Not every item in your wardrobe needs to go to the dry cleaners, but some definitely should.
Whether you’re dressing for the office, a dinner event, or just your daily routine, knowing when to dry clean clothes can help keep them in great shape, save money, and extend their lifespan.
Let’s go through the key fabrics and garments that benefit from professional care, and when you can safely skip it.
What Does “Dry Clean Only” Mean?
When you see the label “Dry Clean Only”, it’s not just a suggestion; it’s a care of instruction that protects the fabric structure, color, and texture.
Unlike regular washing, dry cleaning uses chemical solvents instead of water, which gently lift stains and dirt without causing shrinkage or warping.
If you ignore that label and toss these fabrics into a washing machine, they could lose their shape, color, or even fall apart.
Read more about: Dry Cleaning vs Regular Laundry: What’s the Difference?
Clothes You Should Always Dry Clean
Here’s a list of clothing type and fabrics that benefit the most from professional dry cleaning:
#1. Suits and Blazers
Tailored suits and blazers are structured with padding and lining that can get distorted in a washing machine. Dry cleaning keeps the shape crisp and fabric smooth.
Read more about: How to Dry Clean Suit at Home: Step-by-Step Guide
#2. Silk Garments
Silk is a delicate natural fiber that can easily lose its sheen or color if exposed to water or heat. Professional cleaning preserves its luxurious feel and shine.
Read more: How to Wash Silk at Home (and When to Leave It to the Dry-Cleaning Pros)
#3. Wool and Cashmere
Washing wool in water often leads to shrinkage or pilling. Dry cleaning helps maintain its texture and insulation, especially for coats sweaters, and cardigans.
💡Delicate or structured fabrics like wool or silk should be handled by professionals. If you’re nearby, our Tampines dry cleaning team can help protect your clothes.
#4. Linen
Linen wrinkles and distorts easily when washed improperly. Dry cleaning helps retain its crisp texture and shape.
#5. Velvet and Suede
These texture fabrics trap dirt and moisture easily and brushing them at home can damage the fibers. Dry cleaners use special solvents to preserve their smooth finish.
#6. Evening Gowns and Dresses
Formalwear often includes lace, sequins, or beads, all of which can detach or melt in a regular, wash cycle. Professional dry cleaning ensures these delicate details stay intact.
#7. Outerwear (Coats, Jackets, and Blazers)
Many outerwear items have inner linings or mixed materials that make machine washing risky. Dry cleaning keeps them looking polished and long-lasting.
#8. Costumes and Performance Wear
Stage costumes, cosplay outfits, and performance attire are often made of synthetic blends, lace, sequins, or fragile stitching that don’t hold up in water. Professional dry-cleaning removes make up, sweat, and odor buildup while keeping the fabric structure and embellishments intact.
#9. Traditional Outfits (Kurta, Cheongsam, Baju Kurung, etc.)
Traditional garments are often hand-embroidered, beaded, or made with delicate fabrics like silk or chiffon. Improper washing can cause colors to bleed or embellishments to come loose. Dry cleaning preserves the intricate details and ensures these cultural pieces stay beautiful for a year.
Clothes You Can Wash at Home
Not everything needs professional care. Some fabrics are designed for home washing – just make sure you read the label first
| Fabric Type | Care Tip |
|---|---|
|
Cotton |
Wash in cold or warm water; avoid hot drying |
|
Polyester |
Machine washable and wrinkle-resistant |
|
Nylon/Spandex |
Use a gentle detergent; air dry to maintain elasticity |
|
Denim |
Wash inside-out to preserve color and avoid shrinkage |
|
Acrylic/Rayon Blends |
Gentle cycle or hand wash in cool water |
💡Pro Tip: When unsure, test on a hidden seam or do a gentle hand wash. If the fabric stretches or fades, take it to a cleaner next time.
When Should You Dry Clean Clothes?
Even machine-washable fabrics sometimes need professional refreshment. Here’s when you might consider it:
- After a spill or stain, you can’t remove it at home.
- Before and after storage, especially for seasonal clothes like coats or festive wear.
- Before a special event when you want your outfit to look its best.
- When garments start to look dull, even after washing
As a rule of thumb:
If the garment is delicate, structured, or expensive – it’s safer to dry clean.
Why dry cleaning works: Special solvents lift dirt and oil without the friction that damages silk. It preserves the beauty and lifespan of your garment.
Why Professional Dry Cleaning Is Worth It
Beyond convenience, dry cleaning helps your clothes last longer and look newer for years.
- Prevents color fading and shrinkage.
- Removes deep-seated stains without damage.
- Keep fabrics soft and smooth
Where to Find Reliable Dry Cleaning in Singapore
If you’re looking for trusted, affordable dry cleaning near you, The Care Laundry has you covered across multiple convenient locations:
Our Outlet Locations
📍Tampines
Tampines Mall
B2-K1
📍Choa Chu Kang
Lot One Mall
B2-K1
📍FairPrice JEM
50 Jurong Gateway
Road
📍FairPrice NEX
23 Serangoon
Central
Whether it’s your daily office wear or your traditional festive attire, we’ll make sure your clothes come back clean, fresh, and perfectly pressed.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what clothes need dry cleaning helps you make smarter care decisions and saves you from damaging delicate fabrics.
When in doubt, always check the care label and choose a trusted cleaner who knows how to handle each fabric type.
If you’re in Tampines, Lot One, NEX, or JEM area, visit The Care Laundry outlet or order our dry cleaning services online for professional care and spotless results on every fabric.
