Five Tips for DIY Dry Cleaning It happens to the best of us: You pull out your favorite cashmere sweater to wear on your Saturday in the city only to find it has a stain on the sleeve. Though you have time to throw a load of laundry into the washing machine, you find the tag on your sweater that has the dreaded label that reads “Dry Clean Only.” A wave of panic washes over you when you realize that you don’t have time to take it your dry cleaning Santa Monica spot. Fortunately, with these five tips and tricks for at home dry-cleaning; you can be your dry cleaner, allowing you to save time and money. Bring the dry cleaner to you!
Dry cleaning kits like Dryel sell for about $7 and are easy to use. Simply put up to four of your favorite garments in a Dryel bag, add the cleaning cloth and put it in the dryer. After thirty minutes, hang your clothes to dry and they will be clean and ready to wear.
Get your hands dirty (or clean)
Many fine materials like cashmere, rayon, wool, and silk can be hand washed. Just pair a gentle detergent with a pair of gloves, and you’re ready to get to work. But be careful, washing instructions vary according to material. For wool and cashmere, use 100-degree water and lay flat to dry. For silk, the water can reach up to 120 degrees and hang indoors out of direct sunlight to dry. Rayon should be washed in cold water, avoid twisting the garment.
When life gives you lemons, make a stain remover
Although sweating is a natural bodily function, evidence of it can be embarrassing. Removing the sweat stains from your favorite white shirt does not require a trip to the dry cleaner. Mix lemon juice with water and apply it to sweat stains. Stick the shirt in the washer and the sweat stains will disappear.
Hand sanitizer kills germs… and ink?
Who knew that that little bottle of hand sanitizer you carry in your car during flu season could also function as a stain remover? Believe it or not, hand sanitizer can remove even the most severe ink stain. Squirt some hand sanitizer over the stain, let it sit for about ten minutes, and then toss it in the wash.
Go for a steam
Dry cleaners often steam clothes for a perfectly pressed look but did you know you can steam your clothes at home if you’re in a hurry? You can use a garment steamer or an iron to blast a cloud of steam over your clothes and remove wrinkles. If you’re the kind of person who likes to multitask, hang your clothes in your bathroom while you shower and let the steam from the hot water take care of the rest.
Although these tips are quick and cost effective, a good cleaning can’t save your clothes if your clothes are not the right fit. Some dry cleaning services like a dry cleaning Santa Monica spot offer special services like alterations to make your clothes specially tailored for you.