturers use to protect themselves. I just saw a 100% linen piece with a dry clean only label which is absurd, linen loves to be washed just don't put it in the dyer, in fact most things should air dry. Cashmere as well comes out beautifully hand washed, cold and dried flat. Thanks for the valuable info!!!
In addition to handwashing, you can use a little steamer after. I never take my clothes to the dry cleaners. It’s spendy and patience gets stains out (most of them).
Oh wow. I didn't know ANY of this. Not how things are dry cleaned, what chemicals are being used, what it does to our clothes and that it could be harmful for us and the environment. Thank you for making me a little bit smarter and more life savvy :)
I love this! There isn't a big tradition of dry cleaning in Sweden so I've never actually taken anything to get it dry cleaned, but I have a lot of issues with sweat/sunscreen in the summer. Need tips on this specifically!
Sweat stains can get out by soaking the stain with white vinegar for about 15-30 minutes then putting it in the wash on delicate cycle. Sometimes, I have also used a stain bar with a soft brush too. For sunscreen, I've always been able to get it out by washing it in the sink with slightly hot water and shampoo or gentle detergent. But I will include this in future posts too!
This is such a good newsletter!! I'm probably never taking an article of clothing to a dry cleaner again. I also read and loved Laundry Love which empowered me to clean clothes myself.
Love this post! I run a small newsletter highlighting stories of people mending their clothes and other objects, it seems with a similar goal as your own (encouraging folks to love what they own for longer.) Excited to learn about your newsletter and now subscribe :)
i've recently moved into a new apartment without a washing machine and recently had the oh wow i can literally just use water to wash my clothes lightbulb moment. it feels...weirdly good?...to do it myself with my own perfectly good hands! i do still use the laundromat for sheets, running clothes, tshirts, pjs, etc. but after reading this i might refrain from dropping my dresses and such by the dry cleaner and doing all that myself! did you end up washing your wool coat by hand? the only thing that's puzzling me right now is my trench coat.
Yes exactly! I have been there too, and would clean all my delicates in the sink.
I have not washed my wool coat, I just let it air out on a hanger by a window! I haven't had any stains on that one, but with others I have. I recommend a fabric brush with gentle soap or vinegar (depending on what fabric and item it is). I also had a trench coat with a dirt stain and I used a gentle soap and that brush and it came right out!
This is so well written! 👏🏻 I haven’t dry cleaned my clothes in years — at first because I was underwhelmed with the stain removal and the exorbitant cost, and now also for the chemical/environmental reasons. It’s unnecessary and I am happier and richer washing my delicate items by hand. Any fabric that truly cannot tolerate gentle hand washing is not for me!
Thank you! And so glad you find it useful and feel more empowered to wash your clothes at home! Truly, even the most delicate fabrics can handle gentle washing, especially silk (it's actually a very strong fiber!). If a fabric can't handle it, I really question whether the brand's production has added harmful finishing processes.
Great post! I know as a designer that the dry clean only label is the default label manufacturers use to protect themselves. I just saw a 100% linen piece with a dry clean only label which is absurd, linen loves to be washed just don't put it in the dyer, in fact most things should air dry. Cashmere as well comes out beautifully hand washed, cold and dried flat. Thanks for the valuable info!!!
Yes exactly, a safety measure for brands so they can’t be blamed. It’s unfortunate.
That’s crazy about the linen piece!! That definitely should not be dry cleaned. Linen is already produced with so few if no chemicals.
Sweaters, yes I’m a big proponent of not washing sweaters at all.
In addition to handwashing, you can use a little steamer after. I never take my clothes to the dry cleaners. It’s spendy and patience gets stains out (most of them).
Yes! I’ve also been ironing things more on lower heat!
Oh wow. I didn't know ANY of this. Not how things are dry cleaned, what chemicals are being used, what it does to our clothes and that it could be harmful for us and the environment. Thank you for making me a little bit smarter and more life savvy :)
Thank you! Im so glad you like it and find it educational and useful!! :)
I love this! There isn't a big tradition of dry cleaning in Sweden so I've never actually taken anything to get it dry cleaned, but I have a lot of issues with sweat/sunscreen in the summer. Need tips on this specifically!
Sweat stains can get out by soaking the stain with white vinegar for about 15-30 minutes then putting it in the wash on delicate cycle. Sometimes, I have also used a stain bar with a soft brush too. For sunscreen, I've always been able to get it out by washing it in the sink with slightly hot water and shampoo or gentle detergent. But I will include this in future posts too!
Thank you for this!!
This is such a good newsletter!! I'm probably never taking an article of clothing to a dry cleaner again. I also read and loved Laundry Love which empowered me to clean clothes myself.
I’m so glad you like it and feel empowered to clean your clothes yourself!! Thanks for the recommendation on Laundry Love!! :)
Wow, this is incredibly helpful information. Thank you!
I'm so glad you found it helpful!!
I wash all my clothes - never dry clean! I love having clean clothes.
So happy to hear!! Lasting you longer!!
Love this post! I run a small newsletter highlighting stories of people mending their clothes and other objects, it seems with a similar goal as your own (encouraging folks to love what they own for longer.) Excited to learn about your newsletter and now subscribe :)
Amazing! I will check it out! :) Such a great and shared mission!!
i've recently moved into a new apartment without a washing machine and recently had the oh wow i can literally just use water to wash my clothes lightbulb moment. it feels...weirdly good?...to do it myself with my own perfectly good hands! i do still use the laundromat for sheets, running clothes, tshirts, pjs, etc. but after reading this i might refrain from dropping my dresses and such by the dry cleaner and doing all that myself! did you end up washing your wool coat by hand? the only thing that's puzzling me right now is my trench coat.
Yes exactly! I have been there too, and would clean all my delicates in the sink.
I have not washed my wool coat, I just let it air out on a hanger by a window! I haven't had any stains on that one, but with others I have. I recommend a fabric brush with gentle soap or vinegar (depending on what fabric and item it is). I also had a trench coat with a dirt stain and I used a gentle soap and that brush and it came right out!
This is so well written! 👏🏻 I haven’t dry cleaned my clothes in years — at first because I was underwhelmed with the stain removal and the exorbitant cost, and now also for the chemical/environmental reasons. It’s unnecessary and I am happier and richer washing my delicate items by hand. Any fabric that truly cannot tolerate gentle hand washing is not for me!
Thank you! And so glad you find it useful and feel more empowered to wash your clothes at home! Truly, even the most delicate fabrics can handle gentle washing, especially silk (it's actually a very strong fiber!). If a fabric can't handle it, I really question whether the brand's production has added harmful finishing processes.