Did you know that the average household in the United States does 8 to 10 loads of laundry each week? That’s a lot of washing! But some fabrics aren’t suitable for regular laundry cycles. They need special care to maintain their beauty, shape, and longevity. If you’re unsure which garments to toss in the washer and which to set aside, here’s a look at standard fabrics that often require professional cleaning. So, consider taking these items to your local dry cleaner in Farragut, Tennessee, next time.

1. Silk

Silk is a luxurious, surprisingly strong fabric, yet it’s also very delicate and prone to color loss and distortion if washed improperly. The primary issue with washing silk is that it doesn’t absorb dye fully. This means the beautiful color of your silk blouse, scarf, or dress can quickly fade or bleed if you toss it into a washing machine. Silk garments are also vulnerable to shrinking and losing their shape. When agitated in water, silk’s natural proteins can change, leading to a stiff, dull finish that ruins its trademark softness and shine.

Your local dry cleaner in Farragut, Tennessee, is the best option for making your silk items look as good as new. Dry cleaners use gentle solvents that won’t strip the fabric’s natural oils or dye, preserving both the sheen and color of your garment.

2. Wool

Wool is a cozy, durable fabric that insulates well and is a wardrobe staple during cooler months. But despite its durability, wool doesn’t handle regular washing well. Wool fibers are covered in tiny, overlapping scales, which can lock together tightly when exposed to water and agitation. This results in shrinking and felting, which is why a wool sweater may suddenly look several sizes too small after a trip through the washing machine.

Dry cleaning prevents wool from shrinking and helps maintain the garment’s original texture and structure. By avoiding water and using delicate methods, your local dry cleaner in Farragut, Tennessee, keeps your wool coats, sweaters, and trousers in good condition, ready to keep you warm for many winters to come.

3. Cashmere

Cashmere is another natural fiber that needs to be dry-cleaned to keep it in its best condition. Often called “soft gold,” cashmere is a luxury fabric known for its soft, delicate feel. However, its fine fibers make it susceptible to damage, especially from water, heat, and detergent. Here’s why cashmere should always be dry cleaned:

• Shrinkage - Like wool, cashmere is prone to shrinking when it gets wet and is exposed to heat or agitation. Dry cleaning avoids this risk, preserving its original size and fit.
• Fiber Integrity - Cashmere fibers are delicate and can lose shape if stretched or wrung out. Dry cleaning keeps cashmere soft and fluffy rather than distorted or matted.
• Pilling Prevention - Cashmere is prone to pilling, especially with repeated agitation in a washing machine. Professional cleaning helps reduce pilling, maintaining the smoothness of your cashmere garments.
• Color Preservation - Cashmere is often dyed; harsh detergents or frequent washing can cause color fading. Dry cleaning protects the vibrant colors, allowing you to enjoy your favorite hues longer.

4 - Suede

Suede is a soft, textured type of leather that adds an elegant touch to your wardrobe but is notoriously difficult to clean. Made from the underside of animal hides (often cows, goats, or lambs), suede is sensitive to water, light, and many cleaning solutions, leading to staining, discoloration, and texture loss. Because of its delicate nature, suede garments should never be washed at home.

Only specialized dry cleaners offer suede cleaning services and have the right products and techniques to clean suede without causing damage. With professional care, suede jackets, shoes, and bags can retain their supple texture and color for years. If you’re investing in suede, be sure to find a trusted dry cleaner in Farragut, Tennessee, who specializes in leather care.

5. Linen

Linen is a durable, breathable fabric made from flax fibers, perfect for summer clothing. While linen is strong and absorbent, it also has a tendency to wrinkle and lose its crisp, clean look after multiple washes. Additionally, linen fibers can deteriorate quickly if exposed to the agitation and heat of a washing machine, making your garments lose their signature smoothness.

Dry cleaning helps preserve the natural texture of linen. Your dry cleaner in Farragut, Tennessee, will ensure your linen clothing retains its structure, color, and sheen for years. With professional care, you can enjoy that “just-pressed” look and extend the life of your favorite linen pieces.

6. Denim

It may come as a surprise to see denim on the list of fabrics that you should take to your local dry cleaner in Farragut, Tennessee. If you are like most people, you probably just throw them in the wash. However, if you have high-quality denim pieces, you can preserve their look by taking them to be dry cleaned to prevent excessive wear.

Additional Fabrics That May Require Dry Cleaning

Beyond these top five fabrics, there are other materials that can benefit from dry cleaning:

• Velvet - Velvet’s luxurious, soft pile can be crushed or worn down by water and agitation, so dry cleaning helps maintain its plush texture.
• Rayon - Although rayon resembles natural fibers like silk and cotton, it’s actually made from wood pulp and has specific needs. Rayon is prone to shrinking and wrinkling when wet, so dry cleaning is ideal.
• Acetate - Often used for evening wear and linings, acetate is highly sensitive to water and heat, which can cause it to shrink or lose its shape. Dry cleaning helps acetate garments retain their elegance.

Why Dry Cleaning Works

Dry cleaning is effective because it avoids water and uses gentle solvents that dissolve oils and stains without damaging delicate fibers. The process helps prevent shrinking, color fading, and loss of shape, which is crucial for fabrics like wool, cashmere, silk, and others. Professional dry cleaners also use pressing techniques and finishing touches that aren’t possible with home washing.

When it comes to caring for your finest clothes, a good dry cleaner in Farragut, Tennessee, can make all the difference. Taking your cherished garments to a trusted professional ensures they look their best season after season. By choosing dry cleaning for these fabrics, you’re preserving both your wardrobe’s quality and your favorite pieces’ longevity.

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Farragut Cleaners is your locally owned and operated full-service dry cleaner. From dry cleaning to alterations and wedding dress preservation to home textiles, we are here to keep you fresh, clean, and looking & feeling impeccable.

Call 865-966-9414 or visit our website.