Dry-clean only clothing requires special care to maintain its quality and appearance. While ironing provides a crisp, smooth finish to garments, ironing dry-clean items at home is typically not recommended. Here is a detailed look at whether you can iron dry-clean only clothing.

What Does Dry Clean Only Mean?

Clothing labeled “dry clean only” means the garment should only be professionally dry cleaned and not washed at home. Dry cleaning uses chemical solvents instead of water to clean clothes. The dry clean only tag is used for fabrics that may shrink, fade, or otherwise become damaged by water or the agitation of home washing machines.

Common dry-clean only fabrics include:

• Silk
• Wool
• Rayon
• Cashmere
• Sequins or beading
• Faux suede
• Leather

The dyes, finishes, or fibers used in these fabrics require the gentle cleaning process of professional dry cleaning to maintain the color, shape, and texture.

Can You Iron Dry Clean Only Clothes?

In most cases, it is not recommended to iron clothing marked dry clean only yourself at home.

There are a few reasons why ironing dry clean items is risky:

• Heat damage – Many dry clean fabrics are heat sensitive. The high heat of an iron can scorch, shine, or discolor delicate fabrics. This is especially true for rayon, silk, and wool.
• Water stains – If moisture from the iron’s steam function transfers onto the fabric, it can leave water marks or stains. This is a concern for silk, suede, and leather items.
• Lost shape – The pressure applied during ironing could stretch out a garment, distort its grain, or flatten intricate details like pleats. This may be irreversible.
• Residue – Any sizing, fabric finish, or dye from the garment could melt and transfer onto the iron itself, marring its surface.

For these reasons, it’s best to avoid ironing treasured dry clean pieces yourself and instead allow a professional to properly press these items after dry cleaning.

When Is It Okay to Iron Dry Clean Only Clothes?

There are a few instances when you may be able to safely iron dry clean only clothing:

• With a cooler iron – Using a lower heat setting and keeping the iron constantly moving may avoid damage. Test first on an inconspicuous area.
• Natural fibers – Dry clean only cotton, linen, or other natural material may be resilient enough for a quick touch up at home if needed. Avoid silk, wool, and synthetics.
• Small touch ups – Lightly pressing along a specific seam or edge is less risky than ironing the entire garment.
• When indicated – If the clothing has additional care instructions that specifically say “Iron while damp on low heat,” follow that guidance.
• In an emergency – If absolutely needed to quickly prepare an item for wear, iron rapidly on low heat only over a protective cloth. This is not ideal and risks damage.

Professional Pressing After Dry Cleaning

For best results, allow your dry clean only items to be professionally pressed at the dry cleaners. The commercial equipment and highly trained staff know the proper temperature, moisture level, and pressure for each fabric.

Professional pressers have specialized tools to safely iron tricky garments, like:

• Puff irons to gently re-fluff wool or silk fabric
• Vacuum irons that use suction instead of high heat
• Presses with shaped, padded surfaces to set pleats or creases

Themachines andexpert techniques used byprofessional cleaners will give yourdry clean onlyclothes the crisp, refreshedfinish you want while avoiding any risks of ironing these delicate items yourself.

General Care Tips for Dry Clean Only Clothes

To keep dry clean garments looking their best between professional cleanings:

• Store folded or on hangers, not compressed. Allow fabric to breathe.
• Spot clean stains immediately with a clean damp cloth. Don’t rub harshly.
• Check care instructions before attempting any at-home cleaning methods.
• Use a garment bag when transporting dry clean items.
• Have coats and suits pressed before storing them seasonally.
• Air out clothing before wearing to prevent musty odors.
• Point out stains, needed repairs, or issues to your dry cleaner.
• Dry clean as needed based on wear and staining rather than on a fixed schedule.

Key Takeaways

• It’s best to avoid ironing dry clean only clothing at home due to risks of heat, water, and pressure damaging delicate fabrics.
• In a pinch, use low heat and keep iron moving constantly if you must iron an item before wearing. Test first.
• Have your dry clean only clothes professionally pressed after cleaning to safely restore shape and crispness.
• Follow proper storage and spot cleaning habits between dry cleanings to keep items looking their best.

Can You Steam Dry Clean Only Clothes?

Similar to ironing, steaming dry clean only clothes at home is generally not recommended. However, there are a few instances where steaming may be a safer option than ironing delicate garments labeled dry clean only.

Is Steaming Less Risky Than Ironing?

Steam can be less damaging than the high concentrated heat and pressure of an iron.

Some potential benefits of steaming vs. ironing dry clean only items:

• Lower temperature – Most garment steamers operate at 212°F, compared to irons which get much hotter.
• No direct contact – The steam surrounds the fabric rather than directly pressing on it. This helps avoid flattening detailed textures.
• Less opportunity for water stains – The steam vapor penetrates fabric but minimal water remains on the surface.
• Relaxes fibers – The moisture can help release wrinkles and relax natural or synthetic fibers.

However, steaming is not completely without risk for delicate fabrics. The vapor and heat could still potentially damage some fabrics by shrinking, discoloring, or changing surface textures. Upholstered items like suede jackets are also difficult to properly steam.

Test steaming on an inconspicuous area first and evaluate the results before applying steam to a visible location.

When Can You Steam Dry Clean Items?

