Can you wash the blazer in a washing machine? While some blazers are machine washable, others need dry cleaning. Knowing how to clean your blazer can save you time and money.
In this article, we’ll answer the question. We’ll provide an overview of properly washing your blazer in a washing machine and discuss whether you can wash a blazer without dry cleaning.
By the end of this article, you’ll better understand how to care for your blazer and keep it looking great for years to come.
Key Takeaways
- Not all blazers can be washed in a washing machine.
- If your blazer can be washed in a washing machine, following proper washing techniques is important to avoid damage.
- Dry cleaning may be the best option for certain types of blazers.
Table of Contents
Can You Wash The Blazer In A Washing Machine?
If you’re wondering whether you can wash your blazer in a washing machine, it depends on the fabric, care label, and color of the blazer. Some fabrics can withstand machine washing, while others require more delicate care.
Fabrics that can typically be machine-washed include polyester, linen, and cotton. These fabrics are durable and can handle the agitation of a washing machine. However, fabrics like wool, silk, and delicate cotton should be hand-washed or dry-cleaned to avoid damage.
Check the care label to determine if your blazer can be machine-washed. The care label will provide specific instructions for how to care for the garment. Look for instructions on whether the blazer can be machine washed, and if so, what temperature and cycle to use.
Before washing your blazer in the machine, doing a spot test is a good idea. Drip a small amount of water onto an unseen portion of the blazer and rub a cotton swab across the area.
The blazer should be taken to a dry cleaner if the fabric’s dye stains the swab. However, you can proceed with machine washing if the swab remains clean.
It’s important to note that washing your blazer too often can affect its lifespan and appearance. Depending on how often you wear your blazer and how much you sweat, you may only need to wash it once every few months. Overwashing can cause the fabric to wear out and lose its shape.
Related: Can you wash a suit jacket?
How To Wash The Blazer In A Washing Machine Properly
Washing a blazer in a washing machine can be a convenient way to clean your garment without taking it to the dry cleaners. Here are some steps and precautions to follow when washing a blazer in a washing machine:
Step 1: Turn the blazer inside out and put it in a mesh laundry bag to prevent damage to the material or pockets during the wash cycle.
Step 2: Use cold water and a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Avoid using bleach or fabric softener, as they can damage the fabric and alter the color of the blazer.
Step 3: Remove the blazer from the machine as soon as possible and lay it flat to dry. Do not use a tumble dryer or an iron, as they can cause shrinkage and damage to the fabric.
Step 4: Always check the care label and instructions before washing your blazer in a washing machine. Some blazers may require hand washing or dry cleaning only.
Step 5: If your blazer is made of wool or another delicate material, it is best to avoid machine washing altogether and opt for hand washing instead.
When washing a blazer in a washing machine, choosing a mild detergent suitable for the fabric and won’t cause any damage is essential. Here are some examples of mild detergents that are suitable for washing blazers:
Woolite Delicates Hypoallergenic 
Washing a blazer in a washing machine can save you time, money, and energy compared to taking it to the dry cleaners. However, it is crucial to follow the proper precautions and instructions to avoid damaging the garment and to ensure that it lasts for a long time.
Related: Can you wash viscose?
Can You Wash A Blazer Without Dry Cleaning?
Dry cleaning is a popular method of cleaning blazers, but it can be expensive and time-consuming. The good news is that there are alternative methods to wash a blazer without dry cleaning, such as hand washing, steaming, or using home dry cleaning kits.
Hand Washing
Hand washing is a gentle and effective way to clean a blazer, especially if it’s made of wool or linen. To hand wash a blazer, fill a sink or tub with cold water and add a mild detergent.
Gently agitate the blazer in the water for a few minutes, then rinse it thoroughly with cold water. Avoid wringing or twisting the blazer, as this can damage the fabric. Instead, gently press out the excess water and lay the blazer flat on a clean towel to air dry.
Steaming
Steaming is another great way to freshen up a blazer and remove wrinkles and odors. You can use a garment steamer or a steam iron with a steaming function. Hang the blazer on a hanger and hold the steamer or iron a few inches from the fabric.
Move the steamer or iron up and down the blazer, covering all areas. Allow the blazer to cool and air out before wearing it.
