Your t-shirts and sweatpants may not be marked “dry clean only,” but have you noticed that they disintegrate over time with frequent washing? Most people don’t realize how much of a toll washing machines and dryers take on everyday clothing items, let alone those that should be taken to the dry cleaners. Your cotton undergarments can withstand the abuse for a little while, but there are some pieces that you shouldn’t throw in the washing machine at all. Below are the five items of apparel you should always take to the dry cleaners. 

5 Kinds of Apparel That Need to Go to the Dry Cleaners

1. Apparel With a Lining

If your favorite dress or blazer has a lining, do not wash it at home. The spinner in the washer could tear the lining if it gets caught, and the dryer could shrink or even melt the material if it gets too hot.

2. Embellished Items

Clothing with sequins, rhinestones, and other embellishments should always be hand-washed or dry-cleaned. If you wear a lot of clothing that contains embellishments, get into the habit of putting them aside when doing your laundry so that you can bring them all to the dry cleaners in a single trip every week.

3. Pleated Apparel

Pants, skirts, and dresses with pleats always require dry cleaning. Although certain items might make it through the washing machine unscathed, you will never be able to restore their original pleat pattern using an iron at home after running them through the dryer.

4. Clothing With Leather Accents

If you have clothing with leather accents, put it aside with your embellished pieces. Although you can condition leather at home, it should never go through a wash or dry cycle.

5. Silk Items

Silk scarves, skirts, shirts, and dresses are incredibly fragile. Leave your silk apparel to the professionals for optimum cleaning.

If your wardrobe includes any of the above, head to Quality Dry Cleaners in Lamar, CO. In addition to their dry cleaning services, they offer laundry care for clothes, blankets, and comforters. Their friendly team will treat every piece of laundry with meticulous care, so you can have peace of mind when dropping off your favorite items. Schedule a drop-off by calling (719) 336-2891.