The term "dry cleaning" can be misleading. Despite its name, dry cleaning isn’t actually dry. This cleaning process uses liquid solvents rather than water, which sets it apart from traditional laundering.
Understanding the Process
Clothes are submerged in a solvent during the dry cleaning process; the solvent of choice is usually hydrocarbon or perchloroethylene, or "perc." These solvents work well in getting rid of greasy and oily stains that are difficult for water-based cleansers to remove. The clothing is put into a machine that functions differently from a washing machine but appears identical. To dissolve grease and grime, this machine gently stirs the clothing in the solvent.
Why Not Water?
Water can cause damage to some textiles, including wool, silk, and some synthetic fibres. These materials may shrink, stretch, or lose their shape when exposed to water. Water can also degrade some colours, which causes colour bleeding. Contrarily, dry cleaning solutions maintain the integrity of the fabric and dyes, making it a safer choice for pricey and delicate apparel.
The Role of Technology
The dry cleaners of today are very sophisticated. Warm air is used to dry the textiles after the machine extracts the solvent following the initial cleaning stage. This drying stage guarantees that the clothes are free of any solvent residue.
Although not quite "dry," dry cleaning eliminates the use of water by using a specific liquid solvent procedure. Delicate fabrics can be cleaned with this procedure without running the danger of deterioration that comes with using water and conventional detergents. Next time you drop off your clothes at the dry cleaner, you’ll know they’re not avoiding liquids entirely—just choosing the right ones to keep your wardrobe looking its best.
Feel free to visit us on Milton Road in Cambridge or Anstey Way in Trumpington or call us on 01223 755180 or 01223 625310, and we will advise you as much as possible.
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