How to Dry-Clean in a Front-Loading Washing Machine

Dry-clean-only fabrics shouldn’t actually be washed with water! Instead, you should use a dry-clean-only detergent (sometimes sold as a “dryel kit”) and your front-loading washer’s “delicates” or “hand wash” cycle. Check the care label on the article of clothing to see if it’s safe to dry-clean this way: If it has a circle with the letter “W” inside, then it’s a go.

If you don’t have a “delicates” or “hand wash” setting, you can select a regular cycle with a gentle spin.

Here’s how to dry-clean in your front-loading washer:

1. Turn the machine to your washer’s “delicates” or “hand wash” cycle. If your washer doesn’t have these cycles, use the regular cycle with a gentle spin.

2. Make sure the water is between 65-85 °F. If there isn’t a way to adjust the temperature on your machine, add 2 cups of cold water to the drum before adding your clothes. Fill the remainder with hot water.

3. Pour in the dry-clean solvent per the directions on the product label. Dry cleaning solvents usually can be measured with your washing machine’s detergent cup.

4. Load your clothes into the washer. You can dry clean up to 1.5 times your washer’s listed capacity.

5. Press “Start”. The dry-cleaning process should take about 30 minutes.

6. Take the clothes out and dry them immediately. Hang up or lay flat to dry.