Clothes with "dry clean only" tags are there for a reason, yet, many of us don’t pay much attention to them. Or, if we do notice them, we often convince ourselves that a gentle wash at home will be just as good. Maybe you get lucky, but more often than not, you end up with a shrunken sweater, a misshaped blazer, or a delicate dress that’s faded and stretched.

The reality is, some fabrics and styles are only suited for dry cleaning because this method uses environmentally friendly solvents that gently clean and remove stains without the harsh effects of water and agitation. If you’re unsure which wardrobe pieces need this level of care, keep reading as we list the five must-dry-clean items you shouldn’t risk throwing into your home washer.

Silk Garments

Silk is the ultimate luxury fabric – it’s smooth, delicate, and has a natural sheen that can elevate any outfit. However, it’s also one of the most delicate fabrics you can own. This natural fiber requires special handling to keep intact its sheen, softness, and overall appearance. That’s why silk garments are at the top of the list for dry cleaning—they need gentle care that won’t compromise their beauty.

Dry cleaning uses solvents that are much kinder to silk than water and detergent, preserving its texture and preventing damage to the delicate fibers. Whether it's a silk blouse, dress, or scarf, trusting a professional cleaner ensures your piece maintains its shape, color, and smooth finish.

Consequences of Not Dry Cleaning Silk

• Silk is highly susceptible to losing its vibrant color when exposed to water and detergent.
• Silk can develop stubborn watermarks and stains from even a gentle wash at home, and these can be nearly impossible to remove.
• The agitation from a washing machine can cause silk to stretch, wrinkle, or lose its natural sheen, making your garment look worn out and less polished.

Suits

Suits are investment pieces meant to fit and flatter. The structure of a suit – the lining, shoulder pads, and stitching – can all be compromised by traditional washing. Dry cleaning is essential for suits because these garments are often made of wool, linen, or delicate blends that don’t respond well to water or heat. Dry cleaning also preserves the fabric, shape, and crispness of your suit, so it always looks tailored and polished. Plus, proper pressing at the cleaners ensures wrinkle free results.

Consequences of Not Dry Cleaning Suits

• Suits look rumpled rather than refined.
• Washing suits with water can cause the fabric to sag or stretch.
• The inner lining can shrink or warp when exposed to water, affecting the overall fit and feel.
• The natural fibers in suits, like wool or linen, can lose their texture and finish when not professionally cleaned.

Leather and Suede Collections

When it comes to leather and suede, we’re talking about materials that require some serious expertise. These fabrics are not just pieces of clothing—they're a statement. Regular washing strips these materials of their natural oils, leading to dryness and cracking. A professional dry cleaning service uses special treatments to clean and condition the leather or suede without causing damage. It’s all about maintaining the supple feel and rich look that makes these pieces so iconic.

Consequences of Not Dry Cleaning Leather and Suede

• Using harsh chemicals or water-based cleaners can cause these materials to lose their rich, vibrant colors.
• Improper cleaning methods can strip leather and suede of their natural softness, leaving them rough or brittle.
• Washing leather or suede with water can cause stains and discoloration, and even lead to the material stiffening or cracking.

Embellished or Beaded Clothing

We all have that special piece – maybe a dress with delicate sequins or a top with intricate beadwork. These embellishments are beautiful, but they’re also a nightmare to clean at home. The agitation of a washing machine can easily pull off beads, tangle threads, or loosen glued-on decorations. Dry cleaning ensures these decorative elements stay securely in place while preserving the fabric underneath.

Consequences of Not Dry Cleaning Embellished or Beaded Clothing

• The agitation in a washing machine can cause beads, sequins, or embellishments to snag, break, or fall off.
• Embroidery or threadwork can easily become tangled, stretched, or damaged if not handled with care.
• The adhesives used to attach embellishments may harden or wrinkle when exposed to water, affecting the garment's overall look and feel.

Wool Coats

Wool coats are winter staples – keeping you cozy, stylish, and protected from the cold. But wool is a finicky fabric that doesn’t react well with water. Washing it at home can cause shrinkage, distortion of shape, or make it feel scratchy and rough. Dry cleaning, on the other hand, maintains the softness and structure of the wool, ensuring your coat keeps you warm and looking sharp throughout the colder months. Dry cleaning is designed to make sure your investment piece stays timeless, season after season.

Consequences of Not Dry Cleaning Wool Coats

• Wool is highly absorbent and can shrink or lose its tailored shape when exposed to water or heat.
• Machine washing can cause wool fibers to break down, leading to unsightly pilling and a rough texture.
• Wool is difficult to iron, so once wrinkles set in from machine washing, they can be nearly impossible to remove.

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Don't overburden yourself with laundry when there's a better way. Apple Cleaners offers exceptional dry cleaning service in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area. We offer an exclusive, twice-a-week pickup and delivery service throughout Illinois and Missouri. You’ll get the same personalized service as in store – without the hassle – because we handle your order from start to finish.

Take advantage of this FREE service by calling our customer service at 636-327-8100. Sign up today and let Apple Cleaners make laundry and dry cleaning the easiest part of your week!