close

What Are the Best Alternatives to Dry Cleaning? (Eco-Friendly & Budget Tips)

Jun 19, 2025

Delicate outfits, such as those made from silk and wool, require a gentle cleaning process, and dry cleaning is often effective. That’s because solvents are used in the procedure that effectively deals with stubborn stains. However, there may be situations where you should consider alternatives to dry cleaning. For that, you can try alternative methods or contact an expert cleaner, such as ByNext.

We guide our customers to an alternative to dry-clean-only fabric that requires a gentle treatment. Furthermore, our expert dry cleaning services provide clear instructions on how to clean outfits without any hurdles.

Here, you can see an alternative to dry cleaning at home for your delicate fabrics.

alternatives to dry cleaning

Why Look for Alternatives to Traditional Dry Cleaning?

The reason people look for alternatives to dry cleaning is due to environmental concerns in their homes or places of washing. That’s because dry cleaning may use solvents like perchloroethylene that contain chemicals. It can spread the residues in the surroundings and might cause damage.

So, an alternative to dry cleaning clothes is essential as it can protect outfits and the environment. Techniques like hand-washing and steam cleaning offer a safe and hurdle-free process. 

Discover Safer, Smarter Cleaning Options!

What Is Traditional Dry Cleaning?

Traditional dry cleaning refers to a cleaning process that treats delicate outfits with solvents instead of water. It also offers benefits such as professional results and protection from damage. 

However, traditional dry cleaning also presents some challenges, including time consumption, toxicity, and additional costs. Therefore, consider an alternative to dry cleaning at home. The wet cleaning technique and dry cleaning kits at home will come in handy if you choose an alternative to dry clean only.

Eco-Friendly & Budget Alternatives to Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning dress shirts needs a procedure that’s sustainable and safe from damage. However, regular dry cleaning may be too harsh for some outfits, due to the use of solvents and the additional maintenance required.

In that case, you can look for an alternative to dry cleaning suits and to balance the additional costs and enhance the fabric quality. Steam cleaning and hand washing would be the best eco-friendly procedures to follow.

Here are multiple techniques suitable for alternatives to dry cleaning that are budget-and-eco-friendly.

1. Steam Cleaning at Home

Using steamers to treat your delicate outfits is one of the natural alternatives to dry cleaning. It removes wrinkles and creases from the fabric, freshening up the texture. 

The steaming process not only kills odors but also reduces wrinkles, and most importantly, no harsh chemicals are used in the process.

2. Hand-Washing Delicates

Treating delicate outfits by hand is always better than using a machine to remove stains. Outfits like silk, cashmere, and wool should be treated with an alternative to dry clean only. 

Remember to use mild detergent, cold water, and avoid wringing the fabric to preserve its quality and avoid damage.

3. Laundry Bags

If you’ve ever come across a clothing label that says “dry clean only,” you might think it has to go straight to the cleaners. But in some cases, you can safely wash these delicate items at home if you’re careful.

Dry cleaning often uses harsh chemicals like perchloroethylene, which can weaken or damage certain fabrics over time. As a gentler alternative, place the garment in a mesh laundry bag, use cold water, and choose a mild detergent. The bag helps protect delicate fibers from friction and stretching during the wash cycle, reducing the risk of damage.

4. Wet Cleaning

A washing procedure that includes water is the best alternative to dry cleaning at home. It offers amazing results by removing stains and preserving the quality of your outfits.

Furthermore, the procedure is eco-friendly, so you can expect the environment to be clean and breathable.

5. Using Home Dry Cleaning

Home dry cleaning kits clean delicate outfits efficiently and remove stubborn stains along with odors. It offers multiple benefits, including cost-effectiveness and convenience, and is suitable for light cleaning.

However, the process has some drawbacks, including cleaning limitations, being unsuitable for all fabrics, and a higher risk of damage. Always check the condition of your clothes before using home dry cleaning kits.

Fabric-Specific Dry Cleaning Alternatives

There are some dry cleaning alternatives specific for each fabric to prevent the risk of damage while removing unwanted stains. For instance, if you’re opting for a cleaning process suitable for cotton, you cannot use it on silk outfits.

