Dry cleaning vs washing: which clothes need dry cleaning?

What dry cleaning actually is

Dry cleaning is not completely dry. Clothes are cleaned in a liquid solvent instead of water, in a machine built for that solvent. Because the fibres are not soaked in water, dry cleaning greatly reduces the shrinking, stretching, dye bleeding and loss of shape that water can cause in some fabrics. Garments are then pressed and finished, usually on hangers.

Washing uses water and detergent, by hand or in a machine. For most everyday cotton and synthetic clothing, washing is the right choice. It is cheaper and handles sweat and water-based dirt better.

Start with the care label

The care label sewn into the garment is your best guide. The main symbols to know are:

• A washtub means the item can be washed in water. Dots inside show the maximum temperature, and a hand in the tub means hand wash only.
• A washtub with a cross through it means do not wash in water.
• A plain circle means professional cleaning. A letter inside, usually P or F, tells the cleaner which solvent to use. A W inside the circle means professional wet cleaning.
• A circle with a cross through it means do not dry clean.
• "Dry clean only" is a firm instruction. "Dry clean" on its own is often a recommendation, and a careful hand wash may be possible. If in doubt, ask a professional.

Clothes that usually need dry cleaning

• Tailored suits, blazers and structured jackets, where water can distort the canvas and padding inside.
• Wool trousers, coats and knitwear that is labelled dry clean.
• Silk, velvet, taffeta and satin, which can water-mark, lose their sheen or change texture.
• Garments with beading, sequins, stones, heavy embroidery or glued trims.
• Lined dresses and gowns, where the lining and outer fabric can shrink by different amounts.
• Leather and suede, which need a specialist cleaner rather than a normal dry cleaner.

Kente, smocks and African print

Hand-woven cloth such as kente is often sent for professional cleaning because some threads can bleed colour and the weave can loosen or distort if it is scrubbed or wrung. If you clean kente at home, use cold water and a mild detergent, test a hidden corner first, do not wring or scrub, and dry it flat in the shade.

Smocks (fugu or batakari) are heavy hand-woven cotton. Many can be gently hand washed in cold water, but test for colour bleeding first and dry them in the shade.

Wax print and other cotton African prints can normally be washed. To keep the colours bright, wash them inside out in cold water, separately the first few times, avoid chlorine bleach, and dry them out of direct sun.

Clothes that are fine to wash

Cotton T-shirts, jeans, most polyester and blended shirts, gym wear, bedsheets and towels are made for washing. Follow the temperature on the label, wash darks and colours separately from whites, and turn printed or dark items inside out.

Where ironing and pressing fit

Ironing and steam pressing are finishing steps, not cleaning. Many laundries offer them on their own for clothes that are already clean, or together with washing. Never iron over a stain: heat can set it permanently. Point out stains to your laundry before cleaning so they can be treated first.

Storing clothes after dry cleaning

Take clothes out of the thin plastic covers when you get home. The plastic traps moisture, which in a humid climate can lead to mildew and yellowing. Store them on proper hangers in a breathable cloth cover instead.

Booking dry cleaning with Simame

In the Simame - Laundry Connect app you can choose a partner laundry that offers dry cleaning, see its prices for items like suits and dresses, and book pickup and delivery. The app is free on Google Play.

Common questions