They don't call them delicates for nothin’! Delicate fabrics require a gentle approach to cleaning, but ironically, chemicals from the dry cleaner are actually super tough on them. Mind. Blown. Here, five dry-clean-only fabrics you can—and should—be laundering at home. (You can thank us for all the money and time you save on dry cleaning later.)
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Before washing any of these fabrics, always test an inconspicuous area of your garment for water reactions before washing. Treat stains on washable fabrics with Stain Solution (always test first on delicates). For stains that seriously won’t let up, soak the garment in cool water for up to 30 minutes to allow the formula to sink in.
Delicate Blouses
Step 1: Test For Color Bleeding This kind of fabric can be prone to bleeding when dyed, so it’s smart to test it first. Grab a small section of hem from the underside of the garment and dip it in warm water. If you see dye seep into the water, wash it individually (if it’s a solid color) to avoid staining other items. If it’s patterned, avoid washing at home. Step 2: Hand Wash Turn your garment inside out. Fill a basin or sink with cool water and add Delicate Wash. Submerge the item and gently swirl the water around with your hands until the detergent is fully dissolved. Soak for no longer than 30 minutes. Step 3: Rinse Run cool water over the garment until it rinses clean. Don't wring the garment! Instead, press excess water out with your hands or against the sink. Step 4: Dry and De-Wrinkle Hang to dry or lay the item flat in its natural shape. Once dry to the touch, steam to release wrinkles and bring out the silk’s natural luster.
Cashmere Sweaters
Step 1: Prep For Washing Flip the item inside out to halt friction and fading while washing. Step 2: Hand Wash Add Wool & Cashmere Shampoo to a basin or sink of cool water. Submerge the garment, agitate with your hands, then let it soak for 30 minutes. If you’d rather use the machine, place your item in a protective Mesh Bag and use the following settings: Cold water + woolens or delicate cycle + low tumble. Step 3: Rinse Run cool water over the item until it’s no longer soapy. Gently press against your sink to drain excess water—don’t wring or twist. Step 4: Dry Lay the garment flat on a drying rack or clean towel. To avoid damage and shrinkage, keep away from direct sunlight and sources of heat such as a radiator. In a rush? Lay your item flat on a towel then roll both upwards, as if you’re rolling a burrito. This will quickly sop up excess water. Step 5: Remove Wrinkles Ironing can crush or flatten the natural pile of the yarns. Instead, steam to remove creases.
Velvet Party Skirts
Step 1: Know What Not To Wash Some velvet items, like blazers, suits, and upholstery should only be dry cleaned. For at-home care, we recommend treating stains only with our Stain Solution and a lint-free cleaning cloth. Gently work it into the stain, then remove soap and dirt with the cloth. Step 2: Hand Wash It’s the safest method for laundering your velvets. In a wash bin or sink of cool water, add Delicate Wash, add your items, then mix with your hands. Allow to sit for up to 30 minutes. Step 3: Rinse Run cool water through the item until it rinses clear of soap. Step 4: Dry Press the garment to drain extra water. When it comes to drying, you have three options: You can air dry by laying the garment on a flat surface or drying rack, you can hang to dry, or you can put it in the dryer on the low heat and “fluff” settings (this prevents a crushed velvet look). Step 5: De-Wrinkle Never iron this type of fabric—it can crush or flatten the natural pile of the velvet. Steam instead.
Linen Dresses
Step 1: Know What Not To Wash If your linen item is structured (like a suit or blazer with shoulder pads) or non-launderable (such as upholstery) we don’t recommend washing. We also recommend proceeding with caution on any items with natural dyes or heavily dyed patterns. Some items are better left to the professionals! Step 2: Machine Wash Always spot-test delicate linen items before cleaning. Wash your linen with Signature Detergent on the normal cycle with cold water with Fabric Conditioner to cut down on static and boost fragrance. Step 3: Dry Linen is typically sturdy enough to go in the dryer on medium to high heat. That being said, more delicate linen items are better off air-dried. Linen is prone to wrinkling, so to make ironing easier, remove from the dryer before the cycle is up so that the fabric is still a bit damp. Then iron or steam on the highest temperature setting to loosen up creasing and lay flat to dry completely.