Use This Luxe Laundry Detergent To Skip The Dry Cleaner — & Save A Ton Of Time & Money

When it comes to the most coveted items in your wardrobe — like cashmere, lace lingerie, or velvet or silk evening wear — you’ve probably resigned yourself to racking up expensive bills at the dry cleaners for fear of damaging your favorite clothes. But there are ways to clean even the most finicky garments at home so you can save a ton of cash, and The Laundress, a brand known for luxe at-home fabric care, has gentle professional formulas and expert-level tricks for how to properly clean those prized pieces.

Deciphering Tags

According to The Laundress, many of the garments you’ve been taking to the dry cleaners can be washed at home. First, check the tag: If it reads “dry clean only,” you should suck it up and take those items to a professional. But if the tag simply reads “dry clean,” it’s often fine to wash the item yourself. (Although you should use your best judgment and assess the make of the garment, along with the delicacy of the fabric.)

The Updated Formulas

Once you’ve appraised the items in question, it’s time for the actual cleaning — and this is where The Laundress can really help. Its cult-favorite formulas are dedicated to cleaning specific types of garments — like separate detergents for lights versus darks as well as delicates, along with a dedicated wool and cashmere formula. (The fact that they smell absolutely heavenly is just a bonus.) Plus, all of the bio-based formulas have been updated and are rigorously tested for safety.

Scroll on for the expertly crafted products that’ll become a luxe part of your laundry routine.

1. A Detergent To Pamper Your Delicate Pieces

For “hand wash only” items like lingerie and dainty evening wear, this delicates-approved detergent will surely become a go-to. The enzyme-free, double-concentrated formula is powerful enough to lift away dirt and stains without damaging your precious hand-washables. Ideal for use in cold water (often a requirement for these kinds of items), this detergent can also be used in the washing machine. Intoxicating notes of leafy green, rosewood, and sandalwood give your delicates the full spa experience.

2. A Wool & Cashmere-Safe Detergent For All Your Knits

That special wool or cashmere piece you’ve been too nervous to clean yourself can finally get at-home treatment with this specialty detergent formula. Enzyme-free and designed for use in the cold required to treat natural fibers like merino and mohair (along with the aforementioned wool and cashmere) this detergent is scented with notes of bergamot, pine, and patchouli, to leave your knits clean and refreshed — and smelling like a luxe boutique.

3. A Detergent Formulated For Dark & Vibrant Colors

Not only is this detergent scented with seductive notes of citrus, lavender and patchouli, it’s specially created for use on your dark and vibrantly colored clothing. The lightweight formula contains four enzymes to help eradicate stains and leave clothes thoroughly refreshed — and it’s designed to work in the cold water required for cleaning your darker-colored clothing without fading.

4. A Detergent To Keep Your Whites Optically Bright

If you’re looking for a bleach-free way to keep your white clothing looking pristine, reach for this detergent; designed for use on white and light-colored clothing, it uses bio-based surfactants, enzymes, and brighteners to help eradicate difficult dirt and stains while keeping colors crisp. Notes of citrus, jasmine, and musk ensure your clothing will smell as fresh as it looks.

5. This Fragrance-Free Laundry Detergent For Sensitive Skin

If you (or your baby) have sensitive skin — or a sensitive nose — you’ll appreciate this fragrance-free detergent; it’s free of any skin-irritating fragrances, or artificial dyes and brighteners. Safe for use on any of your everyday clothing and bed linens, this detergent’s bio-based ingredients effectively fight stains and dirt, and the economical double-concentrated formula allows you to get as many as 62 washes from every bottle. This skin-safe detergent is an essential for any cleaning closet.

6. The OG Solution For Treating Tough Stains

This stain solution features a triple enzyme formula designed to help lift away protein and oil-based stains like grass, cosmetics, or yellowed pits that can be particularly difficult to treat. Safe for use in all water temperatures, the bio-based formula requires no soaking or scrubbing — simply apply it to the stain and wash, or pre-treat for persistent spots. You’ll reach for this fragrance-free stain-fighter anytime a difficult stain attempts to cramp your style.

7. A Fabric Conditioner To Soften & Reduce Static

The Laundress’ reviewers adore the way this fabric conditioner softens and reduces static. “This works so well,” one shopper raved, adding that they “love knowing it's a clean alternative to other fabric softeners.” The lightweight formula is scented with notes of citrus, lavender, and musk, to leave your clothes smelling incredible — and feeling irresistibly touchable.

In addition to the improbably chic formulas featured above, The Laundress offers even more scent options and handy tools for cleaning and stain removal — along with a plethora of helpful articles, tips and tricks to aid your at-home dry cleaning. You might even be able to pick up some new wardrobe favorites with the money you’ll save.