How To Do Dry Cleaning At Home?
By: John Garcia | Date Posted: October 14, 2022
Table of Contents
- How does dry cleaning the old way even work? And is it a good idea to dry-clean clothes at home?
- What materials are required to get started?
- How do you do dry cleaning at home?[+]
- Dry Cleaning At Home Product Recommendations[+]
- 1. Woolite At-Home Dry Cleaner Dry Cleaning Cloths and Stain Removal, Easy to Use, Safe on Wool, Cashmere, and Designer Jeans, Fresh Scent, 14 Cloths
- 2. ForceField Dry Cleaning Fluid for Fine Fabrics
- 3. Stardrops – The Pink Stuff – The Miracle All-Purpose Cleaning Paste
- 4. Dryel – CRB-12000v2 Dryel At-Home Mega Dry Cleaner Starter Kit, Includes Dry Cleaning Cloths and To-Go Stain Removal Pen – 14 Load Capacity
- 5. AlbaChem® PSR II Powdered Dry Cleaning Fluid
Dry cleaning can be an expensive household expense. The cost of professional dry cleaning might add up, but you can save money by washing your dry-cleaned garments at home in a washing machine or by hand.
Even if dry cleaning is specified in the care instructions, that doesn’t mean you should have it done. If you choose to dry clean your clothes at home, it is important to examine the garment’s composition in order to select the best cleaning agents and procedures for the fabric or combination of textiles used.
How does dry cleaning the old way even work? And is it a good idea to dry-clean clothes at home?
Boyd says that instead of water and detergent, it breaks down stains with chemicals like tetrachloroethylene or perchloroethylene, or “perc.” But most things that say “dry clean only” can still be washed by hand, like silk, some synthetics, lace, wool, cashmere, and other knits.
Besides saving money, a big benefit of this method is that it makes your clothes last longer. “Fine fabrics can get caught in the drum of a washing machine, which can damage the fibers or details,” says Whiting. “Delicate fabrics can also be damaged by using too hot of water or a spin cycle that is too rough.”
But if you don’t have much time and have a washing machine at home (envy), you can wash delicate items in it if you use the right detergent and don’t set the temperature too high. Also, you should use a mesh bag to avoid the above snags.
What materials are required to get started?
Fill a basin or a large bowl (make sure it’s clean before you start!) with water. Have a look at the general rule of thumb I’ve provided for you.
Silk, lace, wool, and cashmere must be washed in cool or cold water.
Use warm or hot water for washing delicate synthetics, wool, cashmere, and cotton.
The key, too? Boyd thinks it’s important to use the right detergent for the job. Washing detergent designed for routine use on fabrics like cotton, linen, and synthetics that hold up well is fine, but wool and cashmere, which are more sensitive, need special detergents designed for them. She suggests using a pH-balanced Wool & Cashmere Shampoo. Still, you may also use detergents like Woolite Extra Delicates, Love Beauty & Planet, or Slip, which is designed specifically for silk. Even though it’s labeled for silk pillowcases, you can use it on any other silk product.
How do you do dry cleaning at home?
Even while you should normally have your local cleaner take care of things, you can do them on your own if necessary. Whiting advises first determining the type of jacket being worn. The instructions above apply to leather and suede, but if you have a wool or down coat, here’s what you need to do.
1. Deal With Odors And Stains
Treat any stains as soon as possible. Do you smell anything offensive, like smoke, body odour, or mildew? After that, soak your jacket in a mixture of 1/4 cup of scented vinegar and 30 minutes of cool water.
2. Wash
- Washable add-ons like hoods and faux-fur lining should be stored in a mesh laundry bag. You should wash your coat in the washing machine, inside out. Wash the item in cool water on the machine’s delicate or woolen cycle. Wool and cashmere detergent should be added at the recommended dose for your machine and load size.
- When washing by hand, using a tub full of lukewarm water and a gentle detergent on your coat is best. Combine by hand, and soak for as long as half an hour.
3. Dry
- Boyd suggests using the low heat and low tumble cycle to dry down and fiberfill coats, and then repeating the drying cycle until ALL moisture is gone. To aid in the redistribution and fluffing up of feathers and filling after washing, you can also add drier balls or even clean tennis balls (? ).
- Take the down coat out of the dryer and shake it at the halfway point to disperse the feathers. Gently break up any leftover clumps with your hands and throw it back into the dryer. A useful hint is that excess water in a large down coat might cause mildew to form, so it’s important to dry the coat completely before storing it.
- Always hang your wool clothing to dry in the fresh air.
Dry-washing may be a pain in the butt and quite expensive, especially if you wear a lot of wool sweaters in the chilly winter months. Thankfully, most items labeled “dry clean” or “dry clean only” can be washed at home with a little time and effort.
Dry Cleaning At Home Product Recommendations
No products found.
1. Woolite At-Home Dry Cleaner Dry Cleaning Cloths and Stain Removal, Easy to Use, Safe on Wool, Cashmere, and Designer Jeans, Fresh Scent, 14 Cloths

