Top Tips for Dry Cleaning Fabrics

Cleaning fabrics can be tricky at the best of times, especially when your fabric is marked with that lovely “DC-Dry cleaning only” designation. You may be wondering if there’s anything you should know about the care of dry clean fabrics. Below are a few tips for cleaning these delicate fabrics.

  • The bigger the stain, the less you should try to tend to it yourself. Don’t try to be a hero. When in doubt, call a professional dry cleaning service.
  • Vacuum the area first to see what you can remove before you bring in any cleaner.
  • If you do try to address a very, very small stain yourself with a cleaner, only use a dry cleaning solvent. These work best with fabrics labeled “S-Spot cleaning only with a water-free dry cleaning solvent.” Use a dry cleaning solvent on a fabric labeled “DC” at your own risk.
  • Always, always test the cleaner in a hidden area of the fabric first.
  • Rather than rubbing, blot the area as delicately as you can with a cloth that has the cleaner applied to it. And never, ever rub the stain from the inside out, as that will spread the stain.

Try Cleaning Your Fabric DIY First

Should you really dry clean a fabric with a “DC” designation? There are some best practices to keep in mind. First, if the stain is big, take your upholstery to a professional. While you can still DIY clean smaller stains, you should take caution before introducing any cleaner. Vacuum the stain first to see if that removes it. If you must use a cleaner, use a dry cleaning solvent instead of conventional cleansers.

Did you buy upholstery from Kovi Fabrics and are wondering if you can clean it DIY? Since we carry different fabrics, they all have different care instructions. You can always reach out to us for fabric care advice.

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