There is no real mystery about dry cleaning. Dry cleaning is simply the use of solvents to remove soil and stains from fabric. It is called dry cleaning because the solvents contain little or no water and do not penetrate the fibers as water does. Dry cleaning solvents are fluids that actually dissolve greases and oils and remove them from the garment. Water by itself cannot do this. Natural fibers such as wools and silks can shrink distort, and lose color when washed in water, but will dry clean beautifully. Synthetic fibers such as polyesters also respond well to dry cleaning. These fibers can retain oily stains after washing, but dry cleaning will remove such stains. A dry cleaning machine looks much like a very large front loading home washer. It produces similar mechanical action to loosen embedded dirt. At the same time the solvent is filtered continuously to insure its clarity.
fullers earth was used to absorb
soils and greases from clothing too delicate for laundering. There are many stories about the origin of dry cleaning, all centering on the supposed discovery that when a petroleum-type fluid was accidentally spilled on a greasy fabric it quickly evaporated and the stains were miraculously removed. The firm of Jolly Belin, opening in Paris in the 1840s is credited as the first dry cleaning firm. In these early days garment scourers and dryers found several fluids that could be used as dry cleaning solvents, including camphene, benzene, kerosene, and gasoline. These solvents are all dangerously flammable, so dry cleaning was a hazardous business until the introduction of Stoddard solvent in 1926, the first petroleum solvent produced specifically for dry cleaning. This solvent does not ignite readily and has the added advantage of being free of odor and impurities.
In the 1930s perchloroethylene, a non
flammable fluid, was introduced and is Professional garment care dates back to used today in a great majority of dry ancient times, probably beginning with cleaning plants. Valclene, another the advent of textile clothing itself. The synthetic solvent, was introduced around 1970 and is also used very ruins of Pompeii give us a record of a successfully today. highly developed trade of fullers, who were professional clothes cleaners. Lye and ammonia were used in early laundering, and a type of clay called
A Brief History
Even the Best Cleaner Cannot
Remove some stains. The nature and age of the stain, plus the color and construction of the fabric, sometimes make stains impossible to remove without damaging the garment. Prevent some colors from bleeding or fading. If the manufacturer does not thoroughly test the dyes to make sure they are colorfast to both solvent and water, some color may be lost during dry cleaning or stain removal. This must be considered the manufacturers failure rather than the dry cleaners responsibility. Correct product deficiencies, such as the separation of bonded or fusible fabrics when they are cleaned. This is again a failure in manufacture but, in some cases, the dry cleaner may be able to temporarily restore the garments. Prevent excessive shrinkage in dry cleaning. When fabrics shrink in controlled dry cleaning systems, it is because of the manufacturers failure to adequately preshrink all component parts before the garment is constructed. Reverse worn or torn areas caused by wear. In some cases small rips or holes can be rewoven, but this type of damage is the consumers responsibility. Prevent or correct holes caused by insects or acid spillage. Such holes may not appear before dry cleaning but they result from a previous weakening of the fibers. Correct excessive shine on fabrics caused by excessive heat and pressure used in home ironing.
of delicate fabrics or failure to rinse
spotting chemicals from fabric.
Dry Cleaning is More Than Just
Cleaning Professional dry cleaning is much more than just cleaning. It is many different operations, all performed by skilled people and aimed at giving your garments that like new appearance. Procedures include: Checking the labels for adequate care instructions and fiber content. Removing spots and stains with steam and spotting agents. Classifying the garment according to fabric type, color, and degree of soiling. Removing any spots and stains on the garment. Replacing sizing, water repellency, and other finishes when necessary. Pressing the garment on steam equipment to restore its original shape and appearance. Replace missing buttons and performing minor repairs whenever possible. Inspecting the garment to make sure it meets your quality standards. Packaging the garment neatly in a protective wrapping. Along with these basic responsibilities, many professional cleaners offer additional services, such as garment storage, cleaning furs and leathers, rug cleaning, drapery cleaning, smoke
Correct poor home spot removal
procedures such as excessive rubbing Preservation, and alterations and repairs.
Heres How You Can Help
Have your garments cleaned when soiled. This helps prolong their life. Stains and soil left too long are sometimes impossible to remove and will shorten the wear life of the garment. Discuss any stains with your dry cleaner. Be especially sure to point out light-colored or invisible spills, such as from soft drinks or white wine. These stains contain sugar, which can caramelize and turn brown with the heat of drying unless flushed out with water before dry cleaning. Bring the garment in for professional care as soon as possible after staining occurs. Avoid fabric contact with solutions containing alcohol, such as perfumes and lotions. Alcohol can affect some dyes. Allow deodorants and antiperspirants to dry before you dress. Protect your garments from excessive perspiration, especially silks. Perspiration can weaken silk fibers. Protect your garments from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or strong artificial light. Dont press stained or soiled clothes. The heat may set some stains and the pressure will force soil deeper into the fibers.
removal, pillow cleaning, shirt and
family laundry, wedding gown Q: Does frequent dry cleaning shorten the life of a garment? A: On the contrary, frequent dry cleaning prolongs the life of a garment. Not only do stains set with age, making the garment unwearable, but groundin dirt and soil act as an abrasive, like sandpaper, causing rapid wear of fibers. Also, insects are attracted to soiled clothes and will cause further damage. A recent study carried out at the University of North Carolina, Department of Clothing and Textiles tested samples of woolen fabrics for changes after dry cleaning. The fabrics were tested for ten possible areas of change, including loss of strength and loss of resilience, but no significant changes were found, even after ten dry cleanings. Q: When a garments label says washable, does this mean it cannot be dry cleaned? A: Not necessarily. The care label rule states garments must be cared for according to the instructions on the care label. Dry cleaners should follow the care label rule. If you want your washable items dry cleaned, the cleaner may ask you to sign a customer release. Q: Should I have all matching pieces cleaned together? A: Yes. If all pieces are cleaned together, any color loss will be uniform and the pieces will still match.
Glad You Asked
Q: Does dry cleaning shrink clothes? A: No, not if the dry cleaning process has been carefully controlled. Excessive shrinkage is caused by improper preshrinking by the manufacturer. Q: Are suede and leathers cleaned the same as cloth garments? A: No. Special procedures and additives are used on leathers to help retain their color and texture. Sometimes suedes and leathers are redyed to restore color loss. Q: Can the dry cleaner safely stretch fabrics? A: Dry cleaners can steam finish and stretch fabrics that have relaxed in dry cleaning. This does not damage the fabric. Excessive shrinkage caused by poorly pre shrunk fabrics cannot be totally corrected, however.
Q: Some garment labels, particularly
on down items, say dry clean with petroleum or synthetic solvent or with petroleum or chlorinated solvent. Are these items really safe to dry clean? A: Yes. Most dry cleaners use a synthetic, chlorinated solvent. Some dry cleaners use petroleum solvent instead. All professional dry cleaners use one or the other. Q: Will my freshly dry cleaned garment be odor free and comfortable to wear? A: Yes. If the professional cleaner is skilled in keeping fluid clean and pure and following proper drying procedures, your garments are returned free of any odor or residue.