I get so mad at my boyfriend because he takes
cotton sweaters to the dry cleaners.
Anyway, you can safely hand wash almost any apparel made of things like angora, cashmere, acrylic (and other synthetic fibers), or wool. Use cold water and Woolite, and lay the articles flat to dry...DO NOT put in the dryer. About velvet...no no no, don't try to wash it. The pile will lie flat and look shiny and cheap; it's best to take that to the cleaners. Ditto on anything made of chiffon, satin, etc.