I just purchased a white 100% cotton sweater that has a red heart in the middle with dry clean only instructions. Do you think it is possible to wash the sweater by itself? I am trying to decide whether I should return item.
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You would have to wash it in cold water all by itself so that the red heart doesn't bleed. Dry cleaning is expensive, but if the sweater is expensive, you may not want to ruin it. You will have to decide whether or not you want to take the risk. I personally would. Hand washed sweaters are softer than dry-cleaned ones.
My closet is filled with lovely garments many of which (allegedly) require dry cleaning. I once watched a documentary about how damaging that process can be and since then (these past 30 years) have assiduously avoided doing so.
Your sweater? The first time? Wash it in cool water in your kitchen sink using just a few drops of dish soap. Dunk the sweater up and down in the soapy water a couple of times, rinse it thoroughly with cold water and squeeze dry (do not twist / wring it out). Lay it flat on a thick towel or two someplace where you won't have to move it for a day or three.
After the first time you'll know it's colour fast and you can probably safely wash it with other delicates in your laundry, using cold water and gentle settings. Air dry it for a few minutes in the dryer before laying flat on a towel.
I am almost 82 and I remember my mama soaking some items in cold salt water to "set" the dye. Many times she soaked red or other colors she thought might not be color fast in salt water before she even cut into the fabric.
Oh, Honey!! I would test the red heart first before putting it in the water. I'll bet it WILL BLEED ONTO THE WHITE !!!! --- been there.
I think you are right. I do like the sweater but it seems like a lot of trouble to keep it. Does anyone know anything about Dryly (sp) that you can use in your own dryer
I use dryel for my leather. Very refreshing
I would for sure handwash it in cold water with Woolite or gentle dish soap. I would try to hold the red heart up out of the water so it didnt get wet. After you wring it out, roll it up in a dry bath towel... or two... Do it a couple of times to get out all the water.
What about cashmere sweaters
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