Sometimes washing and drying your clothes at home isn’t enough—especially if you have fabrics that are delicate or require special care, such as suits and dresses. Your washing machine at home may actually do more harm than good. Dry cleaning can help take care of those tough stains on delicate clothing without ruining the entire garment. If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on dry cleaning at home, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to figure out how easy it is to dry clean at home.
How to Freshen Clothes at Home
- Try Steam Cleaning: Toss your clothes into a regular dryer with a slightly damp cloth. Run on medium heat for 20 minutes for a quick refresh.
- Use a Clothing Brush: To brush off dirt and dust, consider using a natural bristle clothes brush on your wool or cashmere clothing.
- Add Essential Oil Drops: For a nice subtle fragrance, you can add essential oil to wool dryer balls or a cloth before starting the dryer cycle.
- Hand Wash Your Clothes: Some garments, like silks and wool, can be damaged by harsh detergents. Gently hand wash your clothes with a small amount of gentle laundry detergent in cold water, wring them out, then air dry them on a dryer rack or sturdy hanger.
- Use Dry Cleaning Solvents: If you have an oil-based stain on a garment that should not be thrown in the washer, using dry cleaning fluid or solvent can help. Administer it with a white cotton cloth in a well-ventilated area using gloves and a face mask so you don’t inhale the fumes.
How to Dry Clean at Home
While there are at-home dry cleaning kits available to help you dry clean your clothes, you can also use common household supplies to get the job done. Here’s what you need for dry cleaning at home.
Materials
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Clean microfiber cloth
- Well-ventilated area
- Garment bag
- Mild detergent
8 Steps to Dry Clean at Home
1. Hang the Garment
Find a well-ventilated area like a breezy room or even outdoors when it’s nice and sunny.
2. Check the Label
If the label says “dry clean only,” then you can proceed with doing this at home. If the garment is made of fur or leather, it’s best to seek professional assistance.
3. Do a Spot Test
Check to see if the fabric is prone to losing color, such as silks. Dab a bit of water using a Q-tip on an inside seam. Rub gently. If any dye or color comes off, stop there and use a professional service.
4. Wash By Hand
Start with a clean sink and swish the garment carefully in cold water. Then, use a mild detergent. Drain the soapy water, wring out your garment, then give it a cold water rinse.
5. Sprinkle Baking Soda Over the Clothing Piece
Spread a thin layer of baking soda to help absorb any odors.
6. Air the Garment Overnight
Let the garment air out for a few hours or even overnight.
7. Use a Garment Steamer
A handheld clothing steamer is great for a gentle steam to remove any wrinkles. Don’t let the garment get too wet, as that can cause damage.
8. Store in a Garment Bag
This is best to protect your garment from dust and odors. Make sure your clothes are completely dry before you store them away in the mesh bag.
How to Get Rid of Stains
1. Apply Stain Remover
If you need to remove stains from the clothing, treat it with stain remover. Be sure not to spray the material outside of the stain.
2. Brush Stain
Brush the fabric toward the weave to avoid damaging any delicate fibers.
3. Apply White Vinegar
Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Then, dab the stained area with a clean cloth. Spot cleaning is that simple!
4. Add Oxygen Bleach
Add oxygen bleach when you’re washing to brighten clothing. Use warm water to activate the bleach when you turn on the washer.
Clothing that Can Be Dry-Cleaned
Dry cleaning is typically done on delicate fabrics, garments with intricate designs, or clothes that can shrink when washed at the wrong temperature. Here are some clothing items that can and can’t be dry-cleaned at home.
- Sweaters
- Jeans
- Suits and Blazers
- Basic Fabrics
- Silk
- Wool
Clothing that Can’t Be Dry-Cleaned
- Rayon
- Pleated Skirts or Shirts
- Fur
- Suede
Dry Cleaning at Home FAQs
Can I use the washing machine on dry-cleaning items?
Yes, machine washing dry-cleaning items can be done, depending on the article of clothing. The washing machine is great for getting stains and dirt out of fabric that is tougher than delicate items.
Is it better to dry clean clothes than to wash them?
Dry cleaning is best for delicate items and for removing oil-based stains. Dry cleaning clothes at home is also more cost-effective than using a washing machine or professional dry cleaner.
Find Laundry Help
If you find yourself needing an extra set of hands, Taskers are more than happy to help with all your laundry needs. Taskers can wash, dry, fold, and iron—they can even pick up any dry cleaning outside the home! Hire a Tasker today to find laundry help when you need it.
