When Should You Dry Clean Instead of Wash?
2024-03-20
The dry cleaning symbol on a care label can feel like a mystery. When does your garment really need dry cleaning, and when can you get away with a gentle home wash? Here's our guide.
Always dry clean: - Tailored suits and structured jackets — the internal canvas and padding will be ruined by water - Silk — water can leave permanent watermarks on silk - Velvet — washing flattens the pile and ruins the appearance - Leather and suede — these need specialist solvents - Heavily beaded or embellished garments - Items marked "Dry Clean Only" on the care label
Usually safe to hand wash: - Most cottons and linens - Wool and cashmere (with care — cold water only) - Most polyester and nylon - Casual knitwear
When it says "Dry Clean Recommended" rather than "Only": This means the item can technically be washed but dry cleaning gives better results. We'd always recommend following this advice for expensive or sentimental items.
The rule of thumb: If you'd be devastated if it went wrong, bring it to us. We've been caring for people's finest garments since the 1960s.
