Dry Cleaning Boycott

Ice Cold Water Needed

Woolite Delicates Care $4.44

100% Silk Shirt that I first experimented with, pattern and dye galore! 

Linen skirt on bottom that I first experimented with

The last bill for my dry cleaning was enough to make me boycott it forever. I go to the cheap places, and the prices there shock me, too. I even steam and freshen garments for a few extra wears, pinching those pennies, of course. No more, I say. I'm over the chemical burned smell, money spent, and sometimes, lost items. Literally, I had an item lost at one place for three years until my mom happened to see it on a shelf one day marked Landerson, not Landers. I vowed to find a way to COMPLETELY end trips to the dry cleaners. First, I went to Pinterest, and looked for pins of home methods. Then, I searched around to all the other usual spots, Martha Stewart, The Laundress, and so on. With my research, I developed a method of how I would handle this daunting and experimental task. I have to admit I was cringing when I thought of the idea of ruining these two items. However, I knew if I didn't try it once, I'd never know. So, I took on the challenge and the result for me was pure success. I'm not guaranteeing that this will work on every dry clean only garment out there, but now, I'm hooked. If my conversion is enough to make you try it, then by all means, do so. One thing I know for sure, I will NEVER darken the doors of a dry cleaner again. 

Here's How:

Needs:

• Woolite Delicates Care-Picture 2-I bought this at regular Target, not Super Target, where it is not available, at least where I live. Also, I've never seen it at Wal-Mart. So for now, I'm saying get it at "regular" Target. It's $4.44, less than the cost to dry clean some items depending on where you go. 
• Two large mixing bowls, containers, whatever you've got
• Ice cold water, yes, bowls, with water and tons of ice 
• Hand towels, one per garment
• Drying rack or clothes hangers close by

Instructions:

1. The first thing to remember is to work fast. This means you need to prepare a station in which to work before you start the process. Get soap, fill both bowls with ice water, have hand towels, and drying items prepared. 
2. Add a couple splashes of Woolite into one bowl and mix with hands until slightly bubbly. Start with less, you can always add more. 
3. Prepare your first garment by turning it inside out. Press it into the bowl and let it soak for a couple of minutes. PLUNGE the garments, especially silk, do not poke it with your fingers, use your palms. Focus more on moving the water than the garment. 
4. Remove garment and place into other ice water to rinse. PLUNGE carefully. Remove garment and give it an ACCORDION squeeze. Do not wring or twist. 
5. Place hand towel in between garment and lay flat, if possible to dry. If on a hanger, drape towel over hanger and place garment on top. Try to not allow front or back to touch. 
6. This whole process for two garments took me less than ten minutes. So far, I've completed five items with no problems whatsoever. At work, someone even remarked how bright and clean my printed shirt (above) looked. Of course, all the affirmation I needed! I will return to this method again and again, this I so vow. Nothing beats homemade methods and less dollars spent. I'd rather have a ritzy steak for dinner than dry cleaned clothes any day!  It's eco-friendly, simple, and rewarding. Take the plunge!