Dry Cleaning [Revisited]

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Been there, Hank. My kilts don't make it through too many appearances until they're in dire need of some TLC. Here's what I've done (after MUCH trial and tribulation).

I begin with the home-dryer, dry cleaning methods. It's as easy as placing the stain cleaner on the really bad spots... place the kilt in the bag... dry it on the appropriate setting. I got a steamer at Home Depot for next to nothing to iron-out the pleats without actually touching heat to the wools or materials.

I've given-up trusting the dry cleaners with such a "different" garment, and have decided to trust myself. It didn't take long to realize that the process is MUCH better for the kilts, and the care in the maintenance is actually better. Due the the sheer number of cleanings, the kilts don't wear or fade at all with this process. The machine washings on "certain materials" have proven to be quite fatal in some instances. Therefore... ALL of my kilts get this method now.

[mkmound]

. . .

I begin with the home-dryer, dry cleaning methods. It's as easy as placing the stain cleaner on the really bad spots... place the kilt in the bag... dry it on the appropriate setting. . . .

Jimmy,

Where do you find these home dry cleaning bags? I haven't seen them (although I haven't looked . . .). Also, I assume that they use some type of chemical action in the dryer -- have you noticed any damage to the leather straps, or do you do some type of leather conditioning before / after?

Regards,
Mark

[Rufus]

Jimmy,

Where do you find these home dry cleaning bags? I haven't seen them (although I haven't looked . . .). Also, I assume that they use some type of chemical action in the dryer -- have you noticed any damage to the leather straps, or do you do some type of leather conditioning before / after?

Regards,
Mark

Hey Mark,

I noticed Jimmy hasn't responded yet, but here's what I've seen. One brand of at-home dry cleaning bags is Dryel. I've seen it at just about every Walmart/KMart/Fred Meyer, etc... and most grocery stores. I don't know about the leather straps...maybe their website gives more information.

Hope this helps! :-D

[Jimmy Carbomb]

Jimmy,

Where do you find these home dry cleaning bags? I haven't seen them (although I haven't looked . . .). Also, I assume that they use some type of chemical action in the dryer -- have you noticed any damage to the leather straps, or do you do some type of leather conditioning before / after?

Regards,
Mark

Sorry about the delay with the response. Three lashes and a Guinness to me. Wait... that's actually kind of cool.

Rufus was right with the Dryel thing. I've done my wool kilts atleast two times each, and they have no damage... no wear... no fading... no stains... and the ironing (or steaming) is minimal. As for the leather straps, a dry cleaner suggested that I use pieces of terry cloth tied-up with string to protect them. To this point, it has worked like a charm. My kilts are beautiful. Now, it we could just figure out what to do with the wearer.

[mkmound]

Sorry about the delay with the response. Three lashes and a Guinness to me. Wait... that's actually kind of cool.

No Guinness for you this weekend! Light beer only!

Rufus was right with the Dryel thing. I've done my wool kilts atleast two times each, and they have no damage... no wear... no fading... no stains... and the ironing (or steaming) is minimal. As for the leather straps, a dry cleaner suggested that I use pieces of terry cloth tied-up with string to protect them. To this point, it has worked like a charm.

Jimmy and Rufus -- thanks!! I'll look around for them.

My kilts are beautiful. Now, it we could just figure out what to do with the wearer.

Who's got a paper bag handy???

Mark

[Doc Hudson]

No Guinness for you this weekend! Light beer only!

'Tis a cruel, cruel man ye are!!!!