How to clean and care for "dry clean only" items

If you've been doing some spring cleaning over the past month or so, it's quite possible that you've come across all sorts of items that require a trip to the dry cleaner. But since the dry cleaner isn't an option right now, YouTube's Melissa Maker has hacks on how to clean and care for some of those special pieces at home.Before you get started, it's important to know that those "dry clean only" options doesn't always necessarily mean that's the case. Believe it or not, many designers place those labels on garments to protect themselves from you making a washing mistake. The materials they use wear faster or require special attention, which is why they say to dry clean them. Laundering in a machine can be harsh on fabrics and cause them to pill or stretch, making a garment look worse for wear after washing. Further, many people just aren't well-versed in how to clean these fabrics which is why a dry-clean-only label is used—it just prevents errors. Many of these materials are completely washable at home. So when you see a delicate or dry-clean-only garment made with wool, silk, cotton or cashmere, it can be washed at home, as long as you take the right precautions. There's no skipping steps here!

HAND WASHING VS. MACHINE WASHING

Hand washing is seen as the gentler way to go, but you can use the delicates cycle on your machine if you choose not to hand wash. The idea is to use a cold water cycle with low spin to keep the garment as safe as possible.[video_embed id='1801043']How to clean your kid’s grossest school supplies and messes[/video_embed]

WOOL AND CASHMERE

WASHING

1. If you find the garment has an odour to it that you wish to get rid of, soak in a solution of ¼ cup of white vinegar and room temperature water for 30 minutes. Keep in mind, this is ONLY for wool and cashmere.
2. If you’re dealing with stains, use a safe stain remover solution and apply it gently to any stained area. You can also add this to areas you know get easily stained like cuffs, collar areas and underarm areas. Turn garments inside out before doing this.
3. Place flat in a garment bag, inside out, if you want to be especially prudent! The bag helps protect your item from snagging or pilling. Note that each garment should be in its own bag to prevent rubbing and pilling. Then add the appropriate amount of appropriate delicate wash detergent that’s designed for the fabrics we want to take extra care of with no bleach or harsh additives that may damage the garment. Then, place your machine on the delicate/gentle cycle, using cold water and low spin.

DRYING

Once washed, place a fresh towel out and lay the garment flat onto the towel. Roll up like a burrito to help remove excess moisture and lay flat to dry. We don’t like to hang these garments because that can misshape them, so find a place to lay them flat.TIP: To keep wool and cashmere wrinkle-free and fresh between washes, choose steam over ironing, which can flatten the yarn. It’s also recommended to fold wool and cashmere instead of hanging to avoid stretching the fabric.

SILKS AND DELICATES

Like wool and cashmere, silk can be hand washed OR machine washed, but you need to test it first, either way:

• TO TEST: Simply dip a small corner or seam into cool water and watch for a reaction; shrinking, warping, puckering, wrinkling, colour bleeding. Any reaction to water indicates it’s not a good candidate for washing at home and should be saved for the dry cleaner.

HAND-WASHING STEPS

BEFORE YOUR START: Remember a few things: Cold water only and gentle hand movements so as to not stretch, pull or twist the fabric. And it’s best to group garments together in colour categories, working your way from lightest to darkest when hand washing several items.

1. Add the appropriate amount of the appropriate gentle detergent to a smooth basin or sink filled with cool water. Add item and gently saturate and work through the water. Avoid rubbing and twisting. I like to squeeze the item in different areas with my hands several times to get everything soaked nicely. Then, you can let the garments sit for up to 30 minutes. You might notice the water darkens – this is normal (it’s dye runoff, but won’t affect your garment).
2. When done, rinse with cold water, pressing the garment up along the side of the basin to remove soap, and repeat until the water runs clear.

[video_embed id='1699676']How to clean the most annoying pet messes[/video_embed]

DRYING SILK

When the wash is done, remove at once and lay flat to dry. Silk is a fabric that can lose its shape if hung and it cannot be placed in the dryer.TIP: Expect wrinkles, and either iron on the lowest possible setting using a pressing cloth between the iron and the garment – just a clean, thin cotton cloth – or steam.

SAVE FOR THE DRY CLEANER

There are certain fabrics that can only stay intact if they are dry cleaned. I have made the mistake of thinking I can hand wash or use the delicates cycle with an item, only to totally ruin it. Fabrics made from viscose, acetate, velvet, taffeta, leather [1:04, BROLL: DRY CLEAN ONLY ITEM – LEATHER JACKET] or suede should not be machine washed.Further, consider the structure and embellishments of the garment. Pleating, shoulder pads or other structural elements can be ruined if washed, as well as delicate appliques, sequins, glued-on beading or other flashy elements.The dry cleaner is also great if you have an oversized item like drapes or a duvet that you don’t have the machine capacity to wash; any time you have a stain you don’t feel comfortable dealing with; or any time you’re too worried to wash something you think you might ruin.Hold on to these items until we’re all safely able to visit the dry cleaner again.[video_embed id='1921776']BEFORE YOU GO: Cleaning and sanitizing techniques to use during the flu season[/video_embed]