You may find that the back of your favorite jacket is wrinkled after going a day without shedding. However, the label says “dry clean only”.

If it’s just a few wrinkles without shedding, you may not need to go dry cleaning. Here’s what you need to know about dry-clean-only ironing.

Can you iron dry clean only?

Yes, you can only iron dry-cleaned clothes. Professional cleansers remove wrinkles in addition to blemishes on the body.

To iron dry clean only clothes, you will first need to check that they are stain free and check the fiber content on the care label to make sure you are using the correct setting on your iron. A steam iron works best for removing wrinkles on most types of fabric by allowing the steam to escape from the iron and penetrate the fibers.

Consider taking clothes with sequins or embellishments to a professional before attempting to iron them at home, unless you have experience with clothing care.

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How to iron only dry-cleaned clothes

1. Take a pressing cloth, water and a hanger. A press cloth is a piece of fabric that is used as a protective shield between the face of the iron and the garment to prevent shiny marks. Keep a spray bottle of water handy to add moisture to clothes to loosen wrinkles and a sturdy hanger for freshly ironed clothes.
2. Turn the clothes inside out. Turn the garment inside out to prevent accidental iron marks while removing the toughest wrinkles. This is especially important for dark colors, silk, rayon, linen and acetate. For velvet, corduroy and textured fabrics, ironing on the wrong side will prevent the fibers from being crushed. You can turn the garment right side out for a final touch-up.
3. Cover with a pressing cloth and iron. Lay the pressing cloth over the creased areas. Run the steam iron over the pressing cloth, moving the cloth as needed to iron the entire garment. For fabrics like wool or heavily wrinkled areas, add a little more moisture to the garment by misting it with a spray bottle filled with distilled water.
4. Hang up the clothes. Immediately after ironing, hang the garment on a sturdy hanger to dry completely. Do not fold or hang the item in the closet while it is still damp. If the item is made from a stretch knit material, lay it flat on a bed or ventilated drying rack to finish drying, as hanging the item can stretch the fibers.

Use a garment steamer to remove wrinkles from dry-clean-only clothing

Unless you’re looking for sharp creases in your pants or sharp creases in your shirt or skirt, a garment steamer is a great tool for removing wrinkles from dry clean-only clothing. The steam will relax the fibers of the clothes and the wrinkles will fall out. Always clean your steamer before steaming delicate clothes to prevent the minerals in the steam water from causing stains.

Whether you’re using a small, travel steamer or a larger floor-standing model, read the instructions carefully and hang the garment on a sturdy hanger. Run the steamer from the top of the garment to the bottom, keeping the nozzle away from the surface of the fabric to prevent overheating. Allow the garment to dry completely before wearing or putting it away.

Tips for removing wrinkles from dry-clean only clothes without ironing

Some fabrics, such as wool and cashmere, do not perform well when exposed to high iron temperatures. Try other methods instead:

• Lightly spray wool or cashmere with water: Sometimes it is necessary to spray water and gently smooth out the wrinkles by hand. Allow to air dry. Repeat if necessary.
• Hang clothes in the bathroom with steam: Hang any wrinkled clothing on the shower rod at the end farthest from the shower head and take a warm shower. Leave to steam for 20 minutes.
• Use anti-wrinkle sprays: Try a commercial anti-wrinkle spray like Dryel or Downy Wrinkle-Releaser Plus when water won’t cut it.
• steam cleaning: Send the clothes to a professional steam cleaner.

How to store clothes for dry cleaning only

Store dry-clean-only clothing in a dark, temperature-controlled area. UV rays can damage fabrics.

• Pack clothes in containers: Use acid-free tissue and plastic containers. Do not pack tightly; leave some breathing room.
• Hang on padded or wooden hangers: If the material is not prone to stretching, use special hangers.
• Opt for cotton garment bags: Cotton breathes while plastic suffocates.
• Don’t pack clothes too close together: Give your clothes room to breathe.
• Refrain from packing in cardboard boxes: Insects like cardboard.
• Select Cedar: Line a closet in cedar, make bags of cedar shavings, or use cedar blocks to keep bugs away from your clothes.