Whether you’re dealing with tough stains or need to clean sensitive materials, dry cleaning is often the recommended option. For some fabrics, it’s necessary, since wash/dry cycles can be damaging. Use the following guide to determine how to best care for your favorite garments.

Fabrics You Should Dry Clean

Leather & Suede

Leather and suede can crack under water and heat exposure. Extensive cracking can also cause the article to shrink, so always deliver these items to the dry cleaners. By using a safe petroleum solvent and extraction process, professionals remove stains and revitalize the materials.

Furs

Furs will lose their luster and texture in a machine washer. The force may also rip hairs from the article. There’s no violent tumbling or soaking with dry cleaning. Instead, furs and sensitive items are safely handled and restored.

Synthetic Materials

Synthetic materials include spandex, nylon, polyester, and acrylic. These can lose their elasticity and other qualities in a home washer and dryer. They may also permanently wrinkle under heat.

Silks

While durable, silk still needs to be dry cleaned to remain soft and colorful. Washing it with heavy items like jeans can cause irreparable surface damage to the fabric and bleeding dyes could stain other articles.

Items You Can Clean at Home

Linen & Cotton

Linens are sturdy and can be cleaned in the washer using lukewarm or cold water. Make sure it’s treated or filtered if it’s “hard” water. Use a mild detergent and program a gentle wash cycle. You can tumble dry on low heat.

Cotton items can be washed in cold or warm water. Hot water will make them shrink. A normal wash cycle and regular detergent are preferred. You can then tumble dry on low.

Cashmere

Use your washing machine’s delicate/gentle cycle for cashmere items. You can also wash these items by hand by letting them soak for 30 minutes in cold water. If you use the washing machine, consider placing cashmere items in a wash-friendly bag so they don’t snag.

If you’re looking for dry cleaning services in the Denver, CO, area, contact Martinizing Dry Cleaning. These skilled professionals can treat all your delicate items. They also provide laundry drop-off and delivery services, which you can explore on their website. Call (303) 504-9855 to speak with a representative.