should I dry clean this suit

[jt10000]

I've got a dark blue linen suit I like a lot. Since it was last cleaned I've worn it three times. Two of those times I sweated a lot - most recently today, at a funeral, where when I got home the lining of the suit under my arms was moist from sweat.

I understand I shouldn't over dry clean suits, but is this a time to do that?

At the moment I'm letting it air out.

 

[Jackie Treehorn]

Are you planning to wear it again this season? If so, air it out and hold onto it until then. Dry clean it when you're planning on putting it away for longer than 3 months or so.

 

[jt10000]

Thanks - yes will wear again so I'll try that.

Was worried about smell with the dried sweat, and I'm not good at spotting my own smell.

 

[fritzl]

turn it inside out for airing.

 

[GBR]

Just leave it for a few days to air.

 

[stubloom]

When you do eventually have that suit cleaned, make sure to tell the cleaner that those underarm perspiration stains (primarily acids and salts) must be completely "flushed out" and the fabric dried PRIOR to throwing it into their dry cleaning machine.

Dry cleaning solvents and fluids are emulsifiers of oils and do NOTHING for water-based stains such as perspiration, soda, juice, wine, etc. Water-based stains do not "miraculously disappear" by themselves. They must be removed PRIOR to dry cleaning by a stain removal technician.

If you are going to wait some time before cleaning, I'd monitor those underarms once every two weeks or so. A prolonged exposure to the acids and salts in perspiration can lead to a reduction in the textile strength of the lining and/or a change in the color of the lining. This loss of textile strength and/or color change depends on the type of fabric used for the lining and the color of the lining.

The underarms of the exterior linen fabric could also change color. Over time, some navy blues have a tendency to change color to a light mauve color as a result of prolonged contact with perspiration.

For more on the subject of perspiration......

Blog post: My dry cleaned garments still smell of perspiration!

Blog link: http://www.ravefabricare.com/true-q...ed-garments-still-smell-of-perspiration!.aspx

 

[jt10000]

Thanks for that info - though it's kind of freaking me out.

The moisture did not make it to the outside of the suit as far as I could tell - just into the lining at the end of the day.

 

[dirkweems]

A linen suit to a funeral. I don't know whether to smack you on the head or get down on my knees and salute the great JT1000.

Definitely air out the suit, inside out too, as suggested. Even better if you have a garden or live in the country and hang it out in the fresh air. Make sue its in the shade though. Avoid dry cleaning if there are no visible staines or spots.

 

[stubloom]

Didn't mean to freak you out...merely make you aware of the issues involved. The better informed you are, the better decisions you will make.

 

[jt10000]

It was a very sad day, but the event was good in terms of a big turnout and supporting the family. And I was by no means inappropriately dressed for the group - dark blue suit, black cap-toe lace-ups (new - bought them just for this event and other rare uses as black shoes are not my thing), black belt, white dress shirt, conservative tie,

I considered a gray wool suit I have but it's not quite as dark, so while that one is more "conservative" in material, in terms of appearance they're both about equal. And standing outside in the sun made me happy with what I chose.

 

[JayJay]



It was a very sad day, but the event was good in terms of a big turnout and supporting the family. And I was by no means inappropriately dressed for the group - dark blue suit, black cap-toe lace-ups (new - bought them just for this event and other rare uses as black shoes are not my thing), black belt, white dress shirt, conservative tie, 

I considered a gray wool suit I have but it's not quite as dark, so while that one is more "conservative" in material, in terms of appearance they're both about equal. And standing outside in the sun made me happy with what I chose.

Sounds like you dressed very respectfully and appropriately for the occasion. Sorry for your loss.

 

[duggyald]

Are you planning to wear it again this season? If so, air it out and hold onto it until then. Dry clean it when you're planning on putting it away for longer than 3 months or so.

Agreed with this one.