Dry Cleaning and Laundry

The term “dry cleaning” is a bit misleading, since the process actually uses liquids other than water to clean clothes, bedding, upholstery and other fabrics. Unlike traditional laundry, where clothes are exposed to soap and water as they spin and tumble around in the washer, dry cleaning is a full-immersion process using a chemical solvent to rinse garments.

Originally, kerosene was used to remove grease stains and eliminate odors, according to the Dry Cleaning Institute (DLI). However, kerosene quickly burned and ruined fabric, so many cleaners shifted to safer solvents like petroleum-based chemicals. URL: https://wewash24.com

Today, perchloroethylene, or perc, is the solvent of choice for dry cleaning. It’s highly effective, but it is also a carcinogenic chemical that is toxic to humans and the environment.

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Aside from its toxicity, perc is also flammable and can quickly set clothing on fire. That’s why some states are phasing out the use of perc in favor of less toxic alternatives.

One of the most important differences between dry cleaning and conventional laundry is that the latter does not shrink fabrics, maintaining their size and shape. This helps prevent damage to delicate fabrics, such as wool, silk and cashmere.

The dry cleaning process also does not wreak havoc on buttons, seams and embellishments. Washing machines can ruin these items by causing them to shrink or stretch out, which makes them look unattractive and affect their wearability.