Men and women want to present the right image at all times, and our choice of clothing plays a role in how well we succeed with this goal. Clothes are used to cover the body, but the choices we make also share information about our personalities and what we love. When we wear clothes that make us look good and are comfortable, it changes the way we feel and act.
Each time we wear a piece of clothing, however, it is exposed to wear and tear. Regular use lessens the lifespan of the clothing. To extend this lifespan, consider dry cleaning your clothes rather than washing them. What is this cleaning method, what benefits come with its use, and how does it extend the lifespan of clothing? With the answers to these questions and more, you will quickly come to see why a dry cleaners service is exactly what you need.
What is Dry Cleaning?
Dry cleaners use special products to clean clothing without the use of water. They rely on a liquid solvent to clean the garments, making this the ideal solution for clothes with stains or delicate pieces that cannot go in a washing machine. The agitation feature of the washer would damage these items. The special solvent used removes dirt and stains from clothing. However, the items do go into a large machine. The cleaner simply replaces the soap and water used in conventional washers with this solvent.
The chemical solvents used in the process vary. However, many dry cleaners rely on tetrachloroethylene to handle the dirt, odors, and stains present in clothing. Before using the solvent, the cleaner must determine which type of fabric they are dealing with and how best to treat any stains on the garment. Once they complete this step, the clothing goes into the machine for cleaning. When this part of the process is complete, the dry cleaning service dries and presses the clothing. High-quality and delicate fabrics, including silk and cashmere, benefit greatly from the dry cleaning process, as water will damage these fabrics.
Many people are concerned about the use of tetrachloroethylene as it does come with health and environmental risks. If you are concerned about this, ask the dry cleaner if they have alternatives they may use. Chemical solvents that are better for the environment include Green Earth and liquid carbon dioxide.
The Benefits of Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning is a gentle cleaning method. The clothing won’t be agitated, which minimizes wear and tear. Many stains will not come out with normal cleaning methods, which means the item must be replaced. Before throwing it out, take the garment to a dry cleaner. They have specialized solvents they may use to remove these stains without harming the item. This cleaning method is especially good at treating oil and grease-based stains along with wine stains. However, it cannot remove all stains, so speak to the dry cleaner to learn whether they can be of help.
The cleaning method is also good for many textiles. When you wash clothes, you may notice they fade or the texture changes. Dry cleaning helps retain the vibrant colors and texture of your garments. They will look new longer. Many people think it is the agitation that leads to the loss of color or changes in the shape and texture of the item. However, hot water does a lot of this damage. As there is no water used in the dry cleaning method, you get more wear out of your clothes when you choose this option. It may also be used for embellished items that may be damaged in a washing machine.
When you pick your clothes up for the dry cleaner, you will notice they smell clean and fresh. This process removes any odors. Clothes are also less likely to shrink when they are dry-cleaned rather than washed. People who don’t have the time to hand wash delicate items need to find a dry cleaner that will do this work for them at a reasonable cost. They can wear these items frequently knowing they won’t need to set aside time to clean them.
Items Not Suitable for Dry Cleaning
However, certain items should not be taken to the dry cleaner. Any garment with sequins or beads must be cleaned using other methods. Rayon is another material that doesn’t respond well to dry cleaning. Talk to the service to see which garments they can help with and which you should choose other cleaning methods for.
Extend the Life of Your Clothing
Dry cleaning extends the life of the clothing by reducing the abrasion seen with traditional washing methods. Washing methods that use agitation break down the fibers in the clothing, leading to the fabric becoming weaker and thinner over time. This process also protects the fabric’s color, texture, and integrity. By slowing the aging of the fabric, dry cleaning methods allow clothing items to look vibrant and newer for a longer period.
The dry cleaner will treat and remove stains before they set into the fabric permanently. With their help, you can avoid ugly blemishes on your favorite clothing items, ones that you may not be able to remove at a later date. This service also knows how to handle delicate fabrics so they are not harmed. Velvet, lace, and silk are fragile, so a washing machine that agitates clothing is not the way they should be cleaned. With the help of the dry cleaner, you can keep delicate fabrics looking now for years to come.
How Long Does Dry Cleaning Take?
Many dry cleaners can have your clothing back to you within 24 to 48 hours. However, speak to the service to learn its turnaround time and whether certain garments will take longer than others. Longer times are often needed for stained clothing or delicate fabrics.
While there are many items in your wardrobe that you won’t mind washing, cherished pieces and favorite items you wear regularly need special care. A dry cleaner can clean these using methods designed to keep them from harm. With the help of these services, your clothes will last longer while still looking their best.
