Dry Cleaning

[James]

Here in the UK I've never had any problems.

However it is worth finding out if a skirt is cheaper than a kilt-it sometimes is--and there are times!

James

[macwilkin]

If there is a pipe band anywhere near you, you might get in touch with them and see if they have any recommendations for a dry cleaner.

Cheers,

Todd

[Freelander Sporrano]

Just a warning here .... Linda at Hector Russell told me don't dry clean a kilt more than once a year if that.....

[Iolaus]

You could find a local kilt rental shop and ask them who they use.

[bubba]

I just hand wash my wool kilts in cold water and woolite, then hand press the pleats in place while it's still wet. Does the job just fine and no worries about chemicals or bad pessing jobs.

[Barb T]

You bold soul, you! I have to confess that I've never met anyone who actually does that with a traditional wool kilt. I have heard of people hanging a kilt on the line and hosing it down when it's dirty and sweaty, but Woolite and cold water is something I'm not sure I'd try any more than I would wash a nice wool suit. Don't you have trouble with the kilt keeping its shape during the washing?? What happens to the nice hard finish of the tartan when you wash it?

Maybe I'm just a chicken and all you guys will tell me that you wash wool kilts all the time. But, frankly, this isn't something that I'm going to try any time soon!!

Barb

[Blu (Ontario)]

... Maybe I'm just a chicken and all you guys will tell me that you wash wool kilts all the time. But, frankly, this isn't something that I'm going to try any time soon!!...Barb

I know I'd be chewin' my fingernails to the quick washing a $600 worsted wool kilt. So far, I've managed to get away with spot cleaning & a bit of steam, etc. and I plan on doing just that as long as possible.

[Hamish]

You bold soul, you! I have to confess that I've never met anyone who actually does that with a traditional wool kilt. I have heard of people hanging a kilt on the line and hosing it down when it's dirty and sweaty, but Woolite and cold water is something I'm not sure I'd try any more than I would wash a nice wool suit. Don't you have trouble with the kilt keeping its shape during the washing?? What happens to the nice hard finish of the tartan when you wash it?

Maybe I'm just a chicken and all you guys will tell me that you wash wool kilts all the time. But, frankly, this isn't something that I'm going to try any time soon!!

Barb

Nor would I, Barb! As for dry cleaning a traditional woollen kilt: it should be done only when absolutely necessary, and even then think twice before having it done! Most of my traditional kilts have never been cleaned - they simply do not need it. My oldest kilt, tailored for me in 1973, has probably been cleaned no more than six or seven times, and it has seen extremely good service in those years. For over twenty of them it was my only kilt. Today, it looks like new. Of course, I have treated it with respect, as I do all of my kilts. Thorough airing overnight after wear, carefully arranged on a grip hanger and each one stored individually in moth-resistant plastic covers. I find they sedom require pressing either - at least not the 100% woollen ones!

[jjoseph]

Regarding dry cleaners: if it's a PV kilt or cargo, just about anyone will do. If you have a leather kilt or one in vintage wool, then look for a cleaner who specializes in those. I've found that cleaners who prepare wedding dresses for longterm storage are pretty adept at dealing with finer things.

[An t-Ileach]

If you're in London, "Jeeves of Belgravia" know how to do kilts, but they're expensive. My tailor years ago would have a fit if anybody dry cleaned one of his suits - he held that the chemicals ruined the wool over time and believed that all that was needed in most circumstances was spongeing and pressing. But it's in the pressing that the problem lies: better do it oneself, or stand over the dry cleaner with a mallet