How to Laundry Dry Clean at Home

Caring for delicate clothes can be challenging, as they often require special attention. Dry cleaning is a great way to maintain such garments. While professional dry cleaning is recommended for the best results, you can try dry cleaning at home for certain fabrics. 

Six Steps to Dry Clean at Home (For Spots and Stains)

1. Check the Care Label
   Always read the care label on your garment. If it says "dry clean only" and is made of materials like wool or silk, you can try home cleaning. However, for leather or fur, professional care is essential.

2. Use a Stain Remover
   Treat the stained area carefully with a stain remover, ensuring you don’t spread it to the surrounding fabric.

3. Place Clothes in a Dry-Cleaning Bag
   Use a dedicated dry-cleaning bag and only fill it halfway. Avoid different colors to prevent dye transfer.

4. Add a Dry-Cleaning Sheet
   Unfold the cleaning sheet completely and place it in the bag with your garments.

5. Dry in a Dryer
   Set your dryer to medium heat and run it for about 30 minutes.

6. Unload and Hang
   Once over, take the clothes out immediately. Hang them up for a smooth finish.

How to Dry Clean by Hand

If you don’t have a dryer, you can still clean your garments by hand:

1. Check the Care Label
   Ensure the fabric, such as silk, can handle hand cleaning. For leather or fur, opt for professional cleaning.

2. Prepare a Cleaning Solution
   Mix cold water with a Higard Matic Liquid Detergent. If you have a silk-specific detergent, use that for better results.

3. Gently Wash by Hand
   Soak the garments and clean them gently by hand for no more than 30 minutes to prevent water damage.

4. Dry Carefully
   Wring the clothes lightly and lay them flat to air dry instead of hanging them to maintain their shape.

Dry Cleaning with a Washing Machine

1. Check the Label
   If the label says "dry clean" instead, the garment might be machine washable. This is common for fabrics like cotton and silk.

2. Use a Laundry Bag
   Place your delicate garments in a laundry bag, preferably inside-out, to minimize wear and tear.

3. Wash with Cold Water
   Select a gentle cycle with cold water to protect the fabric’s size and shape.

4. Opt for a Short Cycle
   To guarantee gentle cleaning, use the shortest cycle with the least amount of agitation. 

5. Air Dry
   Skip the dryer and lay the garments flat to dry naturally.

Tips for Specific Garments

• Coats and Jackets: Machine wash with cold water in a laundry bag, but check the label first. Professional dry cleaning might still be necessary for certain fabrics.

• Suits and Blazers: Use a dry-cleaning bag and a sheet, then tumble dry on medium heat for 30 minutes.

• Dresses: Machine wash on a delicate cycle with cold water if allowed. Otherwise, dry clean with a bag and cleaning sheet.

• Blankets: If washable, use a short, gentle cycle with cold water. For delicate blankets, dry clean in a bag with a cleaning sheet in the dryer.

By following these steps, you can safely care for your delicate garments at home while preserving their quality.