How to Wash Dry Clean Only Clothes at Home
Author: Julie Baka
Can you wash clothes labeled "Dry Clean Only" at home? Sometimes, but it depends on the fabric, dyes, and construction of the garment. This guide explains how to carefully hand wash certain delicate items, how to dry them without stretching or damaging the fabric, and which garments are better left to professional dry cleaners.
Can You Wash Dry Clean Only Clothes at Home?
Sometimes! But there are important exceptions... (see list below for items best taken to the professionals)
For best results always use cold water and a gentle cleanser formulated for delicate fabrics, although some gentle liquid face soaps also work well. Hand wash by dipping the fabric in and out of the sudsy water. Gently scrub with your fingertips the areas of heavy soil like the armpits and the neckline. *Never use bleaches, regular laundry cleansers, fabric softeners, or rinse additives.
After you have hand washed your dry clean only garments, roll them tightly in an absorbent towel. Then unroll the towel and move the garment to a dry part of the towel and roll again. Continue this until garment no longer feels drippy. It may take 2-5 rollings. Never wring or twist your dry clean only garment - even when they are in the towel.
If the garment is stretchy like a sweater you will want to re-shape and dry it flat on top of a surface that supports it evenly. Many people like to use the top of our round drying rack for that. If it is made of silk, wool or other natural animal fibers you should not place your rack in the direct sunlight.
Before drying, give your clothing a gentle shake - this separates the front from the back of the material for faster drying time as well as removing any wrinkles caused by the rolling process.
Tops and dresses should be hung by the shoulders. Be sure to straighten the collars into the position you want them to dry in. If it is a very windy day you may need to add a few clothespins to keep items on the clothesline. If it is a rainy or very cold day, you can hang your items on a clothes airer in your house. For faster drying times, place the clothes drying rack near a register or a fan.
Which Dry Clean Only Clothes Should Not Be Hand Washed?
- Clothing that is made from acetate fibers.
- Leather or suede items.
- There is a special finish on the garment, such as fabrics that are stiff. These may have a stabilizing finish to maintain the stiffness.
- It is a rayon garment. Rayon may shrink, stretch, or lose its shape when washed in water.
- The garment is very special to you. If you would be sad if washing by hand changed the garment in any way, then have it dry cleaned.
Disclaimer: You are responsible for any suggestions you choose to follow, or not follow. This advice is offered for consideration with no guarantee of safety or effectiveness. Use this information at your own risk.
Article modified 11/11/2026
This article's author, Julie Baka, is the co-owner of BestDryingRack.com and is active in her region's agriculture, energy, and community organizations.
She grew up assisting her mom and grandmother doing the weekly laundry with wringer washer and an outdoor clothesline on their family dairy farm in Indiana.