Here are some instances when steaming may be cautiously used on dry clean only garments:

• Natural fibers – Steaming is gentler for sturdy natural fabrics like cotton, wool, linen, or silk. Avoid rayon.
• Thick or heavy fabrics – The extra material provides a buffer against heat or moisture damage.
• Before wearing – A quick refresh to release wrinkles may be better than ironing. But results may not last.
• Between professional cleanings – An occasional touch up could extend time between trips to the dry cleaner.
• Small areas only – Spot steaming a particular section poses less risk than steaming an entire outfit.
• When labeled ok – If the garment specifically says “Steam to refresh,” follow that guidance.

Professional Steaming Services

For best, longest-lasting results, consider having your dry clean items professionally steamed instead of doing it yourself at home. Dry cleaners often offer steaming and touch up services between cleanings for a small fee.

Professional steamers have advantages:

• Large-scale commercial steamers provide powerful, concentrated steam.
• They have adjustable steam levels suitable for all fabrics.
• Specialized attachments are designed to steam hard-to-reach areas or specific garments.
• Experienced staff are trained in proper steaming techniques.

Periodic professional touch-ups can help dry clean only clothes maintain their look and shape between cleanings.

General Tips for Steaming

If you choose to carefully steam dry clean only garments yourself:

• Set the steamer heat to the appropriate level, and wait for full steam output.
• Keep the steam head moving continuously to avoid prolonged direct heat.
• Steam the garment inside-out to minimize color changes to the outer fabric.
• Use a garment brush to lift the nap or return pile to a suede or velvet item after steaming.
• Allow item to fully air dry and cool before wearing or storing.
• Test first for shrinkage, discoloration, bleeding, or texture changes.

Key Takeaways

• Steaming is gentler than ironing but still poses some risk to dry clean only clothing.
• It may be cautiously used on certain natural fabrics if done carefully on a low setting.
• Professional steaming services offer the best results for delicate fabrics.
• Keep the steam head moving continuously and allow items to fully dry after steaming.
• Test on an inconspicuous area first to check for any damage or shrinking.

How To Remove Wrinkles From Dry Clean Only Clothes

If your dry clean only clothes are wrinkled and need smoothing out, don’t despair. While ironing or steaming at home are risky, there are several effective methods to safely remove wrinkles between professional dry cleanings.

Hang the Item Up

Simply hanging or laying the garment flat can allow wrinkles to gradually release over several hours. The fibers will relax, and gravity helps pull creases smooth.

Tips for Hanging:

• Hang the item in a steamy bathroom while showering so the moisture can help wrinkles fall out.
• Use skirt or pant hangers instead of coat hangers for heavy fabric that could stretch under its own weight.
• Smooth wrinkled areas by hand before hanging.
• Allow at least 24 hours for wrinkles to fully relax.
• Refreshen by airing out before wearing to remove musty smells.

Use a Garment Steamer

As discussed previously, steaming is gentler than ironing if done carefully on low heat. The vapor can help relax fibers and release wrinkles.

Be very cautious, test on an inconspicuous area first, and follow all garment care instructions.

Steaming Tips:

• Hold the steam head 6-8 inches away and keep it moving continuously.
• Steam inside-out or over a towel to prevent water droplets on the fabric exterior.
• Use attachments to target wrinkles in difficult areas like collars or cuffs.
• Brush fabrics like suede or velvet after steaming to revive the nap.

Roll Up the Garment

Rolling an item tightly and letting it sit can force wrinkles to smooth out. This works best for wrinkle-resistant fabrics that hold shape well.

Rolling Method:

• Lay the garment face-down on a flat surface.
• Fold in sides so seams align. Smooth with hands.
• Tightly roll up the item from bottom to top.
• Wrap rolled bundle in a towel and let sit 1-2 hours before unrolling.

Use a Spray

Wrinkle release sprays or silicone-based fabric refreshers can help remove wrinkles between cleanings.

Always check that a product is safe for the fabric before use.

• Lightly mist over wrinkles. Avoid over-saturating.
• Gently tug and smooth wrinkled areas by hand after spraying.
• Let item hang to fully dry before wearing or results may not last.

When to See a Professional

For severe, stubborn wrinkles that do not relax using these methods, let the garment be professionally pressed at the dry cleaner. They have commercial equipment to safely apply the high heat and pressure needed.

A professional touch-up between cleanings helps dry clean only clothes maintain their wrinkle-free look and shape.

Key Takeaways

• Avoid ironing or excess steam when removing wrinkles from delicate fabrics.
• Hanging, rolling, spraying, and gentle steaming can help relax light wrinkles at home.
• Have stubborn, set-in wrinkles professionally pressed for best results.
• Always follow garment care instructions and test any methods first on an inconspicuous area.

Conclusion

Dry clean only clothing requires special handling and care. While ironing or steaming may seem like an easy fix for wrinkles, it can unfortunately cause irreversible damage to delicate fabrics. Your best bet is to allow garments to hang to relax wrinkles or use alternative methods like rolling, spritzing, or very cautious steaming. Rely on professional pressers to safely achieve a crisp finish after the actual dry cleaning. With some gentle TLC at home and regular professional care, your dry clean only clothes will maintain their beauty and keep you looking stylish for many seasons to come.