What Types of Clothes Needs Dry Cleaning?

What Is Dry Cleaning - How It Works?

Dry cleaning is a process that helps clean clothes using organic solvents instead of soap and water. The most common chemical used is tetrachloroethylene or perchloroethylene, also known as "perc". Detergent and solvent are added so that they penetrate the fabric and clean the stain. Detergent also helps prevent sticking to fabrics. 

Dry cleaning involves various processes like -

Inspection and labelling: This is the part where the cleaner inspects your fabric, the type of work done on it, and any stains or imperfections. Clothes are also called for individual dry cleaning. Pre-staining: In this process, cleaners apply a chemical solvent to the stains on your fabric. They scrub or dry the stains on the clothes to help remove them during cleaning. 

Dry Cleaning Process: Clothes are soaked in a machine with a non-water-based solvent. In this process, the machine constantly releases solvent into a rotating cylinder. The machine then rotates to remove excess solvent and allows heat to heat the fabric.

Post-spotting: The cleaner will repeat the process if the spot is still visible otherwise, he is ready to hand it over to the customer. Finishing: After drying, the fabric is pressed or soaked in water to make it nice and clean.

Which Clothes Should Be Dry Cleaned?

If the material has a special combination or heavy work, such as lace, sequins or strong buttons, you cannot wash these clothes in the washing machine. They require dry cleaning to ensure the safety of the sequin work and to extend the service life of the fabric. Clothes for dry cleaning are silk, lace, wool or other woven fabrics. First, let’s have a look at the different types of fabric/clothes.

Types of Fabrics/Clothes 

There are various products available in the market that fall into either natural or artificial categories.

Natural fabrics: 

Natural fibres are obtained from natural sources such as plants or animals. It is made by processing wood fibre or animal hair, or leather. The best examples of natural plant fibres are cotton, and animal fibres are silk produced by silkworms. 

Synthetic Fabrics

Synthetic fibre is not natural and is a man-made fibre. Nylon perfect example of a synthetic material. 

There are more than 100 different items on the market, but let's consider a few of the most common and commonly used items in everyone's wardrobe. 

Clothes That Should Be Dry Cleaned

Dry cleaning is a great option for anyone who wants to keep their closet in top condition. A professional dry cleaning service will protect the existing items that you have spent time and money on by preventing future damage. Some clothes should be dry cleaned.

Linen

Linen is made from the flax plant. Although it is a heavy fabric, it is very durable and is used in towels, bedclothes, kurtas, shirts and bedclothes. If not washed properly, linens can lose their quality. So sending linen to the dry cleaner is the best way to clean it. 

Silk

Silk is obtained from silkworms, which they produce to make their cocoons or nests. It is known for its brightness and softness. It is durable and strong. To maintain its lustrous colour, it is best to send it in for professional dry cleaning.

Chiffon

Chiffon is an incredible fabric that has a sheen. It is used to make women's clothes like sarees, kurtas, dupattas and dresses. There are different types of chiffon fabric, where silk chiffon needs to be dry cleaned, whereas polyester chiffon and nylon chiffon can be gently washed using a mild, gentle detergent.

Crepes

Crepe is a silk, wool or synthetic fiber with a twisted and stiff texture. It is a lightweight fabric that is used to make dresses, shirts, shirts, etc. It can be made of silk, rayon or polyester. Crepe fabric should be drycleaned otherwise, it will shrink significantly if washed in a washing machine.

Lace

Lace is made from threads or fibres such as mesh, silk, linen or cotton. The lace is a delicate fabric, so it is always better to get it professionally cleaned at a dry cleaner. 

Satin 

Satin is a soft and flexible material. It has a bright appearance on one side and a dull appearance on the other. There are various types of satin as well, so check the care label. If it reads “dry clean only,” you will have to take it to a dry cleaner who specializes in cleaning satin. However, you can gently wash your satin fabric by hand or in the machine.

Viscose

Viscose is a type of synthetic fiber which is made from wood pulp. It is used to imitate silk. It is cheaper than silk. Viscose fabric is usually designated as dry-clean-only, as when it is put into the machine, the material twists and might get damaged.

