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Dry Cleaning vs Washing
Dry cleaning uses a specially formulated chemical solvent, usually either perchloroethylene or a modern environmentally friendly option. This helps protect fragile fabrics and keeps clothes’ shapes intact. It also helps remove oil stains that can’t be removed by water. Hand washing uses water and a mild detergent and is great for washing heavier fabrics such as cotton, linen and many synthetics.
If the garment says ‘Dry Clean Only’ you must ensure that you don’t get any moisture on the fabric, lining or any embellishments. If it just says ‘Dry Cleaning’ it is often advised to take it to a professional, however if you are careful you can hand wash the item.
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12 Clothes You Probably Wash Incorrectly
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1. Silk Blouses and Dresses
Incorrect: Washing in the machine or even hand washing with warm water.
Why: Silk is made from proteins and using water (especially hot water) can cause the fabric to lose its shine, shrink unevenly and leave water marks. The agitation caused by machines can also cause silk to tear.
Solution: Always dry clean silk, particularly if the piece has a lining or any shape. Some pure silk scarves can be hand washed with cold water and a silk-specific detergent, however blouses and dresses should be professionally dry cleaned.
2. Wool Suits/Blazers
Incorrect: Washing in the machine or even hand washing.
Why: Wool can become matted and shrink due to agitation with water. The internal padding and interfacing of blazers also mean the shape can become distorted.
Solution: Dry clean only. A professional will use a gentle solvent and steam press your blazer to return it to its original shape.
3. Cashmere Jumpers
Incorrect: Washing in the machine.
Why: Cashmere is a very sensitive fabric and can easily pill and stretch. Washing in the machine can cause it to shrink.
Solution: Hand wash in cold water with a wool-friendly detergent. However, if it says ‘Dry Clean Only’ on the label, follow suit! Some cashmere blends have treatments that can be ruined by water.
4. Sequin/Beaded Gowns
Incorrect: Hand washing or washing in the machine.
Why: Water can cause the glue to become loose, metal beads to rust and embellishments to fall off. Agitation can also cause tangles.
Solution: Always dry clean. Professionals will know how to clean the sensitive embellishments and will spot clean around them.
5. Shaped Blazers/Jackets
Incorrect: Spot cleaning at home.
Why: Blazers have many layers to create the desired shape. Water can cause them to come apart or shrink unevenly.
Solution: Dry clean only. At Band Box Dry Cleaners we hand finish all our blazers using steam tensioning to return them to their original shape.
6. Leather Jackets
Incorrect: Using any water-based products.
Why: Leather is a porous material and can become stained, stiff or cracked.
Solution: Take it to a professional dry cleaner who specialises in leather. They will use specialist solvents and conditioners to clean your jacket.
7. Suede Footwear/Accessories
Incorrect: Scrubbing with water and soap.
Why: Suede is very sensitive and water can cause permanent damage. Scrubbing can also ruin the nap.
Solution: Use a suede brush to lightly clean. If it needs a deep clean, take it to a dry cleaner who specialises in suede, or use our shoe laundry. Never immerse in water.
8. Delicate Lingerie/Lace
Incorrect: Washing in the machine with normal detergent.
Why: Lace can tear, elastic can go bad and underwires can poke through.
Solution: Hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent, or place in a mesh bag and wash on a delicate setting. If your item is very intricate or old it is safer to dry clean.
9. Shaped Trousers (Wool/Linen)
Incorrect: Washing in the machine and tumble drying.
Why: Shaped trousers often have creases and shaped waists. Washing in the machine can cause them to lose their crease, shrink and become misshapen.
Solution: Dry clean to preserve the shape. For light use you can spot clean and steam at home, however it is best to take them to a professional dry cleaner every few wears.
10. Vintage Fabrics
Incorrect: Using modern detergents.
Why: Vintage fabrics (particularly silk, rayon and old cottons) often have weakened fibres. Water can cause colour run, shrinking and even falling apart.
