How is Dry Cleaning Different from Washing?

In garment care, you have to be very aware of the differences between dry cleaning and washing. Actually, these two techniques are applied in various ways for different purposes and on different types of fabric. Drawing a distinction from simple everyday garments that can understandably make use of washing, dry cleaning would work very well on items considered delicate or special. The following is a guide that tries to point out core differences between these two cleaning ways in Laundry services so you can choose which one fits best with your clothing needs.

What is Dry Cleaning?

Although the term used for this process is “dry,” dry cleaning doesn’t literally exclude water in its process. The method uses a liquid solvent to clean fabrics without marring their texture or structure, instead of water. This primary liquid solvent used in dry cleaning is usually perchloroethylene, also known as perc, or other available alternatives. This solvent breaks down grease and oils far better than water does, hence making it the best choice of method for suits, silk dresses, woolen garments, etc.

Which Fabrics Need Dry Cleaning?

Some fabrics are just too delicate to withstand the invasion of water and laundering soaps. For instance, silk, suede, velvet, leather, and some wools can be destroyed in a regular washer. Beading, sequins, lace, lined clothing like coats are also best dry cleaned. These fabrics and garments maintain their quality far better when treated with the gentle process of dry cleaning.

How does Dry Cleaning Differ from Washing?

The major difference between dry cleaning in Dubai and washing lies in the Cleaning Agent. Water and detergent are involved in washing. The detergents penetrate the fiber of the fabric to remove dirt, stains, and odors. Dry cleaning represents a liquid solvent that does not involve water at all. The reason dry cleaning can be so effective in getting rid of oil-based stains is that most of them cannot be removed with water and detergents. 

Is Dry Cleaning More Effective Than Washing?

It is fair to say that dry cleaning does a better job than washing when certain garments, and particularly the nature of stains in question, are concerned. For instance, dry cleaning is good when it comes to oil or grease, as the process tends to really break down these two particular substances without causing any damage to the fabric.

On the other hand, in garments that have sweating or odor problems, washing works best, as water-based detergents can easily break down such compounds. To ascertain this, though, you should consult a professional dry cleaner if doubt exists on the cleaning method that should be applied to a given item.

Advantages of Dry Cleaning 

Shrinkage Prevention/No Damage to Fabric

Dry cleaning helps retain the form and shape of the attire as intended since it is not preceded by swelling, like in the case of wash. This becomes more important for garments that are delicate or fitted.

Better Stain Removal

Solvents used in dry cleaning dissolve easily in grease, oil, and other tough stains, making dry cleaning preferred on garments like suits, formal wear, and silk dresses.

Maintains Colour and Texture

Water can wreck color or make it run, especially on bright or sensitive materials. Dry cleaning actually guarantees the brilliance and softness of your garment during all handling processes.

Garment Life Extension

Dry cleaning removes dirt and stains that, if left untreated, might weaken fibers of fabric. Then, by periodic dry cleaning of your favorite clothes, you can have a much longer period where they remain usable.

Professional Care

Professional dry cleaners know the best ways to handle various garment types. They are trained to manage delicate fabrics and your clothing with tender loving care and expertise.

Dry Cleaning Disadvantages

Though dry cleaning offers numerous benefits, following are its disadvantages:

Skin Irritation

Many people have sensitive skin whereby the cleaning solvents are irritants, just like some laundry detergents can be. If you have sensitive skin, you may wish to check with your dry cleaner about the types of solvents that they are using.

Accessibility

Whereas washing is done at home, courtesy of washing machines, dry cleaning usually forces one to take garment depositories to professional services. Even while dry cleaners themselves are easily accessible, this extra step may sometimes be less convenient for some.

Can You Dry Clean at Home?

Though the traditional dry cleaning process requires special equipment and solvents, there are methods that make it possible to clean at home.

Some of the kits available in the market are used as a dryer bag for freshening up and lightweight cleaning of certain dry cleanable garments. More importantly, modern washing machines have a delicate or “dry clean” cycle that, to some fair extent, mimics the professional cleaning process. However, these facilities are limited by dint of their effectiveness, and for items of colossal value or very fragile materials, it matters much to visit a professional dry cleaner.

Dress Washing versus Dry Cleaning

In the case of dresses, especially those of a light-weaved nature or edged with trimmings, it would be safer to clean them dry. The regular washing process would result in the fabric shrinking and the color fading, not mentioning the frail parts undergoing tearing. For daily cotton or synthetic dresses, though, this would be okay and much more convenient.

FAQs

What is the dry cleaning process?

Dry cleaning involves the use of a liquid solvent; rather, it uses any solvent other than water to clean clothes. Clothes are submerged in a clear solvent that takes out stains, oils, and dirt from the clothes without damaging delicate fabrics.

Any fabric safe to be dry cleaned?

Not all fabrics need dry cleaning, but with vulnerable materials such as silk, wool, and velvet, dry cleaning would turn into the most secure approach. Always check your garments for the care label instructing you on how to clean particular clothing. 

Can I dry clean at home?

While home kits and some specialized settings of washing machines do have some dry cleaning capabilities, they remain disparate to professional services in the light of work thoroughness. For adequately high-valued or super-sensitive stuff, you may want to think of a professional dry cleaner. 

Conclusion 

Knowing how the two differ can, therefore, make the difference between murdering your garment and extending its length of life. While wash is great for daily-wear apparel, dry cleaning is irreplaceable in lieu of sensitive garments that require special care. Consider the type of fabric used, or the kind of stains it takes on, against the price characteristics of a garment when deciding between dry cleaning and washing for the best results.