Dry Cleaning vs Laundry: Which Does Your Garment Need?
Not sure whether that blazer should be dry cleaned or simply washed? You're not alone — and getting it wrong can shrink, fade or misshape a garment you love. Here's how to decide with confidence.
Start with the care label
Every garment carries a small symbol tag. The key ones:
- A circle → dry clean only. Water will damage it.
- A tub of water → machine or hand wash is safe.
- A circle with a "P" or "F" → dry clean with a specific solvent (our hydrocarbon process handles both).
- A crossed-out tub → never wash at home.
When the label is missing or faded, fall back on the fabric.
When to dry clean
- Structured tailoring — suits, blazers, coats. Washing collapses the internal canvas and lining.
- Silk, wool, cashmere, velvet, and heavy embellishment — water and agitation distort the fibres or loosen beadwork.
- "Dry clean only" labels, oil-based stains, and anything you can't afford to shrink.
When laundering is fine
- Everyday cotton, linen, denim and most synthetics.
- Shirts, tees, bedsheets and towels — though professional laundering presses them far crisper than a home machine.
The grey area
Some "dry clean only" garments can be gently hand-washed — but the risk is yours. When a piece is expensive, sentimental or structured, it's cheaper to dry clean than to replace.
Still unsure? Send us a photo of the garment and its label on WhatsApp — we'll tell you exactly how it should be treated before you book.
