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What is dry cleaning? How does it work? Why is it needed when you have a washing machine at home?

In simple words, Dry Cleaning is a method of washing clothes without using water. Dry Cleaning uses specific solvents to clean garments. 

Dry cleaning is useful for delicate or precious garments that get damaged if washed with normal water. 

But what happens in dry cleaning? And how is it different from washing at home? Let’s understand this simple process in detail.

What is Dry Cleaning?

In simple words, dry cleaning is a way to clean clothes without water. Instead of soap and water, special cleaning liquids (called solvents) are used to maintain the shine and texture of your garment. 

How is Dry Cleaning Different from Regular Washing?

So, whenever you see clothes made of silk, satin, wool, or rayon, it’s safer to get them dry cleaned instead of washing at home. Items like blankets and woollens often get heavy and difficult to manage when washed with water. Blanket dry cleaning is thus the best option here. 

Process of Professional Dry Cleaning

Let’s break this into simple steps so you know exactly what happens when you hand over your clothes to a dry cleaner.

Step 1: Garment Inspection & Tagging

When you hand over your clothes, the dry cleaner checks each piece for stains, damage, or delicate areas. They also look for missing buttons or loose threads. Each item is tagged with a number or barcode to keep it organised. This helps avoid mix-ups and ensures special care where needed.

Step 2: Pre-Treatment of Stains

Visible stains are treated before the main cleaning begins. Different stains need different treatments, like grease, ink, or makeup. The dry cleaner uses special solutions to loosen stains gently. This step improves the chances of getting clothes perfectly clean.

Step 3: The Actual Dry Cleaning

Clothes are placed in a large machine that cleans with a liquid solvent. The solvent removes dirt, oil, and odour without shrinking or damaging the fabric.

The machine rotates gently so the fabric is not stressed. This method is safe for delicate or high-end clothes.

Step 4: Post-Cleaning Finishing

After cleaning, clothes are steamed or ironed to remove wrinkles. They may also fix small issues like loose threads or missing buttons.

Clothes are then folded or hung and covered for protection. You receive them fresh, neat, and ready to wear.

Why Choose Dry Cleaning?

In the short term, dry cleaning makes your clothes look fresh, and preserves their shine and texture. In the long term, dry cleaning preserves the garment and helps it last longer. Here’s how: 

• Protects Fabric Quality: No shrinkage, no roughness, perfect for delicate clothes.
  
  

• Removes Tough Stains: Oil, grease, and makeup stains that water can’t remove are cleaned easily.
  
  

• Keeps Colour and Shine Intact: No fading or dullness, clothes look just as bright as new.

Common Questions People Ask About Dry Cleaning

1. What is Dry Cleaning and How Does It Work for Delicate Clothes?

Dry cleaning gently cleans without water, so delicate clothes like silk and wool remain safe.

2. Is Dry Cleaning Safe for Every Fabric?

Not needed for daily cotton clothes but for coats, suits, silk dresses, yes it’s best.

3. How Often Should I Get My Clothes Dry Cleaned?

Formal wear like suits and jackets, every 3-4 uses. Party wear or daily wear, occasionally. 

Myths vs Facts About Dry Cleaning

Conclusion

So, now you know, What is dry cleaning and how does it work?

Want your clothes to look fresh and last longer?
Get your clothes dry cleaned at Steam Masters.