Post date: Nov 26, 2010 5:52:39 PM
Dry cleaning is a technique for washing clothing and fabricsthat uses a chemical solution in the place of water. Thischemical solution, which is commonly composed oftetrachloroethylene, is a much gentler way of ridding afabric of stains, dirt, and other debris, when compared totraditional washing.The dry cleaning process appears similar to using a regularwashing machine, except that it is gentler, uses less heat,replaces water with the chemical solvent, and can also dryit's contents. After a textile has been washed in thechemical solution, it is then rinsed, and the chemicalsolvent is removed from the fabrics. When all of the solventhas been removed, the machine will then dry the textilesusing a lower heat than traditional machines.During the dry cleaning process, workers ensure that allgarments are free of pens, lipsticks, and other objects thatcould damage the fabrics. They also check for seams andclosures that have been damaged during the washing process,
and repair any damages. While dry cleaning cannot remove
every stain, it will remove a larger amount of dirt and
residue than traditional washing.
Many fabrics are dry clean only and can be damaged with
traditional washing. These fabrics will shrink, stretch, or
become worn and damaged if they are put through a regular
washer and dryer. Some examples of these fabrics are suede
and imitation suede, smooth leather and imitation leather,
cashmere, angora, acetate, some knits, and clothing with
beading, sequins, and other embellishments.
However, there are also some fabrics that can be dry cleaned
or washed in a regular washer and dryer. These fabrics are
linen, rayon, wool, Lyocel, Polyolefin, silk, and
triacetate. While dry cleaning is the best option whenever
possible, they can also be washed if necessary. When washing
these fabrics, it is important to use gentle cycles, cold
temperatures, or even hand wash these textiles.
Even if a blouse or pair of trousers says dry clean only,
many consumers still wish to wash their own clothing in
order to save money. Many times, this will lead to a fabric
being damaged or shrinking, therefore rendering it
unwearable. If an article of clothing says that it should be
dry cleaned, it is usually with good reason. To ignore these
instructions is to possibly ruin your clothing.
If it is impossible to have an article of clothing or other
textile dry cleaned, than it is important to at least wash
the fabric in cold water, on a gentle cycle, and use gentle
detergent. While this may still damage the fabric, it
lessens the chance than the clothing will be irreparably
damaged. However, some clothing, like suits, formal dresses,
and leather jackets, should never be machine washed,
regardless of the price of dry cleaning. It is more cost
effective to dry clean an article of clothing than to ruin
it sufficiently so that it must be replaced.
About the Author:
For more than 70 years, Pilgrim Cleaners has been proud to be
your family-owned and operated complete Edina MN dry
cleaners. We offer same-day service at the same price and
you can always expect the finest quality dry cleaning and
laundering services - http://www.mypilgrimcleaners.com