DIY Network

Home Dry Cleaning Tips The Queen of Clean© shares tips for home dry cleaning. From "Home Made Easy" episode DHME-141

Guest Linda Cobb, Home Made Easy's cleaning expert, joins host Stephanie Lydecker to share tips for home dry cleaning.

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Linda Cobb, the Queen of Clean®, joins host Stephanie Lydecker (left) to demonstrate how to do home dry cleaning.

Home Dry Cleaning Tips

Materials:

paper towels
cornstarch
iron
ironing board
K-2R
dry cleaners secret
towel
hangers
rack to hang

Removing Grease Stains

• First lay a double layer of paper toweling on both sides of the fabric and iron over it with a warm iron to draw the grease into the paper towel. You can also try putting a small amount of cornstarch on the spot. Lay a paper towel over it and press with a warm iron.

Spot Removing on Dry-Clean-Only Clothes

K-2R is a great spotter for dry-clean-only clothes. This forms a powder on the stain and absorbs the stain. You simply brush off the powder. Look for this product at home centers and hardware stores.

Freshening Dry-Clean-Only Clothes in the Dryer

• There is a wonderful product on the market—Dry Cleaners Secret. It actually works in the dryer. It doesn't use a bag, which is great because when you put your clothes in a bag-type cleaner the dirt is redistributed through the clothes because it has no where else to go. With this all you do is toss the clothes and a pre-moistened (with Dry Cleaners Secret) towel into the dryer for the directed amount of time. Clothes will come out fresh, clean smelling and generally ready to wear.
  
  
• Remember, if you have spots on the dry-clean-only clothes, pre-treat them first with a moistened towel. Also, hang the clothes as soon as they come out of the dryer. The dryer trick is great for knits, sweaters, comforters, blankets, toss pillows, etc. However, you won't get that fresh pressed finish for suits like you would at the actual dry cleaners.

Other Tips on Dry-Clean-Only Clothes

• When you take them off, hang them up neatly—immediately.

• Hang them in areas where air can circulate for a few hours. Don't squeeze them into the closet immediately because this traps odors.

• Check for spots before you take the outfit off. If you find one, evaluate it to see if you can remove it yourself or if it has to be professionally done. If you can attempt to move the spot, mark it with a clothes pin so you don't forget it's there. Now, if you are taking the spotted item to the cleaners, mark the spot and, if possible, tell the cleaner what the spot is.

Next: Cleaning Toilets

GUESTS :

Linda Cobb
The Queen of Clean®
Website: www.queenofclean.com