Dry cleaning is so expensive! I don’t have the money to spend on it every week. But if I let things build up, it’s worse. I need a cheaper way to clean my husband’s shirts. How can you dry clean at home?
Molly C., Mandan, MO
Dry cleaning at home is possible. The first step is getting to know your clothes. Much depends on the kind of fabric, and if they have a lining or other embellishment. It’s also smart to test for color-fastness if the garment has a bright dye.
Take a look at the clothing labels. If the material is silk or wool, you can try washing it by hand with a mild detergent in cold water. You may discover holes in your clothing made from wool or silk if they have been hanging in the closet for a couple of months.
This is a result of clothes moths. Why do moths eat clothes? It’s not the actual moth that does the damage but the larval form of the moth. Use cedar hangers or spritz a cedar oil and water mixture in the closet to keep these pests away from your clothing.
If the label says cotton, polyester, or linen, you might be able to use the delicate cycle in your washing machine. After the garments are clean, press out extra water by rolling them in a towel. Always lay the items flat to dry.
For suits, skirts, and jackets, you could try a dry cleaning kit designed for home use. The kits are less expensive than the cost of a professional cleaner. If you want to learn more about washing dry clean only clothes, this article is helpful: https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-dry-clean-at-home/
If you have the time to take care of delicate items, now you don’t have to ask yourself how can you dry clean at home. You have options.