Ever looked at your suit after a long day and wondered if you could just toss it in the washing machine? You’re not alone—professional dry cleaning can be a hassle, and costs quickly add up.
Knowing how to safely wash a suit at home can save both time and money, and prevent laundry mishaps.
In this article, you’ll discover clear, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and practical advice on machine washing your suit—without ruining it.
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Can You Wash a Suit in the Washing Machine? A Thorough Guide
Washing a suit in the washing machine is a question many people have, especially when dry cleaning costs stack up or you want fresh results at home. While most suits are designed for dry cleaning, with the right care and technique, some modern suits can be safely machine washed. This guide walks you step-by-step through the process, highlights any potential pitfalls, and offers expert tips to help you maintain your suit’s shape, look, and longevity.
Should You Machine Wash a Suit?
Before you jump in, it’s crucial to consider your suit’s material and construction. Not every suit is machine-washable, and improper cleaning can lead to shrinking, loss of shape, or fabric damage.
When Machine Washing a Suit Might Be Okay
- Synthetic or blended fabrics: Suits made from polyester, viscose, or cotton blends sometimes have machine-washable labels.
- Unstructured suits: Jackets without heavy padding, shoulder structure, or lining are generally safer to wash at home.
- “Washable suit” labels: Always check your suit’s care label; if it specifically says “machine washable,” you’re in the clear.
When to Avoid Machine Washing
- Wool or pure natural fibers: These tend to shrink or become misshapen if machine washed.
- Heavily structured or lined jackets: Padding and lining can bunch, distort, or fall apart in a washing machine.
- Suits with intricate details: Embroidery, delicate buttons, or fine trims often aren’t suited for machine wash.
Step-By-Step: How to Wash a Suit in the Washing Machine
If you’ve decided your suit is a candidate for machine washing, follow these steps carefully to keep it looking its best.
1. Check the Care Label
- Look for instructions specifically regarding washing, drying, and ironing.
- If the label says “dry clean only,” home washing is risky.
- If “machine washable” is indicated, proceed but with caution.
2. Prepare the Suit
- Empty all pockets: Remove everything, including receipts, pens, and pocket squares.
- Close zippers and fasten buttons: Fasten all buttons, zippers, or hooks to prevent snagging.
- Turn inside out: This protects the outer fabric and reduces friction.
3. Use a Garment or Mesh Laundry Bag
- Place the suit jacket and trousers in separate mesh laundry bags.
- The bags help prevent rubbing and excessive stretching.
4. Choose the Right Detergent
- Use a mild or “delicate” liquid detergent.
- Avoid bleach or harsh chemicals—they can damage fibers and color.
5. Select the Right Machine Settings
- Cold water: Hot water can shrink or warp fabric.
- Delicate or hand-wash cycle: Prefer the gentlest and shortest cycles available.
- Low spin speed: High-speed spinning increases the risk of wrinkles and stretching.
6. Start the Wash
- Never overload the washing machine—ensure there is enough room for water to circulate.
- Avoid washing with items that could snag, like jeans or towels.
7. Remove Promptly
- As soon as the wash finishes, take your suit out immediately.
- This helps prevent wrinkles and creases from setting.
Drying Your Suit After Washing
How you dry your suit is almost as important as how you wash it.
Tips for Proper Drying
- Never use the tumble dryer: Heat and agitation will damage most suit fabrics.
- Shape and hang: Gently reshape the suit (shoulders, lapels, seams) and hang it on a broad, padded hanger.
- Air dry: Choose a space with good ventilation, out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.
- Lay flat if needed: Some items, like delicate jackets, dry better when laid flat on a towel.
Ironing and Steaming Your Suit
After air drying, your suit may need a bit of smoothing out.
Ironing Tips
- Use the lowest heat setting compatible with your fabric.
- Use a pressing cloth to prevent shine marks or scorch.
- Iron inside out, especially on fine fabrics.
Steam for Best Results
- A handheld steamer helps remove wrinkles gently without direct pressure.
- Be careful not to overwet the fabric.
Benefits and Challenges of Machine Washing Your Suit
Benefits
- Cost-effective: Frequent dry cleaning can be pricey over time.
- Convenience: Machine washing is easy and can be done at home.
- Freshness: Helps quickly remove odors or surface stains.
Challenges
- Risk of damage: Incorrect washing or drying can ruin your suit.
- Potential for shrinkage or loss of shape: Not all fabrics withstand the process equally.
- Subtle details may suffer: Quality trimmings or delicate features risk being damaged.
Best Practices and Expert Tips
- Test with a single item: Try washing the trousers first to see how the fabric reacts.
- Use garment bags: They are essential for reducing friction and wear in the machine.
- Refresh, don’t over-wash: Steam or spot-clean between full washes to extend suit life.
- Quick fixes: For minor odors or wrinkles, hang your suit in a steamy bathroom instead of a full wash.
- Professional care for valuable suits: Expensive or sentimental suits should still be taken to a quality dry cleaner.
- Rotate suits: Frequent wearing means more wear-and-tear; give your suit at least a day of rest in between uses.
Caring for Special Fabrics
Wool Suits
Wool is prone to shrinking and should almost always be dry cleaned. If you must clean wool at home, consider a gentle hand-wash in cold water with a wool-specific detergent, but avoid the machine.
Linen or Cotton Suits
These fabrics are more forgiving, but may wrinkle easily. Machine washing is safer than for wool, but gentle cycles and prompt air drying are essential.
Synthetic or Washable Suits
Many travel or modern suits are made to endure washing machines. Follow the label instructions and usual precautions, and you’ll have little trouble.
What to Do When in Doubt
If you are unsure about the fabric or your suit’s construction, it’s always safest to take it to a dry cleaner. Home washing is a gamble for high-value, classic, or investment-quality suits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can all suits be washed in a washing machine?
No, not all suits are machine-washable. Suits made from wool, with heavy lining, or intricate tailoring should never be machine washed. Only those labeled as “machine washable” and made from suitable fabrics, like certain blends or synthetics, are safe for home machine washing.
What happens if I wash a “dry clean only” suit in the machine?
You risk shrinking, losing the suit’s shape, damaging the lining, or causing colors to bleed. Often, the suit may become unwearable. Always check labels before putting any “dry clean only” items in the washing machine.
Is it necessary to use a garment bag when machine washing a suit?
Yes, a garment or mesh laundry bag is vital. It minimizes friction, keeps the suit’s shape, and prevents snags or excessive stretching inside the washing machine.
Can I tumble dry my suit after washing it?
Never tumble dry a suit. The heat and tumbling action can shrink, warp, and damage the fabric and internal structure. Always air dry your suit by hanging it properly.
How often should I wash my suit?
Suits generally do not need frequent washing. Unless stained or notably soiled, a suit can go several wears between washes. Often, a good airing out or a gentle steam is enough to refresh it.
Conclusion
Washing a suit in the washing machine is possible for some modern, well-labeled fabrics—provided you do it with care. Always start by checking the care label, use the gentlest settings, employ garment bags, and avoid heat through both washing and drying. For traditional wool or heavily structured suits, professional dry cleaning remains the safest route. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the convenience and cost savings of home care without sacrificing your suit’s look or longevity.