Replies

1. 
   ShannonG4d | Aug 17, 2005 02:35pm | #1

   d,

   If elastine is the same thing as Lycra, I wouldn't recommend dry-cleaning.  You'd have better results by washing in cold water and hanging to dry.

   Shannon

1. 
   theOracle | Aug 18, 2005 07:39pm | #2

   I have learned over the years that dry-clean-only things are treated with liquid chemicals during the process, and steamed at times. The steam heat is not sustained heat as in a hot dryer. Thus, I wash dry-clean-only things in cold water in small batches so they aren't wrinkled as much, and hang to dry, then steam if pressing is needed. They may come out softer, less "finished" than cleaning. However, softer often has a more luxe look in today's constructions.

   This does take time, so if time is money for you, balance it against the cost of dry cleaning. Do one or the other on a given garment, not both.

   Remember, sheep get wet (wool), but when have you seen a shrunken sheep?

   There is a new "dry-cleaning" process on the west coast without harsh chemcals, it costs the cleaner less, but they usually charge you more, don't you just know it? Only one chain has it right now. Forgot the name.

   O.

2. 
   SewTruTerry | Aug 19, 2005 06:45am | #3

   The reason for not dry cleaning the garment is the fear that the chemicals in the dry cleaning process will destroy or cause a disinegration of the elastine properties.  In  other words if you dry clean the garment it may lose the stretching capability that the garment originally had.  But if the garment is a fad kind of item what do you have to lose. On the other hand if the item was really expensive invest the time or energy to keep it looking it's best.