How to wash all your sweaters at home and save lots of money on dry cleaning | CNN Underscored (2024)

FAQs

How can I save money on dry cleaning? ›

Dry-cleaning your sweaters may be convenient, but the chemicals can strip the natural oils from the yarn, making it lose loft and luster over time.

Some articles of clothing still require professional cleaning. However, for most dry-clean-only clothes, it's easy to dry clean at home using the right methods. Use this simple guide for dry cleaning at home with a kit or using homemade cleaners.

In conclusion, additional services offered by dry cleaners can add value and convenience to your garment care experience. While these services may come at an extra cost, they provide specialized care and attention to your garments, ensuring their longevity and pristine appearance.

Dry clean only clothes should not be washed in a regular washing machine as it can cause shrinkage, color bleeding, and fabric distortion. Ignoring the dry clean only instructions can lead to costly consequences such as damage that may require expensive repairs or replacement of the garment.

Most sweaters, such as wool and acrylic knits, will likely call for a cold cycle or a gentle wash cycle to help keep the fabric from becoming damaged. Use your sweater's fabric care label to help guide you through this step.

If water doesn't remove the stain, make a cleaning solution with equal parts of white vinegar and dish detergent. Dip a clean cloth or cotton swab into the formula, and dab the stain. Allow the solution to soak in for 20 minutes, then rinse with cold water. Hang or lay flat to dry.

Perchloroethylene. Perchloroethylene (PCE or "perc", tetrachloroethylene) has been in use since the 1930s. PCE is the most common solvent, the "standard" for cleaning performance. It is a highly effective cleaning solvent, and it is thermally stable, recyclable, and has low toxicity and a pleasant smell.

What are the disadvantages of dry cleaning? ›

However, dry cleaning has some drawbacks. It is often more expensive than wet cleaning, uses many hazardous solvents, is not considered sustainable, and may not completely remove certain types of stains, as well as not removing odors.

First off, don't use regular detergent. “Detergent isn't good for natural fibers. You should use soap or a special wool wash,” said Patric Richardson, also known as The Laundry Evangelist. Pozniak recommends using a detergent that is specifically formulated for knits, like Soak or Eucalan Fine Fabric wash.

Washing: Always turn sweaters inside out to reduce pilling. Wash in extra-large mesh bags. If hand washing, remove excess moisture by rolling the sweater in a towel.

How often should you dry clean your best attire depends on the type of garment and how often you wear it. But as a general rule, most dry-clean-only items should visit the cleaner every three to four wears, and proper care of your garments in between professional cleanings is just as important as dry cleaning itself.

Despite the name, dry cleaning is called that primarily due to the fact that no water is used during the cleaning process. The purpose of dry cleaning is to remove dirt out of garments without harming the individual garment fibers. This is accomplished through the use of a cleaning solvent instead of soap and water.