So, here are some fabrics with cleaning techniques that’ll help you understand how to treat them.

Silk and Satin

Silk and satin outfits should not be washed in a machine as the risk of damage increases. Therefore, hand washing these outfits would be effective with a detergent specifically designed for silk outfits.

After washing, air-dry the fabric by placing it on a flat surface and avoiding direct sunlight. This way, the outfits would be safe from color fading and shrinking.

Wool and Cashmere

Washing wool and cashmere fabrics requires an essential technique and materials that enhance the quality of the outfit. You can check the label of these outfits to see what detergent is needed. 

Furthermore, opting for lukewarm water and reshaping outfits when drying them will prevent the growth of wrinkles.

Suede and Leather Care

When washing outfits that are made from suede and leather, suede brushes are a must. That’s because these materials have a textured surface that can get damaged or matted if washed with water or tossed in the machine. A suede brush helps lift dirt and restore the natural nap of the fabric without ruining its texture or finish.
If you prefer, you can also consider hiring a professional cleaner, such as ByNext, to take care of these luxury outfits and help maintain their original look and feel.

Do These Alternatives Really Remove Stains?

Dry cleaning alternatives, such as hand washing and steam cleaning, are effective in removing stubborn stains. Natural cleaning agents, such as baking soda and vinegar, used for pretreatment, can help address odors. Moreover, using dryer balls will prevent static buildup from accumulating and stop the stain from setting in.

However, stubborn stains like oil, wine, and ink might not be removed from alternatives. You might have to look for a professional’s help to get your clothes clean.

Where to Find Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaning Services Near You?

The dry cleaning service in New York is easy to find, as many service providers are now providing premium cleaning in the City. You can check multiple service providers on the internet and, unsurprisingly, find ByNext as the best solution. 

We’ll treat your outfits with sustainable methods and protect them from sustaining damage while removing stains. We even offer our customers a convenient pickup and delivery without causing delays.

Book Eco-Friendly Cleaning Near You!

 

Place an Order with ByNext

Now you can say goodbye to stained outfits that require gentle treatment for cleaning, thanks to ByNext. We inspect each fabric closely and select materials that are suitable for handling stubborn stains.
Our range of services offers multiple cleaning plans, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your requirements. Book now and experience the result of expert washing.

About ByNext

ByNext is a professional cleaning service that offers high-quality laundry and expert dry cleaning services in the USA. Our professionals with years of experience know how to deal with each fabric and make it spotless.

Moreover, we closely monitor the technology and utilize modern washers to clean your clothes. To offer convenience, our mobile application provides a free hand for customers to schedule their pickup. With a user-friendly interface, customers can even book our service from the office.


FAQs - Dry Cleaning Alternatives


What to use instead of dry cleaning?

You’ll find multiple alternatives to dry cleaning, such as steam cleaning, hand washing, and dry cleaning kits, for cleaning your delicate outfits. It’ll help you clean your clothes with other alternatives without causing damage.

How do you dry-clean naturally?

To dry clean your clothes naturally, spot clean the fabric with vodka or vinegar, use baking soda to eliminate odors, and air out your clothes properly to remove residues and freshen the scent.

How to dry clean cheaply?

Batch cleaning, DIY washing techniques, and using home dry cleaning kits are some ways to dry clean your clothes cheaply. It’ll be cost-effective and safe for the outfits.

What is the alternative to dry cleaning cashmere?

The alternatives to dry cleaning cashmere fabrics include hand-washing outfits, using a garment brush, or laying your outfits flat to dry.

Wrap Up!

Now that you know the alternatives to dry cleaning, you can maintain the quality of your delicate outfits without compromising their integrity. Substitute methods, such as steam cleaning and hand washing, will do the trick to wash your clothes.
Moreover, the alternative to dry clean only can save you time and effort for making your clothes spotless. When dry cleaning linen, be sure to avoid mistakes to keep your outfits safe from fading and shrinking.