When You Should Never Handwash
Some pieces are absolutely not worth the gamble at home. Skip DIY washing for:
– Suede and leather (they can warp, stain, or stiffen permanently)
– Beaded, sequined, or heavily embellished garments
– Structured jackets, blazers, and tailored suits with lining and interfacing
– Dresses or pieces that rely on a very specific shape or drape
Water can collapse the inner supports, dissolve glue, and leave you with sagging shoulders, bumpy seams, or a garment that never sits right again.
Simple Ways to Wash Less (and Make Clothes Last Longer)
Whether you dry clean or handwash, the gentlest “cleaning” method is often… not washing at all.
You can extend the life of delicate pieces by:
– Airing them out between wears to remove odors
– Using a steamer to refresh fabric and kill surface bacteria
– Spot cleaning small marks instead of washing the whole garment
Think of dry cleaning and washing as “last resorts,” not default options, for high-end or fragile items.
Bottom line: When in doubt, ask — or don’t risk it
Yes, you can sometimes wash “dry clean only” pieces at home and save money. But you’re always trading savings for risk.
– Simple, unstructured silk, wool, or synthetics? Often safe to handwash carefully.
– Lined, tailored, leather, suede, or heavily decorated items? Take them to a professional.
If you’re unsure, show the garment to a trusted cleaner and ask their honest opinion before experimenting. Ruining one favorite piece can cost far more than a single dry cleaning bill.
Topics: Home , Everyday Hacks , Clothes Care
For more smart, practical tips like this, check out other posts on LesFails.
