Can I machine wash a poly/rayon blend?

**The Muse** · 08-09-2008, 11:34 AM

I found a dress at the consignment shop yesterday for $7. It's 70% Rayon / 30% Polyester and the tag says dry clean only. Dry cleaning will cost more than the dress.

Do you think it would be OK to machine wash in cold on the handwash cycle and line dry?

**DaisySue** · 08-09-2008, 11:44 AM

Since it cost $7 I would hate to steer you wrong. If it had cost less I would have probably have tried it. I believe I have washed things like that before and as long as I took them out of the washer immediately (!) to hang dry they looked really good.

But with it costing $7 you will have to decide....... Let us know if you do wash it if it works out well for future reference! Good luck!

**suebeehoney** · 08-09-2008, 12:51 PM

I would be very careful about this. If they say Dry Clean Only, there's usually a good reason for it.

I've ruined more than one dress that was Dry Clean Only by tossing it in the washer and hoping for the best. The colors bleed and the fabric texture changes - it basically ruins the garment.

What about those dry-cleaning kits you get in the store? I think Wal Mart still carries them in the laundry aisle. I used those for a long time on my dry-clean only clothes. Saved me a ton on dry cleaning. You put the garment in a bag with a specially-treated cloth that comes with the kit, and toss it in the dryer for a bit. Comes out smelling fresh and clean.