To Dry Clean or Launder?

What is Laundry Cleaning and Dry Cleaning?
Dry cleaning is simply to clean without using water. It can be any solvent other than water. Dry cleaning uses perchloroethylene to remove soil and stains from fabric. It is able to dissolve greases and oils and prevents shrinkage, loss of color, and fabric distortion.

The process begins with the pre-treatment of spots and stains using special cleaning agents. The garments are then loaded into a machine and washed with perchloroethylene, then pressed and packaged.

Laundry cleaning (to launder) a garment means to clean it with water and other agents such as soap, detergent or softener.

Some Things You Should Know..

• Not all materials can be cleaned.
• Not all that can be cleaned can be dry cleaned.
• There are various methods of dry cleaning
• Not all care labels on the garments are 100% reliable.
• Different materials require different solvents and agents. (Eg. cleaning of rubber, leather and wool are not the same.)
• Some garments require both laundry cleaning and dry cleaning.
• Sometimes it is a matter of preference whether to wash or dry clean.

Advantages of Dry Cleaning

• It reduces shrinkage (esp. for long items like curtains & highly shrinkable materials like wool).
• It reduces wrinkage (esp. for silk, cotton and linen).
• It reduces the wear and tear of fabric.
• It reduces the colour fading and bleeding.
• It protects the texture of garments.
• It prolongs the life of garments.

Advantages of Laundering

• Water is the best solvent for most chemicals and stains, hence cleaning effect is better.
• Sensitivity to the dry cleaning solution.
• Washed items smells fresher.
• It is cheaper to wash.
• Please Seek Professional Help If..
• Your garment is strictly for dry cleaning only.
• You are not sure what material your garment is made of.
• Your garment is complicated and require different treatment on different parts.
• Your garment is very delicate.
• Your garment is bulky and drying is difficult.

Suits should undergo minimal dry cleaning every year if you want to extend its lifespan. Experts suggest dry cleaning your suit once per season.

If you get any stains or spots, you can clean it by hand using a mild detergent and warm water. For wrinkles, stretches and creases, you can buy a steamer. Clothes steamers are very easy to use and they make stretched-out or creased parts regain their natural shape and will make them look good as new.