Dry Cleaning and Laundry

We Wash 24 fabrics can be washed at home, but some garments require special care. Fabrics that are made of delicate fibers like silk, wool and velvet are best kept away from water-based laundering methods because these fibers may shrink, fade or become misshaped in the laundry process.

Many stains and spots on fabrics are caused by grease or oil. These stains are difficult to remove with water-based detergents and are often more effectively removed by dry cleaning.

Dry cleaners use chemical solvents to lift stains, and they are much more effective at removing oil-based stains than traditional laundry methods. One of the earliest dry cleaning solvents was kerosene, which was used until petroleum shortages led to more environmentally friendly alternatives in the 1930s.

The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Dry Cleaning and Laundry Care: Tips and Tricks

The original dry cleaning solvents were flammable, but today’s cleaners use solvents that are much safer for the environment and workers alike. The first non-petroleum dry cleaning solvent was created by Michael Faraday in 1821, and it’s called perchloroethylene (perc).

During the dry cleaning process, clothing is inspected to ensure that all items are thoroughly cleaned. Any stains are pretreated with special chemicals made for particular types of stains or fabrics, and embellishments and buttons are often protected as an extra precaution. Once the garments are clean, they’re dried and then steamed or ironed for wrinkle removal. This allows you to enjoy your clothes with a “like new” look and feel.