Can I machine wash dry-clean-only clothes?

Unlined, simply constructed items made of workhorse polyester or natural fibers such as cotton or linen can be safely hand or machine washed in cold water, even if the tag states "dry clean only." Dry cleaning is recommended for suits, pleated skirts and items made of delicate synthetics.

Other items that should not be machine washed include leather, suede and items with metal embellishments, beading or sequins. Before washing items that are red or deep in color, it is best to test an inconspicuous area of the fabric for colorfastness. This is done by wetting a small area with a few drops of water, then pressing with a white cloth. If the color bleeds, dry cleaning the item is recommended.