How to Treat Do Not Wash Clothes at Home
Nothing is more annoying than taking a gorgeous new item of clothing out of your shopping bag only to discover a mysterious care label that reads, “Do Not Wash.” Your washing schedule may be disrupted by this simple suggestion, leaving you with a delicate garment that you’re too scared to clean. Do not wash clothes is a serious caution that conventional water and detergent can irreversibly harm the fabric, causing it to stretch, shrink, or lose its shape.
This is where expert services come in. For items that absolutely cannot be washed at home, entrusting them to a professional is the smartest choice. Services like Love2Laundry specialise in handling delicate and speciality garments, providing the expertise and equipment needed to clean your favourite clothes with a do not wash label without risk.
Understanding “Do Not Wash” Labels
The “Do Not Wash clothes” symbol is depicted as a washtub with a large X over it. It means the garment should never be cleaned with water, neither by hand nor in a washing machine. Instead, it requires dry cleaning or another professional method.
The “do not machine wash” symbol appears as a washtub with an X through it, specifically indicating that machine washing is not permitted. Gentle hand washing or dry cleaning may be required, depending on the fabric.
The do not tumble dry symbol is displayed as a square with a circle inside and a large X over it. It means the garment must not be placed in a dryer, since heat and spinning can shrink or damage delicate fabrics.
The not tumble dry symbol carries the same meaning as the above. It advises against using a tumble dryer and instead recommends letting the item air dry naturally to preserve its quality and shape. These laundry symbols provide clear guidance to help you avoid damaging your clothes.
Fabrics Commonly Marked as “Do Not Wash”
Here are some of the fabrics that are mostly marked as do not wash:
Silk, Satin & Delicates
- Silk and satin can lose their sheen and feel when exposed to water.
- Water can create permanent water spots or streaks on the fabric.
- Delicate lace and embellished items can snag or tear in a washer.
- These fabrics can also lose their shape or shrink when subjected to machine agitation.
- The structure of these fibres is simply too fragile for a regular wash cycle.
Wool, Cashmere & Suede
- Wool and cashmere fibres will shrink and become matted or felted in water.
- Tumble drying is also a major threat to these materials.
- Suede is a type of leather that becomes stiff and discoloured when wet.
- These materials require professional dry cleaning to maintain their softness and shape.
- Avoid soaking to prevent irreversible damage to their texture.
Leather & Fur
- Both genuine leather and fur can crack and become brittle when wet.
- Water strips away natural oils, causing the material to lose its suppleness and elasticity.
- Machine washing can cause these materials to warp and irreversibly change shape.
- Faux leather and faux fur might be an exception, but always check the label.
Bonus Read: To learn more about proper care, read our guide on why overwashing can harm your clothes.
Safe At-Home Alternatives (Without Washing)
Here are some of the safe at-home alternatives that you can opt for:
Steaming for Freshness
- Hang the garment in a steamy bathroom or use a handheld steamer.
- The steam helps to relax wrinkles and kill odour-causing bacteria.
- It’s an excellent way to freshen up an item between wears.
- Avoid direct contact with the fabric to prevent water spots.
Spot Cleaning for Small Stains
- Test any cleaning solution on a small, hidden area first.
- Don’t rub just gently blot the stain with a clean cloth.
- Use a mild solvent or a specialised stain remover.
This technique is Perfect for a small, isolated stain on delicate, do not wash clothes. This type of treatment comes under pre-treating the stain and can also be associated with dry cleaning.
Air Drying & Sunlight (with Care)
- The ‘do not wash’ care label indicates that the garment cannot withstand machine washing and tumble drying.
- Lay the item flat on a clean towel or hang it on a non-slip hanger.
- Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, as it can cause colour fading and damage to fibres.
There is no sign indicating that this particular fabric should be air-dried. The “no tumble dry” symbol and the “do not tumble dry” symbol both indicate that you should not use tumble methods. So, what can be done? This method of drying should be used instead of a machine.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While treating your do not wash clothes at home, and avoid common mistakes, which is critical to preventing permanent damage. Above all, avoid using harsh cleaning or wringing methods, as this can damage and weaken delicate textiles, such as wool, silk, or lace. Likewise, avoid chlorine and powerful detergents, as they can irreparably damage fabric and cause colour loss.
The ‘do not tumble dry’ symbol is a crucial warning that heat and agitation can cause items to shrink, warp, or lose their shape; therefore, it is recommended always to air-dry these garments. This advice is also reinforced by the no tumble dry symbol on care labels. Instead of relying on machines, gently blot stains and lay items flat to dry.
Pro tip: Most people wonder how long does a washing machine takes. Unlike a normal wash cycle, which can take up to an hour, these gentle at-home methods are much faster and safer for your most fragile garments.
When to Leave It to the Professionals
Not every cleaning issue can be handled at home, and knowing when to seek expert assistance is essential for maintaining the condition of your clothes. If you have persistent odours, stains that won’t go away, or exceptionally delicate textiles like silk, wool, or embroidered items, and do not know whether to wash them or not, or if so, then how, it’s best to have your garments professionally cleaned.
Professional laundry services, such as Love2Laundry, are equipped with specialised solvents, advanced machinery, and extensive expertise to treat garments that the “do not wash clothes” symbol indicates should not be washed at home. Experts can handle specific issues that home solutions can’t, making your items cleaned thoroughly without risk of shrinking or fading.
Love2Laundry specialises in handling delicate and do not wash clothes, understanding the significance of the no machine wash symbol and the no tumble dry symbol. Their expert care assures that garments requiring a gentle touch are restored to their pristine condition, providing a safe and effective alternative to risky at-home cleaning methods.
FAQs – “Do Not Wash” Clothes
What does “do not wash” mean on clothes?
“Do not wash” on clothes means the garment should not be cleaned with water or any type of liquid detergent. This label is often found on delicate fabrics that traditional washing methods can damage.
What to do when it says “do not wash”?
When it says “do not wash,” you should plan to have the item professionally dry cleaned. This is the intended care method when the no machine wash symbol or a “do not wash” label is present.
How to clean clothing labelled “do not wash”?
To clean items labelled do not wash clothes, you should take them to a professional dry cleaner, as a regular wash could damage the garment. A ‘no tumble dry’ symbol is often found alongside ‘do not wash’ clothes.
Wrap Up!
By understanding what the do not wash clothes label means, you can extend the life of your delicate garments. While at-home alternatives like steaming and spot cleaning can be effective for minor refreshers, it’s crucial to know their limitations.
The “no machine wash” symbol is a clear directive that the garment is not intended for a standard laundry cycle, and attempting to wash it at home can result in irreparable damage. When you see the do not tumble dry symbol along with “do not wash,” it’s a double warning to avoid both the washer and dryer.
If you’re in a hurry and need your clothes back quickly, consider our professional services; you can book now for convenient pickup and delivery. For those in a central metropolitan area, our service offers dry cleaning in London with 24-hour delivery to meet your tightest deadlines and keep your clothes looking their best.
