7 Things You Should Never Dry Clean & Smarter Home Cleaning Tips
Uncover why some garments fare better with a soft hand wash than harsh solvents—and how to keep them fresh and fabulous at home.
From the Closet of Rechelle Balanzat, Founder of Juliette
Rechelle Balanzat has spent over a decade redefining laundry as luxury. As the founder of Juliette, a premium dry cleaning and laundry service in New York City, she’s seen firsthand what not to send to the dry cleaners. “People assume dry cleaning is the safest route,” Rechelle explains, “but some fabrics are better off at home—with a little know-how and the right care.”
Below, she shares her go-to guide for what to skip at the cleaners—and how to launder with intention and style.
Baby Clothes
Delicate baby skin doesn’t need chemical residue. Wash in hot water using fragrance-free detergent and skip softeners. Rechelle adds: “If it touches a baby’s skin, treat it like skincare—gentle and clean.”
2. Leather & Suede
Dry cleaning strips natural oils. Rechelle recommends spot cleaning with a soft cloth and using a suede brush or leather conditioner to refresh. “Think of leather as living. It needs moisture, not chemicals.”
3. Activewear
Those stretchy yoga sets? They hate solvents. Wash inside out with a sports detergent and air dry. “Tech fabrics are sensitive,” Rechelle warns. “Preserve their performance—keep them out of the cleaner.”
4. Wool & Cashmere
Despite labels, these fibers thrive with hand washing. Rechelle suggests using a lingerie bag, cold water, and mild detergent. “Cashmere is skin-care for your wardrobe,” she says. “Treat it gently, and it will love you back.”
5. Raincoats & Waterproofs
Dry cleaners can destroy the waterproof layer. Instead, spot-clean with mild soap, rinse, and air dry. Rechelle’s tip: “Every few wears, re-proof with a DWR spray. Easy. Effective. Better than replacing it.”
6. Embellished Garments
Delicate beading or lace? Cleaners may ruin it. Spot clean or hand wash with care. Rechelle notes, “These garments are couture-level. Handle them like heirlooms.”
7. Heavily Stained Casualwear
Dry cleaning isn’t built for sweat or grime. “For real-life messes,” Rechelle says, “pretreat stains with dish soap or baking soda paste. Then wash, rinse, repeat if needed. It’s what we do at Juliette before anything touches the solvent.”
“Luxury isn’t just labels—it’s longevity,” Rechelle says. “At Juliette, we blend tradition with modern care. And that means knowing when not to dry clean. Laundry is personal. It’s your story, told through fabric.”
At Juliette, We Believe:
Your wardrobe deserves mindful care.
You don’t need harsh chemicals to look and feel polished.
And yes, even laundry can feel a little bit sexy.
From the Financial District to 110th street, we’re transforming the way New Yorkers care for their clothes—one thoughtful wash and fold at a time. Request a laundry or dry cleaning pickup at WWW.JULIETTE.NYC or text us at (315) 284-5689