2009 Omlet cube and run for sale

[surferdog]

Does anyone have any suggestions for greener and cheaper alternative to dry cleaning? I currently have a bag load of suits that need cleaning - it will cost a fortune and I can't stand the smell of the chemicals.

 

I read on the internet it's possible to do them on a wool or handwash cycle of the washing machine - has anybody tried this? Don't want to ruin all my work clothes!

 

The long term solution will be to make sure any new clothes are not dry clean only but any suggestions how to handle the existing ones would be very welcome.

[Snowy]

I've rarely dry cleaned any of my suits in the past. Most will withstand a gentle wash. But it depends how much you paid for them in the first place as to whether or not you take the risk. I do have a couple of more expensive jackets that get dry cleaned if necessary Alternatively we used to go to a launderette with a big self serve dry cleaning machine. It cost a fraction of the price of getting them done at a dry cleaners.

[surferdog]

The laundrette idea sounds good, I'll see if I can find one locally. In the meantime think I'll try the cheapest suit in the washing machine and then progress up if all goes ok. Thanks

[Olly]

I believe, although admittedly this is just anecdotal, that manufacturers often put 'dry clean only' on things rather than risk someone washing it and getting it wrong.

 

Suits can be tricky because sometimes they have hidden stuff, e.g. stiffening in the lapels for example, that doesn't survive washing. You can probably tell with most things though, if there's any special lining.

 

I put most things through on either 'delicates' or 'handwash'. The first mistake you can make is to wash something too hot - wool in particular will shrink. The second risk is to spin it too much - in fact, I'd play safe and spin very little, or perhaps not at all, although it's harder work if you've got dripping wet stuff. The third problem is drying it - dry things flat if you can, and pull them into shape if need be.

 

I can't remember the last time I used a dry-cleaner - I hate the smell, don't like the cost, and can never get there in time to collect stuff after work! I think my winter coat is the only thing that's been at all recently.

[Charlottechicken]

According to 'The Green Consumer Guide' if you really have to dry clean something, then ask if the dry cleaner uses Green Earth cleaners. The cleaning fluid is made of a type of silicon found in some cosmetics/beauty products and is not thought to be harmful to humans or the environment. I understand that quite a few of the Johnsons shops are Green Earth users.

 

I bought a beautiful Monsoon green jacket for a pound the other day from the local charity shop, and noticed it had a small mark on the back when I got it home. I spot cleaned with a little vanish, but noticed when it was dry the spot cleaned bit was cleaner than the rest of the jacket. I threw it in the sink with some Stergene and gave it a gentle wash and hung it on a coat hanger on the washing line. It ironed up beautifully, and looks stunning.

 

I have only ever been caught out once, (and have bought lots of second hand clothes) that was a dress made of acetate, it shrunk dramatically

[fluffymuppet]

M&S washable suits come with a bag to wash them in - so if you're going to attempt to wash something like that then it might be worth popping it into a pillow case or something. I suspect it helps things keep their shape a bit, but it would also stop them attracting fluff from other things....

[Charlottechicken]

Just thought I would update this thread, as I washed a couple of old coats yesterday. Both were dry clean only wool blend coats, and both successfully endured a wash in the machine on the wool cycle, followed by a 1600 ( ) speed spin, which resulted in a few creases After hanging overnight in the bathroom, both are now crease free and quite soft, thanks to a bit of fabric conditioner (and bobble free, thanks to the lint shaver ).

 

I will be wearing one to work tomorow