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Dry cleaning is an important step in maintaining your clothes. It will help keep them looking new and smelling fresh.
However, it can be expensive to have dry-cleaning done at a professional cleaner, and sometimes you can’t afford to send your clothes out for dry-cleaning. There are many ways to get the job done at home for those on a budget.
Thankfully, there are many ways to do it yourself. Whether you prefer using a machine or doing it by hand, read on for some easy tips and tricks that will make sure your clothes look as good as new.
1. Inspect the Clothes
Before you begin, be sure to read the care label inside your garment carefully. It will tell you exactly how it should be dry-cleaned and laundered.
If your clothing is not machine washable or has other special instructions, then, by all means, do not put them in a washing machine. You should also check for tires or holes in your clothes that could potentially cause a problem in the dryer.
Try repairing any tears or holes before you dry clean them to avoid further damage. If you find yourself having a hard time following the instructions, you could search for dry cleaners near me so that you can have them dry clean your clothes for you.
2. Treat Stains
There are different types of stains, and each one needs to be treated differently. For example, first, blot grease or oil stains with a dry cloth to remove as much of the stain as possible.
Then use a pre-treatment agent specifically for that type of stain before putting it in the washing machine. However, if you are dealing with an organic stain like grass or bloodstains, use cold water to rinse the affected area.
Using hot water can make it harder for your clothes to come clean in the future. If there is a large amount of dirt on your clothing that won’t budge even after rinsing with cold water, then go ahead and use a little bit of detergent.
There are many different stain removers on the market, but always choose one that is safe for the color and fabric of your garment.
If you find that stains are a common problem in your household, consider investing in some stain removers to ensure they don’t stand a chance against your dryer.
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3. Button and Zip
Before putting clothes in the dryer, be sure to fasten all buttons and zippers. It will help prevent them from becoming caught in the machine and tearing or damaging the fabric. If there are any loose buttons, sew them back on.
If not, you can use a bit of clear nail polish to secure the loose thread and keep it from further unraveling. You wouldn’t want to lose a button in the dryer and have it go flying across the room.
4. Dry Cleaning Machines versus Hand Washing
There are pros and cons to both methods of cleaning your clothes. If you choose to use a machine, be sure to read the instructions carefully and select the right setting for your garment.
Use a lower heat setting if you are using a machine with an agitator, and use the gentle cycle if your machine has other settings. If you choose to wash by hand, fill a bucket or sink with cold water and add some detergent before soaking your clothes overnight.
Be sure to turn them inside out first so that they can get clean on both sides. Alternatively, you could search for dry cleaners near you, find the one you like, and get your clothes dry cleaned. Whichever method you choose, be sure to follow the care instructions on your clothing label for best results.
5. Let the Dry Cleaner Solvent Do the Cleaning
When you put the clothes in the dry cleaner, make sure that there is enough solvent left in the canister to do the cleaning. It will help dissolve any dirt or oil stains and remove them from the fabric.
If there isn’t enough solvent left, you run the risk of not getting your clothes clean. You may also need to add more solvent during the drying process if the clothes are not coming out as clean as they should be.
You can purchase dry cleaning solvent at most hardware stores. You need to get one specifically made for use in clothes dryers.
6. Let the Dryer Do the Work
Set the clothes in the dryer to medium heat when you place the clothes in the dryer. If you wish to use a laundry sheet or fabric softener, add that and reduce your temperature by one level.
Start the dryer on its lowest cycle for 15 minutes before turning up the heat gradually until you reach your desired temperature. All the clothes need to dry completely, and you may need to repeat this process a couple of times.
Be sure not to overload your dryer with clothes, or else they will take longer to dry. If the load is too big, do half at a time if possible. You can choose how many minutes you would like it to run for before stopping automatically as well.
5. Prevent Wrinkles
Once the clothes are dry, hang them up immediately to prevent wrinkles. It is especially important if you plan to wear the clothes right away. If not, fold or place them neatly in a draw, so they don’t wrinkle more while waiting to be worn again.
Placing clothes in a drawer will also help keep them from balling up. But the most effective way is to hang them up. Sure, wrinkles will happen over time, but they will look nicer for longer if you can minimize them as much as possible. A wrinkle-free garment is a happy garment.
6. Use an Iron
If you want to ensure that your clothes are wrinkle-free, you should use an iron. Use the steam setting and iron them while still slightly damp for best results.
If any stubborn wrinkles don’t go away, try using a bit of spray starch to help hold them in place. Ironing when you are in a rush can be a bit of a challenge, so try to iron your clothes when they are fresh out of the dryer for the best results.
Storing clothes neatly hanged, folded, or placed in a drawer will help you save time when it is your turn to iron them.
In conclusion, dry cleaning clothes at home can be a good way to save money, but it can also be risky. Use caution when handling chemicals or hot water and ensure that the room is well ventilated if you use dry cleaning fluid.
Always read the instructions on the solvent canister and the clothing label to make sure you are using it correctly.
And finally, hang your clothes up as soon as they come out of the dryer to avoid wrinkles. With a little bit of practice, you’ll be able to dry clean like a pro in no time.
