Many care labels lead us to believe that garments made of fibers such as silk and fine woolens cannot be washed, similar to the garment pictured above. Both blouses are made of 100% silk of a similar weight, weave and color. One garment says “Dry Clean Only”, while the other suggests “Hand Wash”.

It is often safer for the clothing manufacturer to suggest dry cleaning so as to shift the care liability to the cleaner, however, many items of these items can be washed in tepid water with a gentle detergent. Depending on the nature of the material, this can actually be safer than dry cleaning, which is actually not “dry” at all. While no water is used, garments are immersed in a liquid solvent that can have a harsh effect on natural fibers and strip them of their natural oils.

While dry cleaning is appropriate for structured and lined garments that could become distorted if washed with water, with regular brushing and airing out, the expense and use of chemicals on these garments may perhaps be avoided all together.