Deciding whether to machine wash dry clean only clothing is challenging. In some cases, certain clothing will machine wash well, even if the care instructions state the garment should only be dry-cleaned. At other times, if you machine wash dry clean only clothing, you won’t be able to wear it again due to damage in the fabric, stretching, or shrinking. It’s a risk, and you should be prepared to hazard the risk if you toss such clothing in the washing machine.

If you’re considering the attempt to machine wash dry clean only clothing, you might want to pay attention to what type of fabric you’ll be washing. Wool is notorious for shrinking, and you might look instead for garments that are washable wool, which are now available with greater frequency. Materials like rayon and linen may also recommend dry cleaning, but they may survive a cold-water wash on a gentle cycle.

You can look at the label too, for ideas as to whether something will wash well. If the care label says, “Dry cleaning suggested,” instead of “Dry clean only,” this usually means you can wash the garment. Use cold water, mild detergent or soap, and a gentle cycle, and do not dry such clothing in the dryer. Instead hang it up so it can air dry.

You should not machine wash dry clean only clothing of certain types. For instance, suits or tuxedos should be taken to the cleaners, and never thrown in a washing machine. Anything you’ve paid a lot of money for and want to keep, if it only recommends dry cleaning should not be washed. Don’t put your wedding dress, formal gowns, winter coats or the like in the washer unless you want to replace them. Fabrics with very delicate lace, beading, or special creases, stitching, or ruching probably won’t survive your washing machine.

Some people enjoy shopping at consignment or thrift shops, and figure, if they’ve only paid a few dollars for an outfit, it’s worth throwing it in the washing machine since there isn’t much to lose. Deciding whether to machine wash dry clean only clothing that you’ve purchased at a thrift store is a mixed bag. Some clothing, especially if it’s older, no longer has a care label. You can certainly take a chance with it, but wisdom would suggest if you find something vintage or couture, you shouldn’t hazard such a find by machine washing. If you’ve discovered a Chanel suit or a Pucci dress, it may be much more valuable than its price tag. In these instances it may be better not to regret ruining it in the washing machine.