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How to Dry Clean Clothes at Home
Some garments are labeled “dry clean only” or “dry clean recommended,” and if you have a lot of tasks on your plate, it can be a hassle to have to drop clothes off at your local cleaner. While you should never attempt to wash “dry clean only” clothes yourself, you may be able to wash some “dry clean recommended” items at home using methods like steaming, dry cleaning kits, hand washing or a mesh laundry bag.
Use this guide to learn how to dry clean clothes at home to help keep your fabrics looking their best.
CAN YOU DRY CLEAN CLOTHES AT HOME?
Before you attempt at-home dry cleaning, it is important to consult your laundry care tag. If the tag says “dry clean only,” avoid washing the items yourself. If the tag says “dry clean recommended,” you may be able to handle the cleaning process at home.
Do you know how to read laundry care labels?
FABRICS SUITABLE FOR DRY CLEANING AT HOME
If you’re unsure whether you can wash dry clean items at home, inspect the care label to determine the fabrics used in your clothing. Cotton, linen and some polyesters are typically safe to machine or hand wash on a gentle cycle. Materials like suede, leather, beaded items, velvet, acetate, wool, silk and taffeta should always be cleaned by professionals to help protect their integrity.
Cotton: Can be washed at home
Linen: Can be washed at home
Polyesters: Can be washed at home, depending on the material blend
Suede: Dry clean only
Leather: Dry clean only
Beaded or sequined items: May be dry clean only
Velvet: Dry clean only
Acetate: Dry clean only
Wool: Dry clean only
Silk: Dry clean only
- Taffeta: Dry clean only
STEPS AND METHODS TO DRY CLEAN CLOTHES AT HOME
You may be able to wash some “dry clean recommended” fabrics yourself with the right supplies and methods. Read on below to learn how to wash dry clean clothes at home to help care for your garments.
CHECK THE CARE LABEL BEFORE STARTING
Always inspect the laundry care label before washing clothes yourself. Garments labeled “dry clean only,” “dry clean recommended” or “hand wash only” should be cared for with caution. Do not attempt to wash “dry clean only” items. If you’re unsure, you may want to leave things up to the professionals.
START BY SPOT TREATING STAINS ON DELICATE FABRICS
Once you’ve determined whether you can wash your dry clean clothing at home, start by spot treating any stains.
Step 1: Test your stain remover or detergent on a discreet location of the fabric. Look for signs of discolorations or damage. If the fabric area tested doesn’t appear discolored, you may be able to proceed with spot treating the stain.
Step 2: Place a gentle cleaner of your choice on the stain and let it sit for several minutes.
Step 3: Soak the garment in water. The proper water temperature will vary by fabric type, so be sure to consult your laundry care label.
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METHOD 1: AIR OUT OR STEAM FOR ODORS AND WRINKLES
If your clothes have any strong odors without any stains, you may be able to help get them smelling clean by either using a steamer or letting the fabric air out for a few hours.
How to air out fabrics:
Step 1: Hang clothing on a wide hanger to help support the shape of the shoulders.
Step 2: Hang in an open, dry and airy environment. Keep out of direct sunlight to help prevent fading.
Step 3: Let items air out for two to four hours for lighter fabrics and overnight for heavier materials.
Depending on the fabric, you can also use a steamer to help release odors and wrinkles. Check your care tag to see if this is doable.
How to steam fabrics:
Step 1: Hang clothing on a wide hanger to help support the shape of the shoulders.
Step 2: Keeping the steamer a short distance away from the fabric, work from top to bottom in slow passes.
Step 3: Let the fabric dry fully before storing.
METHOD 2: AT-HOME CLEANING KIT
If you have lightly soiled “dry clean recommended” items, you might be able to use a home dry cleaning kit. These kits typically use similar (but milder) versions of the cleaners used by professionals. However, you may not be able to use a home dry cleaning kit on all fabric types or on heavily soiled clothes. If it is safe to use on your fabric, try these steps:
Step 1: Pretreat any stains and odors with the included stain-remover and odor-removing spray. Always spot test on a discreet location before applying to visible areas of the garment.
Step 2: Place the clothing in the included fabric protection bag with the included dry-cleaning cloth.
Step 3: Place the bag in the dryer and run on medium heat for 15-30 minutes, or as long as the directions recommend.
Step 4: Hang items after the drying cycle is complete to help prevent wrinkles.
METHOD 3: HAND WASH SELECT ITEMS
Certain delicate fabrics can be hand washed gently to remove soils while helping to protect the fabric fibers. If it is safe to do so with your fabric, try the following steps:
Step 1: Fill a sink or tub with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent. Stir the water until suds form.
Step 2: Dip clothing into the sudsy water and gently swirl it around with your hands.
Step 3: Remove the items and drain the sink or tub, then refill with cold water.
Step 4: Dip your clothing several times in the clean water to remove all the soap.
Step 5: Remove excess water from the fabric by rolling clothing up inside a clean, dry towel. Gently squeeze the towel and repeat until the fabric no longer drips.
Step 6: Hang or lay flat to air dry.
AFTER CARE: DRYING, RESHAPING AND FINISHING THE GARMENT
Clothes that are labeled “dry clean recommended” need to be cared for gently, which often means they should not be dried in a dryer. With delicate fabrics like silk or lace, the high heat can create wrinkles, while leather and suede may lose their shape. Practice caution and air dry all dry clean clothing.
SHOP MAYTAG® DRYERS
Maytag® dryers are designed with performance, convenience and quality in mind. Browse electric and gas dryers from Maytag brand to find select models with features like Extra Power to boost drying power on any cycle or the Sanitize Cycle that uses extra-hot drying temperatures to remove up to 99.9% of three common household bacteria.1
DRY CLEANING AT HOME FAQS
If you’re still unsure of how to dry clean clothing at home, explore frequently asked questions below before you get started.
CAN YOU IRON DRY CLEAN ONLY CLOTHES?
Like with any garment, you should always consult the laundry care label of your specific garment before you iron your dry clean only clothing to remove wrinkles. Certain fabrics are sensitive to higher temperatures, so always proceed with caution before ironing.
If your items are marked “safe” for ironing, start by flipping the garment inside out. Lay it flat on an ironing board, smoothing out any creases in the fabric. Place a pressing cloth over the item, so it is between your garment and the iron, then press as needed.
CAN YOU DRY CLEAN A SUIT AT HOME?
If your suit is labeled “dry clean recommended,” you may be able to wash it at home depending on the fabric. Suits made of cotton, linen or polyester blends can sometimes be hand or machine washed at home. However, if your suit is made of wool, silk or velvet, or if it has a lining, it is recommended that you take it to a professional cleaner. Always follow your care labels, and if you’re unsure, get it professionally cleaned.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU DRY CLEAN CLOTHES AT HOME?
Like with any piece of clothing, stains and odors are obvious signs that cleaning is required. If you have determined that your dry clean items can be cleaned at home, dry clean or hand wash them at home whenever they become visibly soiled.
SHOP MAYTAG® WASHERS
With Maytag® washing machines, power and durability come standard. Select models offer features like Extra Power, which boosts stain fighting on any wash cycle with an intense pre-wash and extra agitation, or the Deep Fill Option that lets you get more water when you want it.
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1. Bacteria tested were K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus.
