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Dry Cleaning Alternatives: What Really Works at Home?

Jun 27, 2025

Most people love to wear luxury outfits and the fabric that offers them a pleasant feeling. The color, fabric structure, and breathability, while providing a comfortable fit, keep them at ease. However, these fabrics are delicate and require dry cleaning. But due to time constraints and a lack of supplies, the process could offer hurdles. Therefore, you can explore dry cleaning alternatives guided by an expert cleaner, such as ByNext.

We assist our customers with an effective alternative to dry-clean-only fabrics, protecting them from stubborn stains. For instance, our guide to dry cleaning for armpit stains can be helpful for hand washing.

Here, you can find a natural alternative to dry cleaning suits and enhance their quality.

dry cleaning alternatives

Why Are Some Clothes Labeled “Dry Clean Only”?

You’ll see some outfits are labeled with a ‘dry cleaning only’ tag because of their sensitivity. The risk of damage is higher when washing outfits like wool and silk with water. They could:

  • Get Shrink

  • Bleed Color

  • Get Fade

  • Get Stiff Hard

So, opt for sustainable solvents and use your washer on a gentle cycle to wash delicate outfits smoothly. After the wash, dry them naturally instead of using a dryer to prevent wrinkles and damage.

 

Trust Experts for Delicate Fabric Care!

What Are the Best Dry Cleaning Alternatives at Home?

The best alternative to dry cleaning clothes can deal with unwanted odors while enhancing the quality of your outfit. Furthermore, you can save time and effort while cleaning your garments.

So, let’s see what those dry cleaning alternatives are.

Home Dry Cleaning Kits

Home dry cleaning kits provide you with the necessary supplies to treat your delicate outfits efficiently on your own. Moreover, the cleaning results won’t require you to contact a professional cleaner for your outfits. 

So here, you can see the materials used in the home dry cleaning kits.

  • Pre-Moistened Cleaning Solutions

  • Recycle Dryer Bags.

  • Stain Removers.

  • Guide For Using Dry Cleaning Kits.

How It Works

  • Spot treat the fabric with the help of stain removers.

  • Place outfits in the dryer bag with a moist cloth.

  • Tumble dry on medium heat for 30 minutes.

  • Hang your outfits immediately to remove wrinkles.

Also Read - If you’re looking to wash delicate outfits, check out our blog on dry cleaning linens and dress shirts for details.

Hand Washing with Gentle Detergents

Another alternative to dry-clean-only items is to hand wash them with a gentle detergent. That’s because keeping an eye on the delicacy of outfits is essential, and for that, remember to:

  • Use cold water when hand washing your delicate outfits.

  • Avoid squeezing the fabric during the wash to prevent wrinkles.

By following these instructions, your hand-washing technique will remove stains properly and keep the outfit spotless. This method can also be considered a dryel alternative.

Steam Instead of Dry Clean

Steaming delicate outfits is one of the effective dry cleaning alternatives for dealing with wrinkles, odors, and maintaining a smooth texture. Moreover, the technique is simple; you can start by:

  • Hanging your outfits on a clothesline or a hanger.

  • Start your steamer and set the required temperature.

  • Slowly move the steamer around the fabric to clean it.

This dry cleaning alternative would be effective for removing stains, wrinkles, and odors from your delicate outfits.

How to Remove Stains Without the Dry Cleaner

Most people are unaware of how to deal with stains without using a dry cleaner. But dry cleaning alternatives will help you take care of your outfits without hurdles. So, let’s see how you can do it.

  • Blot your clothes with a white cloth instead of rubbing.

  • Use diluted vinegar or mild soap for cleaning.

  • Avoid using hot water for delicate outfits.

  • Try to gently rub that feels like blotting instead of rubbing.

With these tips and dryel alternatives, you can clean your outfits with delicate fibers and protect them from sustaining further damage.

What Fabrics Can You Safely Clean at Home?

Did you know that some fabrics can be cleaned at home through dry cleaning alternatives? If not, then don’t worry. We’ll guide you through the details about the clothing type that can be washed at home without hurdles.

Fabrics that can be washed at Home

  • Silk 

  • Polyester blends 

  • Cotton-linen blends

Please note - Hand wash these fabrics at home instead of using washing machines to prevent damage.

Fabrics to Avoid Washing at Home

  • Leather 

  • Suede 

  • Velvet

  • Structured wool

For outfits that cannot be washed at home, contact a professional cleaner like ByNext.

Also Read - If you’re dry cleaning your clothes for the first time, check out our blog on how does dry cleaning works for details.

Step-by-Step: How to Hand Wash “Dry Clean Only” Item

When it comes to hand washing ‘dry clean only’ items, it would be tough if you don’t have a step-by-step guide. That’s because cleaning these outfits without instruction could increase the risk of permanent damage. So, let’s see the instructions for this alternative to dry cleaning if you have a suit.

  • Start by filling up your basin with cold water.

  • Add a mild laundry detergent to it.

  • Place your clothes in the basin and gently swish them back and forth.

  • Rinse your outfit thoroughly in the solution.

  • Lay your fabric on a flat surface to dry.

When to Skip DIY and Call the Pros

You’ll find yourself in a situation where DIY techniques for dry cleaning won’t work. You might look for the best dry cleaning in New York to get your clothes washed properly.

The stains and odors might look more visible after the washing and will continue to cause damage. Here are the scenarios that’ll help you understand the need for a professional dry cleaner.

  • Vintage or expensive clothing

  • Garments with structure (blazers, evening gowns)

  • Heavy stains or delicate embellishments

Why Choose ByNext for Your Dry Cleaning Needs?

Choosing ByNext for dry cleaning needs offers multiple benefits, along with expert cleaning. You’ll receive cost-effective cleaning plans tailored to your frequency, keeping your routine hassle-free.

Moreover, we offer convenience with free pickup and delivery, and quick turnaround times ensure you stay on schedule.

Book Your ByNext Dry Clean Today!

Bonus Tips for Fabric Freshness Between Cleans

Once you dry clean your outfits properly, there are some bonus tips you can use to prevent stains from appearing in the future. So, let’s take a look at them.

  • Use fabric sprays and fabric fresheners for a unique scent.

  • Air out your clothes regularly.

  • Add dryer sheets when storing your clothes.

  • Steam your clothes instead of washing.

  • Use vinegar mist for musty smells

FAQs - Dry Cleaning Alternatives


What is an alternative to dry cleaning clothes?

Wet cleaning is the alternative to dry cleaning as it includes water with a sustainable laundry detergent. So, with no harsh chemicals used in the procedure, you can expect your clothes to be spotless without sustaining damage.

How to naturally dry clean?

The process of dry cleaning outfits naturally is simple and effective. Start by spot treating your outfits with baking soda and vinegar. Hang the fabric on a hanger and apply a steamer to remove wrinkles. Air out the fabric and use essential oils like lavender for a fresh scent.

How to make air dry clean at home?

You can do air-dry cleaning at home with just a few tips, like dusting off the outfits, hanging outfits properly, and steaming the fabric properly to remove moisture and wrinkles.

How to do dry wash in a washing machine?

Dry washing in a washing machine can be done without hurdles by choosing a delicate cycle, using a detergent specifically for dry cleaning, and putting your outfits in a mesh bag before washing your clothes.

Wrap Up!

With such dry cleaning alternatives, you can keep your clothes clean without causing damage. Moreover, it could save you time, effort, and additional tips to keep the washing procedure smooth.

The best alternative to dry cleaning suits is to deal with stubborn stains, odors, and keep the outfit durable and vibrant.