How to ditch the dry cleaner?

Dry cleaning is a technique for washing delicate fabrics that wouldn't survive a regular washing machine cycle. It avoids the water that can damage the fibres of certain textiles and uses liquid solvents (despite what the name suggests) that protect the fabric. On your garment's care label, the letters "P" or "F" indicate which type of solvent to use: "P" for standard solvents, and "F" for petroleum-based solvents.

BUT, when you read "dry clean only" on the care label of something you've just bought, enthusiasm is rarely the first reaction. Dry cleaning adds up quickly, isn't necessarily eco-friendly (see: solvents), and requires a certain amount of organisation. So sometimes you'd rather skip it — especially since most care labels recommend dry cleaning simply to avoid any trouble (not at HABILE, of course).

Rest assured, there are alternatives for part of your wardrobe: hand washing, machine washing on a gentle cycle, or using an at-home dry cleaning kit.

It will take more time, but it will reconnect you with care gestures that respect your clothes — and place you in a genuinely thoughtful and virtuous approach to looking after your wardrobe. Clever, no?

Wool or silk garments: gentle hand washing always an option

Nothing beats a good old-fashioned wash in the sink — worth keeping in mind…

• Prepare a cold soapy water solution (Marseille soap is ideal, or a mild detergent)
• Gently submerge the garment in it
• Rub the stained areas (such as underarms or collar) with your fingertips.
• Rinse thoroughly in clean, cold water
• Lay the garment flat on a clean, absorbent towel. To remove excess water, carefully roll it up in the towel and press gently — without wringing, which would damage the fibres.
• Dry flat in a dry place

For linen, polyester and most knits(mohair, cashmere or even angora): machine washing is possible

• Choose the most delicate cycle with a mild detergent. The water should be cold to avoid any risk of shrinkage
• Hang out as soon as the wash cycle is done: dry your delicate pieces flat, in the open air. The tumble dryer is the true enemy of your fragile garments.

For silk, polyester or other delicate, lightly soiled fabrics: home cleaning with a dry-cleaning kit(available in most supermarkets and hardware stores):It consists of a stain-remover spray, cloths and a dry-cleaning bag.

• Dab small stains with the stain remover, after testing on a hidden area and carefully reading the instructions provided.
• Place the garment in the bag provided, along with a cloth. Make sure to close any zips and buttons beforehand, and don't forget to empty the pockets
• Put the bag in the tumble dryer, set to a short cycle at low temperature only. Once the cycle is done, take out the bag.
• Hang the garment immediately on a hanger to smooth out any creases.

For a wool coat:it often requires special care (see its care label). The best approach is to brush it regularly and remove stains with a damp cloth soaked in soapy water with a little lemon juice

Special cases: no alternative to dry cleaning

• Leather, suede, fur, certain velvets, acetate-based garments and some very delicate fabrics have no other option than dry cleaning
• Delicate fabrics with beading, intricate pleats or refined seams are no exception either
• Viscose can shrink when hand-washed or machine-washed, on the first wash.

So, for those who still can't give up dry cleaning, at least try eco-friendly dry cleaners. At the very least, ask yours about the solvents they use (above all, avoid perchloroethylene, banned in 2012 but still sometimes in use). Their "green" cleaning solution aims to be respectful of the environment and of people, using entirely natural products. Being HABILE means thinking ethically and mindfully!