Which Pieces of Clothing Need to be Dry Cleaned vs Washed at Home

Adding a fresh new piece of clothing to your wardrobe is always a treat, but keeping it looking brand new? That’s the real challenge. Not all fabrics are created equal—some need a little more TLC than others. Sometimes, it’s as simple as following the “Dry Clean Only” tag, while other times, you’re left scratching your head over terms like “Hand Wash” (and what exactly do you do after that?). To clear up the confusion, here’s a quick guide on what you can toss in your washing machine and what needs a trip to the pros.

At Home: Cotton and Synthetic Fabrics (Nylon, Polyester)

Cotton: Stick to warm or cool water and regular detergent. Hot water can make colors fade faster than a summer fling. The same goes for synthetics like polyester and nylon. When drying, opt for a delicate or permanent press cycle, and hang them up right after to dodge any wrinkle drama.

Denim: Turn those jeans inside out, wash in cold water, and let them hang dry. Denim is sturdy but needs special care, especially if it’s raw denim (which shouldn’t be washed at all!). For high-end or blended denim, a chat with your dry cleaner can go a long way.

At Home by Hand, or Professionally Washed: Cashmere Blends

Cashmere blends are luxurious but delicate. Hand wash them in cold or lukewarm water with gentle laundry soap. No wringing, please! Dry flat on a mesh rack to keep its shape. Or, pop it into a laundry bag and use the most delicate machine cycle to mimic hand washing.

If this sounds too labor-intensive, let the pros handle it. Your cashmere will thank you.

Professionally Cleaned: Silk, Leather, Velvet, Wool, Chiffon, and Others

Delicate fabrics like silk, leather, velvet, chiffon, and wool should be trusted to a professional. These materials can easily be ruined if not handled correctly, and a skilled dry cleaner will keep them looking fabulous for years to come.

Suits, gowns, and other professional attire also deserve a trip to the dry cleaners to maintain their shape and longevity.

TBD: Accessories, or Embellished Fabrics

Got something with sequins, beads, or other fancy embellishments? Or maybe a cherished hat? A damp cloth can often do the trick for cleaning minor spots, but storage is key—keep them out of the sun and in a cool, dry place to avoid color fading. If you're dealing with delicate details, hand wash with gentle detergent or, for embroidered pieces, turn them inside out and use a mesh laundry bag on a delicate cycle.

If it feels too tricky, your dry cleaner is just a visit away.

When in Doubt…

Can’t make sense of the label? No label? Dealing with a stubborn stain? When in doubt, swing by your local dry cleaner. They’ll know exactly what to do, and if they can’t handle it themselves, they likely have a trusted resource who can.