The Do’s and Don’ts of Caring for 'Dry Clean Only' Garments

Do's

1. Check the Fabric Type. Understand what you’re working with—some materials like silk or wool can sometimes handle a gentle hand wash, while others should never touch water.
2. Use a Gentle Detergent. Stick to mild, fabric-specific detergents designed for delicates. This prevents harsh chemicals from damaging your garment.
3. Wash by Hand in Cool Water. If washing is absolutely necessary, use a basin of cool water and gently agitate the garment with your hands. Avoid excessive scrubbing.
4. Rinse Thoroughly. Ensure all detergent is removed by rinsing multiple times with clean, cool water. Residue can damage the fibers over time.
5. Air Dry Flat. Lay the garment on a clean, flat surface to dry. Hanging can distort the shape, especially with heavier fabrics like wool.
6. Spot Clean When Possible. For minor stains, try spot cleaning with a gentle approach rather than washing the entire garment.

Don'ts

1. Don’t Machine Wash. Even on a delicate cycle, the agitation and spin can ruin the shape and fabric of 'Dry Clean Only' items.
2. Don’t Use Regular Detergents. Standard laundry detergents are too harsh for delicate fabrics and can cause fading, shrinkage, or texture damage.
3. Don’t Wring Out Water. Twisting or wringing the fabric can weaken fibers and leave permanent creases or distortions.
4. Don’t Ignore the Care Label. If the tag says 'Dry Clean Only,' treat it as a serious warning, not a suggestion. Washing against the label’s advice often leads to irreversible damage.
5. Don’t Use Hot Water. Heat can shrink fabrics or cause dyes to bleed. Stick to cool or lukewarm water for the safest results.

When it comes to washing 'Dry Clean Only' clothes, err on the side of caution. Improper washing can turn a small mistake into a costly one, so if you’re unsure, trust the professionals to handle your garments with care.

Do's:

1. Blot the Stain Immediately. Act fast and gently blot the area with a clean, white cloth or paper towel to soak up excess liquid. This helps prevent the stain from setting deeper into the fabric.
2. Test on an Inconspicuous Area. If you’re using a stain remover, always test it on a hidden part of the garment first to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.
3. Use Cool Water for Protein-based Stains. For stains like blood or sweat, a light dab with cool water can help minimize the mark without damaging the fabric.
4. Take It to a Professional Cleaner Quickly. The sooner you hand over your garment to a dry cleaner, the better the chances of successful stain removal. Delaying can make stains harder to treat.
5. Mention the Stain to Your Dry Cleaner. Point out the stain and provide details, like what caused it. This helps professionals use the most effective treatment method.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t Rub or Scrub the Stain. Scrubbing can push the stain deeper into the fibers and damage the fabric, especially for delicate materials like silk or wool.
2. Don’t Use Hot Water. Heat can set stains permanently, especially for proteins and certain dyes. Stick to cool water or leave it to the professionals.
3. Don’t Apply Random Home Remedies. Lemon juice, vinegar, or baking soda might seem tempting, but these can discolor or weaken fine fabrics. Always use products specifically designed for clothing care.
4. Don’t Machine Wash the Garment. Even if the stain seems small, machine washing a 'Dry Clean Only' garment can cause irreversible damage or shrinkage.
5. Don’t Delay Action. The longer you wait, the harder the stain will be to remove. Act quickly and carefully to give your garment the best chance of recovery.

Do's:

1. Lay Garments Flat to Dry. Place items on a clean, dry towel or drying rack to maintain their shape and avoid stretching. This method is especially important for knits and delicate fabrics.
2. Use a Towel to Absorb Excess Moisture. Gently press a clean towel over the garment to soak up water without wringing or twisting. This step speeds up drying while being gentle on the fabric.
3. Dry in a Well-ventilated Area. Choose a spot with good airflow to help garments dry evenly and quickly. Avoid damp or enclosed spaces that can cause mildew.
4. Reshape the Garment While Damp. Smooth out wrinkles, align seams, and restore the original shape of the garment while it’s still wet to prevent misshaping.
5. Check for Dryness Before Storing. Ensure the garment is completely dry before putting it away to avoid the risk of mold or odors developing in the fabric.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t Use a Tumble Dryer. The heat and agitation of a dryer can shrink, distort, or ruin delicate fabrics labeled 'Dry Clean Only.'
2. Don’t Hang Wet Garments. Hanging can stretch out fibers, especially with heavy materials like wool or cashmere, leaving the item permanently misshapen.
3. Don’t Use Heat Sources to Speed Up Drying. Avoid direct sunlight, radiators, or hairdryers, as intense heat can damage fibers, fade colors, or cause shrinkage.
4. Don’t Leave Garments Crumpled. Laying clothes in a crumpled state can lead to set-in wrinkles that are tough to remove, especially for fabrics like silk.
5. Don’t Skip Checking the Care Tag. If the tag specifies a particular drying method, follow it closely. Deviating from these instructions can damage your garment.

1 | Store Clothes in a Cool, Dry Place

Keep your garments in a temperature-controlled area away from direct sunlight or humidity to prevent fading, mold, and odors.

2 | Use Breathable Garment Bags

Swap plastic dry cleaner bags for fabric bags to allow air circulation and protect against dust without trapping moisture.

3 | Hang Delicate Items Properly

Use padded or wide hangers for structured pieces to maintain their shape, and fold heavier items like sweaters to avoid stretching.

4 | Rotate Your Wardrobe

Give your clothes a break between wears to prevent overuse, fabric stress, and lingering odors from setting into the fibers.

5 | Inspect Regularly for Damage

Check for loose threads, missing buttons, or signs of wear and repair them promptly to avoid larger issues down the line.

Don’t make the mistake of tossing your 'Dry Clean Only' garments into the washer at home—one wrong cycle can ruin their fit, fabric, or finish. At Majors Laundry & Cleaners, we understand the delicate care your favorite pieces need, whether it’s a tailored suit, a precious dress, or fine linen items and household textiles.

For over 70 years, Majors Laundry & Cleaners has been a trusted, family-owned dry cleaning business in Greenville, South Carolina. We’re proud to bring exceptional service and advanced cleaning technology to our local community. We use environmentally friendly cleaning solutions that are tough on dirt and allergens, yet gentle on fabrics and safe for your family. Let Majors Laundry & Cleaners handle your laundry and dry cleaning needs, so your wardrobe stays flawless!

Reach out to us today and experience professional care like never before!

Phone: 334-382-3591
Email: info@majorcleaners.com