New Code Sent!
HOW TO WASH A SUIT AT HOME
While many suits require professional dry cleaning, certain styles may be suitable for home care. Factors such as fabric type and garment construction can help determine if a suit can be washed at home using specific techniques. Since most suits are made of delicate materials best left to professionals, it’s important to closely follow the directions on your garment’s care label.
CAN YOU WASH A SUIT AT HOME?
Yes, some suits can be washed at home, but it depends on the fabric and construction. Suits made of cotton, linen or polyester blends can sometimes be hand washed or machine washed. However, suits made of wool, silk or velvet, as well as any suit that has a lining, should not be hand or machine washed.
Regardless of the fabric, check the care label for guidance on whether you can wash your suit at home and what settings to use.
CHECK THE CARE LABEL BEFORE WASHING
Checking the care label is the first step in determining washability. If the label says “dry clean only,” never hand wash it or put it in your washing machine. Tags marked “dry clean” or “dry clean recommended” mean it’s best to let professional cleaners handle the item.
| SYMBOL | MEANING | BEST PRACTICE |
|---|---|---|
| Do not wash | Do not wash with water | Take to a professional cleaner |
| Machine wash | Can be machine washed | Check for specific temp/cycle symbols |
| Hand wash | Hand wash only | Wash by hand to help prevent damage |
| Gentle/Delicate | Use gentle/delicate cycle | Use slower spin speeds and less agitation |
HOW TO MACHINE WASH A SUIT
Most suits need dry cleaning, but if your care tag allows for machine washing, the process requires careful preparation. Consider the following steps:
STEP 1: PREPARE THE SUIT
Check that all pockets are empty and remove loose threads. Turn the suit jacket and pants inside out to help protect the outer fabric. Lay the garments flat, fold in the sleeves and tightly roll them up from the bottom. Secure the roll with safety pins to keep it from unfolding, then place it in a mesh laundry bag to help prevent snagging.
STEP 2: SELECT CYCLE AND SETTINGS
Always use the delicate wash cycle, which uses cold water and a low spin speed to wash delicate fabrics. Cold water is recommended since hot water can sometimes shrink some fabrics. Use a small amount of mild, color-safe detergent.
HOW TO HAND WASH A SUIT
Hand washing is the gentlest method and is recommended for most washable suits.
Spot test: Put a small amount of water and a drop of mild detergent on a hidden patch to check that the fabric won’t discolor or react.
Prepare: Empty pockets and turn the jacket and pants inside out.
Wash: Fill a basin with cold water and mild detergent. Submerge the suit and gently swirl. Do not scrub, twist or wring.
Soak: Soak for 10 to 15 minutes, occasionally agitating gently.
Rinse: Drain and rinse with clean, cold water until all detergent is removed.
- Remove water: Gently press out excess water. Never wring the suit fabric.
HOW TO DRY AND CARE FOR A SUIT AFTER WASHING
Proper drying is critical to maintain a suit's shape. Always check your care tags first, but in general, it’s best to avoid using a dryer. The high heat of a dryer is often not ideal for suit fabrics and lining.
To dry: Lay the garments flat on a clean towel and gently roll them up in the towel to remove excess water. Then, either lay the suit flat on a dry towel or hang it on a wide-shouldered hanger in a well-ventilated area.
- To remove wrinkles: It is often helpful to use a garment steamer, as this may be a better option for suit fabrics than direct ironing. If you must iron, check your care tags to make sure you can do so, and then consider using low heat and place a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric.
HOW TO WASH A SUIT FAQS
Deciding whether and how to wash a suit at home is an important step in garment care. These frequently asked questions cover some follow-up queries you may still have to help you care for your professional attire.
HOW TO REMOVE SUIT WRINKLES AND SHRINKING AFTER WASH
To remove wrinkles, a garment steamer may help on some fabrics. This method is sometimes more ideal for suit fabrics than direct ironing because it can help relax fibers without the risk of scorching or creating a "shiny" look. Check care tags first, to be sure you can iron or steam.
To help prevent suits from shrinking, use cold water during the wash and avoid the dryer. High heat is one of the primary causes of fabric contraction.
WHEN IS WASHING A SUIT BETTER THAN DRY CLEANING?
Washing can be great for removing water-based stains like sweat or salt, while dry cleaning solvents tend to work well for oil-based stains. Washing also avoids harsh chemicals that can break down fibers over time. However, only wash a suit at home if the care label allows.
While dry cleaning is excellent for oil-based stains, home washing can offer a natural refresh for cotton or synthetic blends. Always prioritize the garment's construction—if it has internal padding or a “dry clean only” tag, stick to the professionals to help avoid warping.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD A SUIT BE WASHED?
Plan to wash a suit sparingly, typically after every five to six wears or when it is visibly soiled. Regular brushing, airing out the fabric and prompt spot cleaning between wears can help extend the life of a suit and reduce the frequency of needing a full deep clean.
If you only wear your suit for short periods in climate-controlled environments, you may be able to go even longer between washes. Over-washing—whether at home or at the dry cleaner—may eventually lead to fabric fatigue and loss of shape.
HOW DO YOU STORE A SUIT AFTER CLEANING?
Store your suit on a wide-shouldered wooden hanger to maintain the jacket's tailored shape and avoid thin wire hangers, which can create permanent "dimples" or puckering in the shoulders. While dry cleaners often return suits in plastic, it is best to remove them immediately; plastic traps moisture and can possibly cause your suit to develop an odor or lose its freshness. Instead, opt for a garment bag made from breathable fabric or a cotton dust bag to help keep dust off the suit while allowing air to circulate.
Ensure the suit is completely dry before hanging it in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Proper ventilation is essential to help prevent high humidity, which can lead to “musty” storage situations.. If you are storing a suit for an extended period, you may consider using moisture-absorbing crystals like silica gel packs in the bag with the suit to help keep the air dry.
Finally, keep your suits away from strong-smelling products like perfumes, scented candles or cedar blocks. These fragrances can absorb into the fabric and become difficult to remove later. Leaving enough space between hanging garments in your closet will not only help the fabric “breathe” to help maintain a clean scent, but it can also help prevent your suit from becoming unnecessarily crushed or wrinkled between wears.
SHOP MAYTAG® WASHERS FOR DELICATE WASH CYCLE
Maytag® washing machines are equipped with the features you need to help tackle laundry day, whether that means battling grass stains from sports jerseys or delicately washing your favorite jacket. Select Maytag® washers are equipped with a Built-In Water Faucet that allows you to rinse, spot treat or soak clothes right in the washer. No matter what the laundry pile has in store for you today, you can count on a Maytag® washing machine to be ready for the job.
