When a garment is meant to be dry cleaned only, the most typical outcome is shrinkage. When exposed to heat and water, fabrics like wool, silk, and rayon are vulnerable to shrinking. A wool sweater that was meant to be dry cleaned may become several sizes smaller if you wash it. The agitation and heat of the washing machine can also distort the fabric’s fibers, giving the finished product an inconsistent texture and look.
A garment that should only be dry cleaned can lose its shape in addition to shrinking when it is washed. This is so that the fabric won’t be damaged by the water’s force and the washing machine’s twisting and turning. The garment could get out of shape after being stretched out or develop irreversible creases.
Conversely, dryers aren’t designed to dry clean clothing. They are made to take moisture out of clothes that have been cleaned with detergent and water. A garment that should only be dry cleaned can shrink, lose its shape, or suffer other harm if you put it in the dryer. The fabric may shrink or melt as a result of the dryer’s heat, and the tumbling motion may distort the strands.
Occasionally, individuals ponder whether they can dry clean using a steam dryer. Sadly, the response is no. To freshen and de-wrinkle clothing that has already been washed and dried, steam dryers discharge steam into the dryer drum. They are not intended to clean garments marked “dry clean only.”
Depending on the fabric type being cleaned and the type of solvent being used, the temperature of dry cleaning can change. The typical temperature range for dry cleaning is between 30°C and 40°C. In order to remove dirt and stains without harming the fabric’s fibers, the technique requires soaking the fabric in a solvent.
Last but not least, if a symbol like a number 40 with a line under it appears on a clothing tag, it indicates that the item should be cleaned at a temperature no higher than 40°C. Synthetic textiles like polyester and nylon, which can melt or get damaged at high temperatures, frequently bear this sign.
In conclusion, washing clothing that has a “dry clean only” label can cause the fabric to shrink, lose its shape, and suffer additional harm. Drying temperatures can vary based on the fabric and solvent used, and dryers and steam dryers are not intended to clean exclusively dry-cleanable items. To keep your clothing looking its best, always adhere to the care instructions on the garment tag.