Leather 

After a long period of storage, leather jackets and other things tend to become quite hard. The chemicals used in dry cleaning will revive these clothes, making them look new and fresh. The procedure will remove all the blemishes without damaging the skin; therefore, it retains its original configuration.

Suede

Suede is a soft fabric that requires special care. It cannot stand being exposed to water. This is why dry cleaning your suede item will be more effective than cleaning it with wet cleaning. Although the price of cleaning leather and suede is quite high, this is the best method for removing stains.

Rayon 

Although rayon is a fibre composed of cellulose, it is actually a semi-synthetic material. It has a high chance of shrinkage and fabric loss. When washed by hand or machine, the dye can be washed away. Therefore, it is best to dry rayon instead of dry cleaning.

Clothes That Should Not Be Dry Cleaned

There are certain fabrics that should be given for dry cleaning. These fabrics can be washed with a mild detergent at home, either by hand or washing machine.

Cotton

It is made from untreated cellulose from the cotton plant. Cotton fibres are spun into yarn to make the fabrics that are used in textiles. Cotton does not require dry cleaning and can easily be washed in the machine. Colours may be preserved by using either cold or warm water.

Jersey

Jersey is a soft, stretchy, woven material. It is usually made from cotton, cotton blends, or synthetic fibres. You should avoid taking jerseys for the dry cleaning process because of the chemicals they contain. Prefer washing them by hand.

Cashmere

It is a woollen fabric made from natural fibres or pashmina. It is very soft and is a good insulator. It is often used to make warm clothes, shawls, sweaters or stoles. Cashmere is sensitive to chemicals, and that is why dry cleaning is not recommended, as the chemicals used in the process may harm the natural fibres.

Polyester

is a man-made synthetic fiber made from coal and petroleum. It is durable, but it cannot absorb moisture like water and sweat. There are plenty of clothing made of polyester, nylon, acrylic, spandex, and acetate, and all of these fabrics can easily be washed in the machine at home without the risk of shrinkage.

Wool



Fortunately, wool need not be dry cleaned. Instead, it should be gently washed by hand, so you won’t have to take woollens to the dry cleaners. You should, however, refrain from putting it into the washing machine; instead, wash it by hand.

Benefits Of Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning is less damaging: Dry cleaning is less harsh on fabrics compared to traditional washing with soap and water. Dry cleaners use their expertise to clean and preserve your fabrics.

Removes tough stains and odour: Some stains are really difficult to remove. And dry cleaning can easily remove the toughest stains, such as grease and oil stains, which cannot be removed at home. Similarly, some clothes that haven’t been used for a long time might have a particular odour, and dry cleaning can help get rid of that odour.

Easy to clean big fabrics: It is difficult to clean the curtains, drapes, rugs and oversized comforters at home. Dry cleaning of such clothes ensures proper cleaning and is less damaging.

Give durability to the garments: Dry cleaning removes dirt, soils, as well as stains that can harm the fabric. This helps to increase the life of the fabric.

Impression: You feel good if you look good. Dry cleaning gives a new, fresh look to the garments. When you wear such clothes, there is a boost in the confidence level of the wearer.

Prevents moths: Dirty and sweaty clothes are the breeding ground for moths and insects. It can damage the cloth. Dry cleaning removes all the dirt from the fabrics and keeps your clothes moth and insect-free.

Removes yellow patches from the fabric: Another type of dry cleaning service is removing the yellowing of the white clothes. Yellow patches appear due to the oxidation of the stains from food, drinks or any oily substance. Dry cleaning helps to remove such yellow stains from the clothes, making them look fresh and clean.

Conclusion

Dry cleaning and laundry services at LaundroMoon can help to increase the life of your precious fabric. However, we have switched to eco-friendly methods using gentle cleaners on your clothes, keeping them fresh and new. Professional launderers and dry cleaners know what kind of cleaning methods are suitable for your fabric, which helps in preserving it in the long run.

Check out our comprehensive laundry and dry cleaning service in London and get in touch with us today!