Specifications:
- Scent: Fresh
- Material Type: Perchloroethylene free, chemical free,trichloroethylene free, phosphate
- Brand: Woolite
- Unit Count: 14.0 Count
- Formulation Type: Concentrated
Woolite At-Home Dry Cleaner makes dry cleaning easy and convenient. Woolite offers 3X care as it removes odors, removes stains, and releases wrinkles from dry clean only, special care clothing, and difficult-to-clean items. Woolite gently cleans and will not cause shrinking, stretching, or fading. Advanced cleaning technology ensures no harsh chemicals. Woolite is safer to use on more fabrics than any other At-Home Dry Cleaner. This fast, easy, and bag-free cleaner allows dirt and lint to collect in the dryer filter and not on your clothes. Clothes are refreshed, de-wrinkled, and ready to wear in minutes. Use regularly to save time and money on dry cleaning and to protect the special care items you love, so they look newer and longer.
Conclusion:
A family-owned business that started in 1958, Summit Brands offers highly effective, sustainable, and innovative household cleaning products. Summit Brands began with the distribution of multi-purpose rust stain remover, Iron Out, and has since branched out to include a broader line of specialty cleaning products under the OUT, Glisten, and Plink brands. As category leaders in many consumer segments, we aim to provide high-quality cleaning products that fit the consumer’s needs with guaranteed results.
No products found.
Pros
- I followed the directions, and everything came out great!
- This is a useful alternative to multiple trips to a professional dry cleaner
- Easy and cost-effective
Cons
- The “stain removal” cloth is too small, dries up quickly, and there is not nearly enough in the box.
- Did not remove the spots on my suit jacket or pants.
2. ForceField Dry Cleaning Fluid for Fine Fabrics

Specifications:
- Brand: ForceField
- Item Form: Liquid
- Item Volume: 125 Milliliters
Forcefield Dry Cleaning Fluid is specially designed for applications for which water-based cleaners are not suitable. It can be used on silk and synthetic materials with the “S” (dry clean only) designation.
Conclusion:
In addition, this professional strength product will remove even the toughest oily and greasy stains that water-based cleaners can’t remove. Combining natural citrus with deep cleaning solvents has created a product with superior grease and oil-lifting properties.
No products found.
Pros
- This worked beautifully to remove a chocolate stain from Knoll boucle fabric
- It did not discolor the fabric at all
- I would recommend something to have on hand for stains in fabrics that can’t be washed.
Cons
- They promised to clean and take the odor out of clothes !!! It didn’t do either!!
- Do not use this on cotton shirts (I did not try it on other fabrics) for stain/spot removal.
3. Stardrops – The Pink Stuff – The Miracle All-Purpose Cleaning Paste

Specifications:
- Brand: Stardrops
- Item Form: Paste
- Specific Uses For Product: Sinks, Furniture, Glass
The Pink Stuff paste made cleaning easier than ever before While saving you time, space & money Lasts way longer than any other liquid detergent. Remove stains, Grease, or grime from just about anything, Stoves, Kitchen Floors, metal, ceramics, porcelain, marble, wood, silverware, jewelry, glass shower doors, fiberglass doors, glass stove tops, countertops, toilets, sinks, bathtubs, car wheels, stainless steel
Conclusion:
Stardrops Paste won’t leave any scratches or streaks. Works Instantly -removes stains from Rust, Pen, Marker, Crayons, Paint, Permanent Marker
Sparkling streak-free shine.
No products found.
Pros
- A must-have for toddler moms!
- The Pink Stuff worked when nothing else did.
- This is a truly amazing product!!
Cons
- It did not work at all.
- It’s a waste of time and expense. It contains salt, by the way…
4. Dryel – CRB-12000v2 Dryel At-Home Mega Dry Cleaner Starter Kit, Includes Dry Cleaning Cloths and To-Go Stain Removal Pen – 14 Load Capacity

Specifications:
- Item Form: Liquid
- Scent: Breezy Clean Scent
- Item Weight: 1.5 Pounds
- Brand: Dryel
Dryel’s at-home dry cleaner works better than any other. Our patented bag harnesses the power of steam to gently and effectively clean your special care clothes. Skip the dry cleaner’s hassle, expense, and harsh chemicals and choose Dryel for all your dry cleaning needs. Our at-home dry cleaner is compatible with standard and HE machines, making it perfect for every household.
Conclusion:
With included stain & odor removal spray and an on-the-go stain removal pen, Dryel can save you up to 90 percent of the cost of dry cleaning. With 3 easy steps, Dryel provides you with a ready-to-wear look in as little as 15 minutes.
No products found.
Pros
- This works great on my several NASCAR jackets.
- Great value and always works well
- It really saves you from shrinking or washing the life out of your favorite clothes.
Cons
- This product did not work as advertised
- Expensive
5. AlbaChem® PSR II Powdered Dry Cleaning Fluid

Specifications:
- Brand: ALBAChem
- Item Form: Liquid
- Specific Uses For Product: Stain Remover
- Item Volume: 12.5 Fluid Ounces
PSR Powdered Dry Cleaning Fluid Brush Off Spot Remover 12.5 ounces can – Made in the U.S.A. Removes grease and oil stains from all fabrics. Spray on, let dry, then just brush off! Cleaning fluid acts as a “MAGNET” to pull out spots and stains from the fabric. It sprays on as a liquid, then dries as a powder. Brush away the powder along with the spots & stains! AlbaChem PSR powder Spot Remover #1062 is designed to easily remove tough stains from all types of fabrics without harming delicate fibers.
Conclusion:
Unlike other powdered sprays, AlbaChem PSR contains no chlorinated solvents or other toxic chemicals. PSR has a low odor, will not “ring,” and dries quickly. Use on silk, satin, cotton, wool, taffeta, polyester, blends, and all other fabrics. Removes Grease and Oil from all Fabrics Does not contain toxic chemicals Spray On / Let Dry / Brush Off-Net Wt. 12.5 oz (354 grams) Link for MSDS Sheet.
No products found.
Pros
- It took too easy applications- spray on, let dry, brush off- and it cleaned up everything perfectly, even the ring from the other cleaner. Great product!
- Just make sure to let it dry and then softly remove the white cover. It did the job!
- This is absolutely lifesaving for clothing with oil spots.
Cons
- It doesn’t really work that well
- Not an effective cleaner, defective sprayer.
Thank you for reading!