Dry Clean Only means the maker recommends dry cleaning alone. Washing it yourself may shrink it, distort it or change the colour, and the maker may not accept responsibility. A label that simply says Dry Clean usually recommends dry cleaning without directly ruling out other methods.
What do dry cleaning symbols mean?
International care symbols under ISO 3758 use a circle for professional care.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Circle with P | Dry clean with the specified solvents |
| Circle with F | Dry clean with hydrocarbon solvents |
| Crossed-out circle | Do not dry clean |
| Circle with W | Professional wet cleaning |
| Bar under the circle | Use a milder process |
What if there is no label?
Do not guess. Look at the fabric, embroidery and lining, or send a photo for assessment. For expensive garments, declare the value before they are accepted.
Can you wash a Dry Clean Only garment?
Some fabrics can be handled by a professional using wet cleaning, but we do not recommend trying it yourself on important clothes. See what dry cleaning is, our services and our FAQ.
FAQ
What is the difference between Dry Clean and Dry Clean Only?
Dry Clean is usually a recommendation, while Dry Clean Only stresses that other methods should not be used.
What if the label is missing?
Photograph the fabric and tell us the brand if you know it. We will help assess the risk before accepting.
What happens if I ignore the label?
The garment may lose its shape or colour, and that often cannot be reversed, so always start with the label.