The Right Way to Dry Clean Clothes at Home

While some items will always need professional attention, many fabrics can be freshened at home. The truth is, dry cleaning is not actually dry—the clothes get wet, but with a cleaning and degreasing solvent rather than water. They're then cycled through a large washing machine, much like the one you use at home.

While dry cleaning at home doesn't exactly replicate the process at the cleaners, these gentle methods are a great way to tackle a number of issues with dry-clean-only garments. Once you know which clothes are good candidates for at-home cleaning, you can clean many of them yourself without much effort or expense.

Why Some Clothes Are Dry-Clean Only

There are a few reasons clothes may be labeled "dry-clean only," but it typically comes down to fabric type and potential for damage during traditional washing methods. "Delicate fabrics, such as silk, velvet, wool, and cashmere, can be easily damaged by the agitation and water used in traditional washing machines," says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of Aspen Clean. "Dry cleaning uses a gentle solvent-based process that is less likely to harm these fabrics." Additionally, if certain garments are prone to shrinkage, bleed when exposed to water, or easily lose their shape, dry cleaning is a better method than hand or machine washing.

How to Freshen Clothes At Home

Refreshing your dry-clean-only clothes at home can help extend the time between professional dry cleanings and keep your garments looking and smelling their best, says Sokolowski. You can do so using a few different methods.

• Steam cleaning: Use a handheld steamer to gently remove wrinkles from your clothes. "If using a steamer, I always place a clean white tennis sock (designated for this purpose only) over the end of the steamer so that the clothing does not get water spots," says Melissa Poepping, the founder of The Chemical Free Home.
• Brushing: A soft-bristle brush or clothing brush can remove surface dust, lint, and debris. Simply brush the fabric toward the weave to avoid damaging delicate fibers.
• Fresh air: Hanging your clothes outside on a sunny day is a great way to freshen your clothes and remove odors. Avoid putting garments in direct sunlight, which may fade fabrics.
• Spot cleaning: Use a soft cloth to dab stains with natural detergent, then blot with a clean, dry cloth. "Always test the detergent on an inconspicuous area first," says Sokolowski.

How to Dry Clean Clothes at Home

While there are dry-cleaning kits available in the laundry aisle at supermarkets and drugstores, you can also dry clean clothes at home using a few common household supplies. Note that while this method is effective for removing minor odors and stains, as well as wrinkles, consulting a professional dry cleaner is ideal for removing set in stains and stubborn smells.

Materials

Here is what you need to dry clean your clothes at home.

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• A clean microfiber cloth
• A well-ventilated area
• A garment bag 

Steps

Follow this method from Sokolowski to dry clean clothes at home.

1. Hang the garment in a well-ventilated area, such as outdoors on a sunny day or in a breezy room.
2. Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the garment to help absorb odors.
3. Leave the garment to air out for a few hours or overnight.
4. Shake or brush off the baking soda.
5. Use a handheld garment steamer to steam the entire garment gently. Be careful not to get the fabric too wet, as excessive moisture can damage some dry-clean-only fabrics.
6. Allow the garment to air dry in a well-ventilated area.
7. Once the garment is completely dry, store it in a garment bag or plastic bag to protect it from dust and odors.

How to Treat Stains At Home

If your dry-clean-only garments have visible stains or spots, it's best to try to treat them individually rather than cleaning the entire garment, says Sokolowski. How you remove the stain depends on the type of stain it is, but this method is suitable for most spots and fabrics.

1. Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water.
2. Dampen a clean cloth or sponge with the vinegar solution.
3. Gently blot and dab the stained area, working from outside the stain toward the center. Avoid scrubbing, as it can damage the fabric.
4. Allow the stained area to air dry.

Garments You Can Dry Clean At Home

Many garments can be dry cleaned at home, but if you're nervous, start with clothes you won't miss should you make a mistake, says Poepping. With that being said, some fabrics and garment types are better to dry clean at home than others.

• Basic fabrics: Garments made from relatively simple and common materials like cotton, linen, and some synthetic blends can be more forgiving when attempting home-dry-cleaning methods, says Sokolowski.
• Suits and blazers: Simple suits and blazers made from wool or other sturdy fabrics can often be refreshed at home using steam and spot cleaning methods.
• Lightweight outerwear: Jackets and coats made from lighter materials like cotton twill or lightweight wool may be amenable to at-home steaming and spot cleaning, says Sokolowski.
• Cashmere sweaters: Some people successfully refresh cashmere sweaters at home by steaming and using natural spot-cleaning methods for stains.
• Formalwear preservation: Garments like formal gowns or tuxedos that are rarely worn can be stored with care at home to preserve their condition. Use garment bags and ensure they are stored in a cool, dry place, says Sokolowski.

Garments You Shouldn't Dry Clean At Home

Some garments—such as those with sentimental value—should always be brought to a professional when they're in need of a deep clean.

• Leather and suede: Leather and suede items require specialized cleaning to maintain their texture and appearance.
• Fur: Fur coats and accessories should be cleaned and maintained by professionals specializing in fur cleaning, says Sokolowski. Improper care can cause fur to mat.
• Wedding dresses: Wedding gowns are often made of delicate fabrics and intricate lace and have complex beadwork. "Professional cleaning and preservation services are essential to maintain the gown's beauty," says Sokolowski.
• Delicate lace: Garments with delicate lace should always be taken to professionals to prevent tearing or distortion.
• Suits with structured shoulders: Suits with shoulder pads or structured shoulders can lose shape when moisture is exposed, so professional dry cleaning is ideal.
• Valuable or Antique Clothing: If you have valuable or antique clothing items, it's best to consult a professional for cleaning and preservation to avoid damage or loss of historical value, says Sokolowski.
• Garments that aren't colorfast: If you have clothes that always bleed when hand or machine-washed, bring them to the dry cleaners to prevent further color damage.
• Heavily stained clothing: If you tried spot cleaning to no avail, bring your garment to a dry cleaner, who can remove set-in stains with specialized solvents.
• Drapes and Curtains: Large items like drapes can be difficult to clean at home and are often best handled by professionals with the necessary equipment, says Sokolowski.