Do I Really Have to Dry-Clean All My Clothes?
Briefly

The prevalence of dry-clean-only labels in fashion is less about coordination between designers and laundromats and more about companies wanting to protect themselves from customer complaints regarding garment care. With many consumers lacking knowledge on caring for delicate fabrics, brands often choose to advise dry cleaning as a safer option, avoiding complex care instructions. This trend contributes to over-cleaning clothing, which harms the environment and the garments themselves. Industry leaders discuss the wisdom of minimal washing, particularly for jeans, promoting longevity over frequent cleaning.
The ubiquity of dry-cleaning labels is more about fashion companies shielding themselves from customer dissatisfaction than a conspiracy with launderers.
Due to a lack of education on garment care, companies opt for dry-clean-only labels to avoid potential blame for damaged clothes.
We generally over-clean our clothes; the dry-cleaning process can harm fabrics and is bad for the environment.
It is common wisdom that jeans rarely need washing, with industry leaders advocating minimal cleaning for longevity.
Read at www.nytimes.com
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