Home Dry Cleaning Kits
Home dry cleaning kits are a convenient and affordable way to freshen up a blazer without dry cleaning. These kits come with dryer-safe bags and cleaning cloths that you can use in your dryer.
Place the blazer in the bag with the cleaning cloth and follow the instructions on the kit. The cleaning cloth contains a cleaning solution to freshen the blazer and remove odors.
Each of these methods has its pros and cons. Hand washing is gentle and effective, but it can be time-consuming. Steaming is quick and easy, but it may not remove tough stains.
Home dry cleaning kits are convenient and affordable, but they may not be as effective as dry cleaning for heavily soiled blazers.
Overall, washing a blazer without dry cleaning is possible, but following the care label instructions and using the appropriate method for the fabric is important. Always perform a spot test before washing or steaming a blazer to avoid damaging the fabric.
Dos And Don’ts
Remember some dos and don’ts when washing your blazer to ensure your garment stays in great condition.
Dos
Do read the care label and do a spot test before washing. It’s important to follow the washing instructions on the care label of your blazer. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to do a spot test on a small, inconspicuous area of the blazer before washing it to ensure that the color won’t run or the fabric won’t be damaged.
Do use cold water and mild detergent. Use cold water and a mild detergent to wash your blazer. This will help prevent shrinkage and damage to the garment’s fibers.
Do turn the blazer inside out and use a mesh laundry bag. Turning your blazer inside out will help to protect the outer fabric from damage during the wash cycle. Using a mesh laundry bag will also help to prevent the blazer from getting tangled or damaged in the washing machine.
Do lay the blazer flat to dry. After washing, lay your blazer flat on a towel to dry. This will help maintain the garment’s shape and prevent it from becoming misshapen.
Don’ts
Wait to wash the blazer too often or too harshly. Washing your blazer too often or using harsh detergents can damage the garment’s fibers and cause it to lose shape.
Don’t use bleach or fabric softener. Bleach and fabric softener can be too harsh for delicate fabrics like wool or silk. Avoid using these products when washing your blazer.
Don’t use a tumble dryer or an iron. Tumble dryers and irons can damage the fibers of the blazer and cause it to lose shape. Instead, lay the blazer flat to dry and use a steamer to remove wrinkles.
Refrain from mixing colors or fabrics. When washing your blazer, separate it from other garments and wash it with like colors. This will help to prevent color bleeding and damage to the fabric.
Additional Tips!
In addition to the dos and don’ts listed above, you can follow a few additional tips to maintain your blazer’s shape, color, and quality.
- Brush your blazer regularly to remove any dust or debris.
- Air out your blazer after wearing it to prevent odors from setting in.
- Store your blazer on a hanger in a cool, dry place.
- If your blazer is made of suede or leather, it should be dry-cleaned.
- If your blazer is made of linen, it can be hand-washed or machine-washed on the gentlest cycle.
- If your blazer has pockets, make sure to empty them before washing.
- Use a color-care detergent to help preserve the color of your blazer.
Frequently Asked Question
How do I remove stains from my blazer?
You can try to spot-clean the stains with water or diluted white vinegar before washing. If the stains are stubborn, you may need to use a stain remover or take your blazer to a professional cleaner.
How do I prevent my blazer from shrinking or stretching in the washing machine?
You can prevent your blazer from shrinking or stretching by using cold water, gentle cycle, mild detergent, mesh laundry bag, and avoiding tumble drying or ironing. You can also reshape your damp blazer and lay it flat to dry.
How do I keep my blazer from fading or bleeding in the washing machine?
You can keep your blazer from fading or bleeding by washing it separately or with similar colors and fabrics, using color care detergent, and avoiding bleach or hot water. You can also turn your blazer inside out and use a mesh laundry bag to protect it from friction.
How often should I wash my blazer in the washing machine?
It would be best to wash your blazer in the washing machine as infrequently as possible, only when it is visibly dirty or smelly. Washing your blazer too often can damage the fabric and structure of the garment. A general rule of thumb is to wash your blazer once every few months or once a season.
How do I choose the best washing machine for my blazer?
Choosing a washing machine with a gentle or delicate cycle, a cold water option, and a low spin speed would be best. You should also look for a washing machine with a load sensor, a water level adjuster, and a stain removal feature. These features can help you wash your blazer more efficiently and effectively.
