Well, believe it or not, certain dry-clean-only items can be cleaned at home—and doing so will save you some time, money, and environmental impact. Here’s how to do it, from healthy home expert and founder and CEO of EntirelyEco Loni Brown. Garments are then placed in large machines that run at just the right temperature to help loosen debris and stains. Then, everything gets filtered and drained, and new solvent is added, she explains. “The process is repeated a couple of times until all soil is flushed away. Once that full process is completed, then the garment is finished when it is pressed and/or steamed and then folded or hung and bagged.” Because of the amount of chemicals used in the traditional dry-cleaning process, she notes residue can remain on the clothing, adding, “For that reason, I rarely if ever recommend dry cleaning.” More eco-friendly dry cleaners are opening up these days, and they prioritize solvents that are gentler on clothing and better for the health of employees. But if you, too, would rather take matters into your own hands, here’s what Brown recommends. With these fabrics, you still need to be careful about color bleeding. Test a discreet area of the clothing by dampening it with water then dabbing it with a white cloth. (If it bleeds, you’ll want to give it to the professionals.) Add your garment to the water-and-soap solution, and gently swish it around. Then, let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes. For a fresh scent, you can add a few drops of essential oils to the wool balls—but read this note on safety first.
