Dry cleaning

For many people dry cleaning is like a mysterious thing that can only be accomplished by certain professionals with specialist equipment. The truth though is that it is actually a myth. Most of the dry cleaning can be done at home using regular stuff without needing any special skills or equipment. This is especially helpful if you often send large number of clothes to the dry cleaners which can get pretty expensive. Most clothes that recommend dry cleaning in fact can be cleaned at home provided there aren’t any big stains. Here are some pointers on how to carry out dry cleaning at home.

1. Determine if the cloth can be dry cleaned at home: Obviously the first clue is in the label but it is not always very accurate. Many clothes that come marked with tags that say only dry cleaning is allowed can actually be hand-washed if done properly. Do keep in mind that some of these tags are accurate and should only be dry cleaned by a professional. A general rule of thumb is to look at the fabrics in the cloth. If it contains fur, suede or leather then it is best to leave it to the professionals. If it is silk or wool then it is best to use as little water as possible. Cottons can be washed like any other regular cloth.

2. Do a spot test: Even if the fabric is okay to be dry cleaned, the dye used in it can be tricky to deal with. To prevent any huge mishaps it is best to do a spot test before cleaning the entire garment. Choose a spot that is in some obscure corner that is generally not visible and apply whatever it is you will be using to do the dry cleaning. If the dye starts bleeding then stop immediately and have it cleaned only by a professional. Else, proceed on to the next step.

3. Use spot cleaning techniques: Spot any stain that needs a thorough bit of cleaning. This could be a ketchup stain or a makeup stain. Either way, use a microfiber cloth and a gentle detergent that is safe for delicate clothes like silk. Dip the microfiber cloth in a detergent solution that is slightly warm. Wring the microfiber cloth to get most of the water out and start gently dabbing at the stain to remove it.

4. Use a DIY dry cleaning kit: If you want better results with minimum hassles then you can look at one of the many professional DIY dry cleaning kits available in the market. Since each kit has its own specific procedure we can’t describe the exact methodology to use. Just make sure to follow the instruction that come with the kit to the letter.

5. Use a steamer: Steam has the amazing property of cleaning most types of light grimes from almost all types of fabrics. Put some gentle detergent inside the steamer and gently steam the cloth. Let it dry over a flat surface. This also has the added benefit of removing any odors and keep the cloth smelling fresh.

6. Use household items such as baking soda and white vinegar: If you go for this process then it is critical to do a spot check first. Once you are absolutely sure that it is safe to use these items proceed with a solution of either baking soda or vinegar in slightly warm water. Soda and vinegar are excellent at removing stubborn stains like those you would get from spilling red wine.

Dry cleaning isn’t as complicated as it seems, at least not in most cases and by now you should be able to save a ton of money by doing dry cleaning right at home.