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  • by admin
  • Mar 21, 2022
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How Do Dry Cleaning Services Work?

Washing clothes at home generally involves using soap and water. However, the problem is that not all types of fabrics handle water very well. Take wool, for example, which just doesn’t mix with water. There are also some types of stains that water cannot easily remove. 

In these cases, taking your clothes for a dry cleaning service is a much preferable option and safer, too.

How Does The Dry Cleaning Process Work?

Dry cleaning is a process that cleans clothes without water. Instead, it uses a chemical solvent in which the clothes are soaked to remove grease, dirt, and other stains. The absence of water explains why the process is called “dry”. 

The earliest solvent used for dry cleaning was kerosene. But, the problem was that it was flammable. During WWII, professional dry cleaners started using perchloroethylene (perc)—known for its efficiency in dissolving oils, greases, and waxes without damaging the fabric. After the clothes are washed, the solvent is then extracted for reuse, and the clothes are pressed to remove wrinkles.

What Happens in a Dry Cleaning Service?

Dry cleaning services in Singapore vary from one business to another. But, in general, they follow a common pattern in which your clothes go through—whether your dry cleaners pick them up from your doorstep or you drop them off at the cleaners yourself.

1. Inspection

 To prepare your clothes for dry cleaning, your dry cleaner will sort and tag your clothes so they don’t get mixed up with everybody else’s. They will also examine and take note of any damages such as tears, missing buttons, etc.

2. Pre-Treatment

Dry cleaners advise against treating stains prior to dry cleaning as you may risk doing more harm than good. They will address the stains themselves using a variety of fluids specific to what may have spilt on your clothes.

3. Dry Cleaning

After preparation, your clothes are then loaded into a machine and cleaned. The next cycle drains and spins the clothes dry to extract the solvent.

4. Post-Spotting

Post-dry cleaning, your dry cleaners will check for any lingering stains and address them. While dry cleaning will eliminate most of the soil and stains, there’s always a risk of very stubborn stains that may not be completely removed.

5. Finishing

The finishing stages of the dry cleaning process involves pressing, steaming, ironing, and repairing the clothes where necessary. They are then bundled together and ready for pick-up or delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning is very similar to regular laundry. But, instead of water and detergent, it uses a liquid solvent to clean your clothes. The solvent has little to no water, thus the word “dry”.
Perc—short for perchloroethylene—is the most widely used solvent in dry cleaning. It is a colourless, nonflammable liquid solvent.
Dry cleaning can remove most types of stains, oils, and greases in clothes. Fresh stains are usually easier to get rid of versus stains that have already settled into the fabric.
Dry cleaning is a more preferable option to clean clothes that could not be washed with water or withstand the rigours of regular home washing. It’s also more effective in removing stubborn stains.
Contrary to popular belief, dry cleaning doesn’t damage clothes—it preserves them. It doesn’t fade colours as much as regular washing. The solvent use is also lighter than water, which means it cleans your clothes more delicately than water and detergent. It’s your best bet in cleaning clothes with delicate and/or expensive fabrics such as silk, wool, linen, etc.

Looking for a professional dry cleaner in Singapore? Get in touch with us at Clean Care for premium laundry and dry cleaning services.

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