WHAT IS DRY CLEANING AND HOW DOES IT ACTUALLY WORK? OUR EXPERTS EXPLAIN

WHAT IS DRY CLEANING AND HOW DOES IT ACTUALLY WORK? OUR EXPERTS EXPLAIN

What is Dry Cleaning?

Dry cleaning is a laundry process that excludes the use of water. Instead, it involves the use of a special solvent that is specifically designed to eliminate dirt and stains from clothing. The garments are placed together in a machine that uses this solvent, rather than water and detergent, to clean them. 

Despite common misconceptions, dry cleaning is an impressively effective way to clean clothes. The organic solvents used in this process can lift stubborn stains without causing any damage to delicate fabrics such as silk, wool, or velvet. Additionally, this method prevents shrinkage in fabrics, which could occur if they were washed in a regular washing machine at home.

It’s worth noting that different dry cleaners may use different solvents, but many rely on tetrachloroethylene, also known as perchloroethylene or “perc.” This chemical has been found to pose health and environmental risks and is, therefore, regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As a result, some dry cleaners have opted to use alternative solvents that are more eco-friendly, such as synthetic petroleum, siloxane (Green Earth), and liquid carbon dioxide.

How does dry cleaning actually work?

Dry cleaning is a meticulous process that involves several steps to ensure that your clothes come out looking their best.

Step 1: Classification and Examination of the item

The first step is to examine and classify the item to be cleaned. This involves attaching identifying tags to your clothes and sorting them based on their delicacy, colour, or any special details that could be affected by the cleaning process. These tags allow the cleaners to keep track of their customers’ clothing and avoid any mix-ups when the cleaning process is finished. By sorting clothes with similar stains together, the process becomes more efficient, and the cleaners can ensure that the clothes are cleaned in the best way possible.

Step 2: Inspection and pre-treatment of stain.

Before your garments undergo the dry cleaning process, they go through a meticulous visual inspection to ensure that they are in the best possible condition. During this inspection, the dry cleaner checks for any stains, marks, or blemishes, and if found, they are marked and pre-treated with specialized chemicals designed to remove the particular type of stain without causing damage to the fabric. The pre-treatment process is done using chemicals that are highly effective in removing stubborn stains while being gentle on delicate fabrics.

Even if you don’t mention any stains, the dry cleaner will still carefully examine your garments to identify any blemishes that require special attention. This ensures that your clothes are returned to you in pristine condition. The dry cleaner also checks to ensure that there are no items left in pockets that could cause damage to the garments during the cleaning process.

If you have any specific details about any stains in your clothes, it’s always best to inform your cleaners to ensure that they can use the most effective treatment solution for that particular stain. This helps to ensure that your clothes receive the best possible care and are returned to you looking and feeling fresh and clean.

Step 3: Put Items in the Dry Cleaning Machine

When you bring in your dirty clothes for dry cleaning, the team will use a specialized machine to clean them. These machines are quite different from regular washing machines since they don’t use water. Instead, they use a gentle agitation process and an organic solvent to remove stains and dirt from the fibres of your clothing. During the cleaning process, the solvent is pumped into the machine while the clothing is agitated at a gentle pace. This helps to loosen any dirt and grime from the fibres, leaving your clothes looking and smelling fresh and clean.

Dry cleaning machines are designed to look and spin like a larger version of the washing machines we have at home. Overall, dry cleaning can be a great way to keep your clothes looking their best without risking damage from water or harsh chemicals.

Step 4: A second inspection.

After the dry cleaning process is complete, the garments are examined again to ensure that all stains have been completely removed from the clothing. To ensure that the stains are gone, dry cleaners inspect each item thoroughly. If the stain persists, they may try other methods such as steaming. In addition, all buttons, embellishments, and seams are checked for any damage to ensure that they are still intact.

Step 5: The finishing touches.

After the dry-cleaning process, the type of fabric determines how each garment will be treated to remove wrinkles. The method could involve pressing, ironing, or steaming the clothes, resulting in a more smooth and pristine finish. To accomplish this, many dry cleaners use form finishers, which are machines that iron clothes using air or steam in the same position that they are worn. Finally, after a thorough inspection, the garments are covered in plastic and returned to their owner.

Every single garment is a unique piece of art, and at Black & White, we understand that it requires special attention and expertise to keep it in pristine condition. Our team of experts at our dry cleaning services in Mumbai is dedicated to providing you with the highest level of care for your couture items. 

We begin by carefully evaluating the construction and materials of your garment, taking note of every important detail. Our skilled team has extensive knowledge and experience in handling a variety of materials, from delicate fibres to heavy hand detailing, silks, satins, and more. We use the latest and most advanced technologies to ensure that your garment receives the most efficient and gentle treatment possible. 

Whether your garment needs dry cleaning, laundering, or hand washing, we have the expertise and tools to provide it with the utmost care. We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver prime results that will surpass your expectations. 

At Black & White, we are committed to ensuring that your couture item is returned to you in immaculate condition, looking as good as new. Trust us to take care of your most precious garments, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are in the hands of the best in the business.