Dry cleaning is a method of washing your clothes and textiles with a solvent other than water. It is the solution for washing your fragile clothes that cannot be machine washed. Here, a liquid solvent is used to avoid damaging the fibers of certain fabrics. This also keeps the colors at their best! The label on your laundry will tell you which solvent to use. What are the advantages of this method, and how do you clean a dry garment? Our washing tips will help you keep your delicate tops longer.
1. What is dry cleaning?
Because they are too fragile, some garments- such as suits or cashmere or silk pieces- cannot be washed in a traditional washing machine. The same applies to clothes that have been inadvertently stained. That’s why it’s a good idea to take them to a dry cleaner. Although it looks like a conventional washing machine, it is larger and works differently. First of all, it is not water that is used for washing but an organic solvent, the best known of which is perchloroethylene.
It may seem strange to wash clothes without water, but for fragile materials, its use has a drying effect, unlike this type of solvent. Cleaning also works in a closed circuit. In other words, the solvent used to clean the clothes is recovered, filtered, and reused for the next wash cycle instead of being washed down the drain, as is the case when a machine is run at home. This cleaning process is carried out in two successive baths: pre-wash and wash. These are followed by a gentle drying process, which will not damage the fibers of the clothes.
2. Dry cleaning with ammonia
There is another method of dry cleaning your clothes. This is ammonia. This solution is ideal for reviving the color of your garment and possibly removing the sometimes persistent grease stains. It is a dangerous solvent and should be handled with great care.
- Take a large bath towel and apply it to your garment
- Take a cloth soaked in 50% water and 50% ammonia, and make sure your preparation is well mixed
- Soak your clothes in this preparation and dab.
- Once your clothes are dirty, you can soak them again in your mixture; the dirt will come off.
- To remove the ammonia, use a clean cloth with clear water and wring it out. Finally, dry the garment with a dry washcloth.
3. How to do it at home?
Your budget does not allow you to regularly use the services of a dry cleaner, or do you wish to find a more ecological method? Opt for dry cleaning at home with natural products, which will be less chemical than the products used in specialized shops. But before you do, read the label on your laundry carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises. If there is a circle with the letter P or F on it, your garment must be dry-cleaned.
Remember: jackets, trousers, silk or wool garments can be washed, sometimes even in the machine. If it contains synthetic fibers such as polyester or elastane, you can be sure that your garment will pass the wash without any problem, but with the appropriate program and without the spin option, which can weaken the fibers. To dry your garment properly and without warping, lay it flat on a moisture-safe surface. If in doubt, always ask in the shop before you start. For materials such as leather and suede, however, it is always best to leave it to a professional.
Looking for help?
Established over 25 years ago, Distinctive Dry Cleaners are the leader in the dry cleaning industry in Australia. They are a family-owned and run business that specializes in laundry services, including dry cleaning, wedding gown cleaning, curtain and drape cleaning, clothing alterations, and repairs. Their team is fully qualified and licensed to take care of your laundry needs.
Trust them for their exceptional service at competitive rates. They are based in Ivanhoe and serve all of Thornbury and Preston, and customer satisfaction is an absolute guarantee. So, what are you waiting for? Give them a call today and make all your cleaning dreams become a reality with their team of experts.
