drycleanonly

Drycleanonly is a care label instruction indicating that an item should be cleaned by professional dry cleaning rather than by home laundering. It is commonly found on garments made from delicate fabrics or with finishes, trims, or constructions that water and agitation can damage. Examples include silk, wool, acetate, beaded or glued embellishments, and tailored items where shape must be preserved.

Dry cleaning uses solvents to dissolve soils without immersing the garment in water. Perchloroethylene has historically been the primary solvent, but many cleaners now offer alternative solvents or low-impact systems. The process usually includes pretreatment of stains, cleaning, finishing, and pressing to restore fit, texture, and appearance.

The label helps protect fabric integrity, color, and structure by minimizing risks such as shrinking, dye migration, or distortion that can occur with wet washing or tumble drying. While it provides a guideline, some garments labeled drycleanonly may be suitable for limited home care under certain conditions, such as gentle spot cleaning or careful, professional-approved methods. However, attempting laundering against the label can cause irreversible damage, so it is generally safest to follow the instruction or consult a professional for alternatives.

In many jurisdictions, care labeling is standardized, and dry-clean-only instructions are an established part of garment care guidance. Consumers seeking to reduce environmental impact may inquire about cleaner options that use greener solvents or other sustainable practices, though the primary directive remains: follow the dry clean only label when in doubt.