Dry Cleaning
The dry cleaning process involves utilizing fluids to remove soil and stains from fabric. Little or no water is used during this process and the cleaning fluids do not penetrate the fibres in the same way as other methods, which is why it is called dry cleaning.
One of the many advantages of this process is how grease and oil can be dissolved and eliminated more effectively than with water on many materials, from natural to synthetic. Water can also distort, shrink and discolour fabrics made of natural fibers such as wools and silks, making dry cleaning the preferred care method.
The dry cleaning process starts with a pretreatment of any existing spots and stains, using special cleaning agents designed for the job. Then, the garments are placed into a machine resembling an oversized front-loading home washer to be agitated so that embedded dirt can be loosened. The cleaning fluid is filtered or distilled to ensure its clarity at each step.
Does frequent dry cleaning shorten a garment's life?
On the contrary - frequent cleaning actually prolongs the life of a garment. Improperly cleaned fabrics often have stains which set with age, making the garment unusable. Ground-in dirt and soil act as an abrasive, much like sandpaper, causing rapid wear of fibres. Soiled clothes also attract insects, causing further damage.
Wet Cleaning
Wet cleaning may be most suitable for some garments, depending on the care label and the expertise of your professional cleaner. According to the 1972 Care Label Rule, clothing manufacturers need only list one method of proper care, even if there are other safe methods. If a garment's care label says Washable, it may or may not dry clean satisfactorily.
The wet cleaning process is similar to the dry cleaning process, in that it begins with the pretreatment of spots and stains using special cleaning agents. The main difference between the two methods is that water and additives are then used to clean the items. Precautions are taken to prevent shrinkage, loss of colour, and fabric distortion.
The dry cleaning process involves utilizing fluids to remove soil and stains from fabric. Little or no water is used during this process and the cleaning fluids do not penetrate the fibres in the same way as other methods, which is why it is called dry cleaning.
One of the many advantages of this process is how grease and oil can be dissolved and eliminated more effectively than with water on many materials, from natural to synthetic. Water can also distort, shrink and discolour fabrics made of natural fibers such as wools and silks, making dry cleaning the preferred care method.
The dry cleaning process starts with a pretreatment of any existing spots and stains, using special cleaning agents designed for the job. Then, the garments are placed into a machine resembling an oversized front-loading home washer to be agitated so that embedded dirt can be loosened. The cleaning fluid is filtered or distilled to ensure its clarity at each step.
Does frequent dry cleaning shorten a garment's life?
On the contrary - frequent cleaning actually prolongs the life of a garment. Improperly cleaned fabrics often have stains which set with age, making the garment unusable. Ground-in dirt and soil act as an abrasive, much like sandpaper, causing rapid wear of fibres. Soiled clothes also attract insects, causing further damage.
Wet Cleaning
Wet cleaning may be most suitable for some garments, depending on the care label and the expertise of your professional cleaner. According to the 1972 Care Label Rule, clothing manufacturers need only list one method of proper care, even if there are other safe methods. If a garment's care label says Washable, it may or may not dry clean satisfactorily.
The wet cleaning process is similar to the dry cleaning process, in that it begins with the pretreatment of spots and stains using special cleaning agents. The main difference between the two methods is that water and additives are then used to clean the items. Precautions are taken to prevent shrinkage, loss of colour, and fabric distortion.