What would happen if I machine-wash a dry clean only garment?

Question

What would happen if I machine-wash a dry clean only garment?

Answer 1

will probably shrink

Answer 2

It can shrink it or fade, or fall apart. You can however buy a product called dryell and 'REFRESH" DRY CLEANer only clothes in the dryer.

Answer 3

Depends on the material. If its wool you would probably ruin it. Other than that its probably washable on the delicate cycle of your machine. Hang to dry. The dry cleaning only tag is usually there to protect the seller but most items can be either washed on delicate or hand washed. If its something that could fade then rinse in cold water and vinegar before to set the color.

Answer 4

It depends on the fabric.  I machine washed a wool coat and it shrunk it majorly.  I have successfully machine washed a dress that said dry clean only and air dried it and it was ok.   I think lots of times it's because the fabric will ruin if jerked around in the washer because it's delicate.  

Answer 5

A lot of clothing manufacturers label things as dry clean only just to be extra-safe.  Most things can be washed, cold water on gentle cycle and then laid flat to dry.

The big question you have to ask yourself is "how upset will you be if you ruin the piece of clothing?"

Answer 6

easy: never buy anything that has to be dry cleaned!

Answer 7

It used to be that dry-clean only garments were constructed from materials which could be damaged simply by immersion in plain water, and in some cases were glued together with a water based glue which was impervious to the dry cleaning fluids. Today, most are just really fragile and it is the mechanical agitation of a washing machine which does the damage. Some garments still use the fragile fabrics which will literally come apart in water. Most original creations in the fashion industry are dry-clean only, but the knock-offs sold in the department stores later in the fashion season are machine washable and cost a whole lot less...