Solution: Always dry clean vintage items. At Band Box we have over 50 years’ experience cleaning delicate heirlooms such as Kanjeevaram silk sarees and vintage suits.
11. Heavy Curtains
Incorrect: Washing in the machine.
Why: Curtains are often lined, meaning they can shrink unevenly. The weight of wet fabric can also cause damage to your machine.
Solution: Take them to a professional dry cleaner. This will ensure they are evenly cleaned and hung without any wrinkling. Many dry cleaners, including Band Box, provide curtain cleaning.
12. Down Jackets/Vests
Incorrect: Washing in the machine with normal detergent.
Why: Down will ball up when wet and lose its fluffiness. Normal detergent will strip the natural oils from the feathers.
Solution: Use a down-specific detergent and wash on a gentle setting, or take it to a dry cleaner who specialises in down. Band Box Dry Cleaners use a specialist wet cleaning technique which is safe for down.
How to Read Care Labels
The care labels are your best friends! Here’s a quick guide:
- Dry Clean Only – Must be taken to a professional.
- Dry Clean – Should be taken to a professional, but some items may be hand washed.
- Hand Wash – Wash with cold water and gentle detergent. Don’t wring.
- Machine Wash – Usually safe to machine wash as long as the item is made from hardy materials like cotton and synthetics.
If you’re ever unsure, ask a professional. At Band Box Dry Cleaners we will look at your garment to give you advice on the best way to clean it depending on its fabric, lining and trims.
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Why People Get It Wrong And How To Avoid It
Many people worry about getting their laundry wrong. In a 2026 study it was found that over half of people find out that there are more washable fabrics at home than they originally thought. This causes many to wash too much or not enough. A big mistake people make is treating all fabrics the same.
Another mistake people make is scrubbing stains. This forces the stain further into the fibres. Gently dab and, if needed, take it to a professional.
This doesn’t need to be an expert’s job, just knowing when to pass the buck!
Stop Guessing - Let the Experts Handle It
Your clothes are an investment. One wrong wash can cost you a favourite blazer, a treasured silk dress, or a vintage saree that can’t be replaced.
At Band Box Dry Cleaners, we’ve been caring for Bangalore’s wardrobes since 1968. With 15 branches across the city, eco-friendly cleaning methods, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, we make it easy to keep your clothes looking their best.
Book your free pickup today and get your first order cleaned at no extra charge. Your wardrobe will thank you and so will your peace of mind.
Schedule a pickup now. It takes 30 seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Dry Clean Only mean?
This means that the garment’s fabric, lining or embellishments cannot tolerate water. Washing at home can cause shrinkage, loss of colour and damage to the garment. Always follow the labels.
Can I hand wash dry clean only items?
Usually not. Some cashmere/silk items which say Dry Clean rather than Dry Clean Only may be able to be hand washed, but this is risky. If unsure, take the item to Band Box Dry Cleaners who will check it for you for free.
How often should I dry clean my suits/blazers?
Every 3-4 wears or if you notice any stains or smells. Over-cleaning can cause the fabric to become worn, so spot clean between dry cleans and use a garment steamer.
Is dry cleaning better than washing?
It depends on the fabric. Dry cleaning is a gentler option for delicate fabrics and keeps the garment in shape, however it is not needed for everyday cottons. It depends on the garment.
What is wet cleaning?
Wet cleaning is a professional way of using water to clean “Dry Clean Only” items such as silk and wool. This is done using computers to ensure there is no shrinkage. Many modern dry cleaners such as Band Box use eco-friendly wet cleaning.
Can I dry clean at home?
Dry cleaning kits (special cloth and dryer) can be used to give a light refresh but won’t remove oil-based stains or deep dirt. Best to take it to a professional dry cleaning service, like Band Box.
Why does my silk blouse have water marks after hand washing?
Silk is very sensitive to water. Water contains minerals and has a pH which can cause marks to form. It is recommended to dry clean silk.
How can I remove stains from wool?
Don’t scrub. Dab with a clean cloth and take it to a dry cleaner. Wool is very absorbent so will stain easily.