If you’ve ever owned a blanket that was marked “dry clean only,” you might have questioned whether you could wash it at home. The blanket can end up in a terrible state if you throw it in the washing machine despite the label’s warnings. In this post, we will examine the safety of washing a blanket that is intended to be dry cleaned exclusively as well as the precautions you should take.
Prior to anything else, it’s critical to comprehend why a blanket could be marked “dry clean only.” This designation is generally applied to products produced from pricey or delicate fabrics, such as wool, silk, or cashmere. These fabrics need to be cleaned by a professional because they are easily harmed by the intense heat and agitation of a washing machine. A blanket intended for dry cleaning only may shrink, lose its shape, or even disintegrate if you attempt to wash it at home.
There are a few steps you may take to reduce the danger of damage if you are determined to wash your dry clean only blanket at home. First, verify whether there are any special washing directions on the label. Many items that should only be dry cleaned can be hand washed or machine washed on a mild cycle. The blanket can be spot cleaned with a moderate detergent and cold water if the label on the product does not contain any cleaning instructions.
Let’s move on to the questions that are connected now. Given that they sell goods directly to customers, supermarkets are often seen as merchants. Although they might buy goods in large quantities from wholesalers, they are not regarded as wholesalers themselves. Due to the fact that they offer food and drinks directly to customers, cafés are sometimes regarded as retail establishments. But because they offer a place for patrons to unwind and mingle, they are also a component of the hospitality sector.
Gas stations are an additional intriguing example. Even though they do offer goods directly to customers, such as snacks and petrol, they are not frequently regarded as retail enterprises. Instead, they are frequently categorized as belonging to the energy or petroleum industries.
Let’s examine the laundry industry lastly. The laundry and dry cleaning market in the US is estimated to be worth $11 billion yearly, according to a study by IBISWorld. There are many different types of companies in this sector, from tiny mom-and-pop dry cleaners to huge industrial washing facilities. Even though the sector has recently faced difficulties, such as the expansion of at-home laundry services, it still contributes significantly to the economy.
In conclusion, washing a blanket that is intended for dry cleaning at home is not advised. If you must, make sure to use gentle cleaning techniques and adhere to any special directions on the label. While both supermarkets and coffee shops are categorized as retail businesses, gas stations are often categorized as belonging to the energy industry. The billion-dollar laundry and dry cleaning sector contributes significantly to the economy.
It is not explained in the article “Washing Dry Clean Only Blankets: What You Need to Know” why the dry cleaning market is so fragmented.