A lot of the time, we automatically take suits to the dry-cleaners rather than washing them at home. Whilst this is a safe method of keeping them clean without ruining them, it can get pretty costly. Moreover, it's time-consuming and isn't always necessary.Â
So, we’ll help you save money by teaching you how to dry clean at home without a kit. Keep reading to learn how to wash a blazer at home with your hands.
How much does it cost to dry clean a suit?
According to Grand View Research statistics, the 2022 global laundry and dry-cleaning services market size was valued at USD 69.3 billion.[1] Indeed, more and more people prefer to bring their clothes to the dry cleaners. However, not everyone has the money and time to do that regularly.
A professional dry-cleaner may charge from £15 up to anywhere near £40 to dry clean a two-piece suit. This can increase depending on the fabric or whether the suit is a two-piece or three-piece. Over time, it can be costly to maintain a suit from dry-cleaners rather than doing it at home. To clear things up, here’s everything you need to know about how to dry clean at home and whether you can machine-wash your suit.
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How to dry clean a suit at home
You can buy machines that’ll clean your suit for you from the comfort of your own home. Often pretty costly, these devices are probably only suited to people who visit the dry-cleaners every week or so with a new stash of clothes.
You can also buy dry cleaning kits to wash your suit yourself. These aren’t so good for handling stains and tough dirt, but they can do a pretty good job on lightly-worn suits.
Instead, here are some easy steps showing how you can wash a dry-clean only suit at home.
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1
Check the label to machine-wash suit jackets
Check the label to machine-wash suit jackets
If you’re wondering whether washing a suit at home would ruin it, the first thing you need to do is check the label. Sometimes, ‘Dry clean only’ is put on more as a precaution than anything else. If your suit is made out of wool, silk, cotton or linen but is labelled as dry clean only, chances are you can wash it at home. Sometimes, you can even machine-wash suit jackets.Â
Quick Tip: Check out our guide on washing symbols on wash care labels to avoid damaging your suit.
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2
Test-clean suit at home
Before going ahead and washing your suit, test a small area to see what happens. To do this, apply water to a small area of your suit, and a little detergent and fabric conditioner. Then, swipe a cotton swab over the washed section. If any of the dye comes off onto the cotton swab, you’ll need to get the suit dry cleaned. If it doesn’t, you’re good to go.
Washing suit jacket linings should also be tested just the same, as these are often visible when worn.
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3
Wash suit
Now it’s time to wash your suit. Dip your suit in and out of a bowl of cold water with Persil Silk & Wool until it’s suitably cleaned and gently rub at any areas where there are marks. Then, rinse it off with cold water and leave it to air dry naturally.
If you’d rather machine wash, put your suit into a mesh bag after turning it inside out. Choose the gentlest option for washing and make sure it’s set to cold. Once the wash is done, take out your suit and lay it out flat to dry. Easy!
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How to Remove Stains from a Suit: Tips and Techniques
When it comes to removing stains from a suit, prompt action is crucial. Start by identifying the stain type, as different stains may require specific treatment methods. For water-based stains like coffee or wine, gently blot the stain with a clean cloth or sponge. Oil-based stains, such as grease or salad dressing, can be treated with a small amount of dish soap or a stain remover.Â
Apply the solution to the stain, working from the outside in, and let it sit for a few minutes before gently blotting or dabbing. For stubborn stains, consider professional dry cleaning. Always follow the care instructions on the suit label and test any cleaning solution on a hidden area first.
Pro Tip: We recommend reading our guide on how to get stains out of clothes to discover practical washing hacks for your suit.
It is possible to wash a dry-clean only suit at home, as long as you’re careful and take all the precautions we’ve mentioned here. Once you know how to do it, you can save a whole lot of time and money!
Frequently Asked Questions about Dry Cleaning a Suit at Home
Q. Can I dry clean my own suit?
Yes, but make sure to read the wash care label attached to the suit. This way, you can dry clean your suit without damaging it.
Q. How do you dry a suit after washing it?
Lay the suit on a clean towel, then roll it like a sleeping bag. Doing so will remove the excess water. Unroll the towel, then hang the suit on a drying rack.
Q. How do I know if my suit needs dry cleaning?
Suits typically have to be dry-cleaned once every six weeks. You need to do it more often if you frequently wear a suit.
References:
1. Dry-cleaning And Laundry Services Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Residential, Commercial), By Services (Dry Cleaning, Duvet Cleaning, Laundry), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 - 2030. (n.d.). https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/dry-cleaning-laundry-services-market
