How to determine if a garment is dry-cleaned only or if it can be cleaned using the regular wash and drying cycle?

  • Check the Label
    Garment labels are the most straightforward way to tell if an item should be dry cleaned, but they’re not always completely clear. Check specifically for the word “only” – if the label simply says “dry clean”, then dry cleaning may be the preferred method but not necessarily the only option. Clothing manufacturers may over-suggest dry cleaning due to a desire to avoid complaints about damaged items.
  • If the label is missing or simply doesn’t specify a cleaning method – or if you are curious how difficult it would be to clean an item on your own – it’s important to consider the fabric or other material that constitutes the garment. Delicate like silk, satin, wool, and velvet can easily be damaged by the high temperatures and mechanical agitation of a conventional washing machine and should almost always be brought to a dry cleaner (wool can often be hand-washed at home, if you’d prefer). Cotton, nylon, linen, and polyester, on the other hand, can typically be washed by machine. That said, there are several exceptions to these rules, which is why it’s important to:
  • Regardless of the primary material making up the garment, there are several items you’ll just about always want to bring to a cleaner. These include:

    Suits/dresses

    Anything with a lining

    Garments with embroidery/lacework

    Items with beads, sequins, and other glued accessories

  • 15 Pounds of laundry are about:
    - 3 pairs of Jeans
    - 2 button-down shirts
    - 2 pairs of shorts
    - 5 t-shirts
    - 9 pairs of underwear
    - 2 towels
    - 7 pairs of socks
  • 20 Pounds of laundry are about:
    - 4 pairs of Jeans
    - 2 button-down shirts
    - 2 pairs of shorts
    - 6 t-shirts
    - 9 pairs of underwear
    - 2 towels
    - 8 pairs of socks