Laundry Dry Cleaners: Settings, Products, and Timing
Laundry Dry Cleaners: Settings, Products, and Timing
You want to use a dry cleaner. Maybe you have clothes that say dry clean only, or you want professional cleaning for suits and dresses. Dry cleaning uses special solvents instead of water to clean clothes without shrinking or damaging delicate fabrics. Here’s a guide to laundry dry cleaners.
Dry cleaning is a cleaning process that uses chemical solvents instead of water to clean clothes. The solvent (typically perchloroethylene or a green alternative) dissolves oils and stains without affecting the fabric. Dry cleaning is used for fabrics that can’t be washed with water, like silk, wool, and structured garments.
To use a dry cleaner, check the care label first, choose a reputable dry cleaner, point out stains when dropping off, pick up promptly, and store cleaned clothes properly. Don’t wash dry clean only items at home unless the label says hand wash is OK, don’t leave dry cleaned clothes in plastic bags, and don’t dry clean items that say do not dry clean.
What Works
Check the Care Label First
Check the care label before taking clothes to the dry cleaner. Labels with a circle symbol mean dry clean. Labels with a circle and X mean do not dry clean.
Choose a Reputable Dry Cleaner
Look for dry cleaners with good reviews, experienced staff, and clear pricing. Ask about their solvent (traditional or green alternatives).
Point Out Stains When Dropping Off
Tell the dry cleaner about any stains when you drop off clothes. Point out the location and type of stain. This helps them pre-treat properly.
Pick Up Promptly
Pick up clothes as soon as they’re ready. Leaving clothes at the dry cleaner can cause wrinkles and odors.
Remove Plastic Bags at Home
Remove plastic bags from dry cleaned clothes as soon as you get home. Plastic traps moisture and can cause yellowing.
Store in Garment Bags
Store dry cleaned clothes in breathable garment bags (cotton or canvas). Don’t use plastic bags for long-term storage.
Use the Right Products at Home
For items you wash at home:
Detergent: Tide Free and Gentle
Stain removers: OxiClean Max Force Spray, Dawn Ultra Dish Soap, Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam
Odor absorber: Arm and Hammer Baking Soda
Machine cleaner: affresh Washing Machine Cleaner
Laundry sanitizer: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer
Ink remover: Amodex Ink and Stain Remover
Can You Hand Wash Dry Clean Only Items?
Some dry clean only items can be hand washed in cold water with Tide Free and Gentle. Test on a hidden area first. Don’t machine wash dry clean only items.
Use Cedar or Lavender
Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to stored dry cleaned clothes to repel moths.
What to Avoid
Don’t wash dry clean only items at home. Some items can be hand washed, but most should be dry cleaned. Check the label.
Don’t leave dry cleaned clothes in plastic bags. Plastic traps moisture and can cause yellowing. Remove bags at home.
Don’t dry clean items that say do not dry clean. Some fabrics are damaged by dry cleaning solvents. Follow the label.
Don’t store dry cleaned clothes in damp areas. Damp areas cause mold and mildew. Store in a cool, dry place.
Don’t forget to point out stains. The dry cleaner needs to know about stains to pre-treat them.
Don’t leave clothes at the dry cleaner too long. This can cause wrinkles and odors. Pick up promptly.
Comparison: Dry Cleaning vs Home Washing
| Feature | Dry Cleaning | Home Washing |
|---|---|---|
| Water | No | Yes |
| Solvent | Chemical solvent | Water and detergent |
| Best for | Silk, wool, suits, structured garments | Cotton, synthetics, everyday clothes |
| Cost | $5 to $20 per item | Cost of detergent and utilities |
| Shrinkage | No | Possible if wrong settings |
| Stain removal | Professional | DIY |
| Convenience | Drop off and pick up | At home |
FAQ
What is dry cleaning? Dry cleaning is a cleaning process that uses chemical solvents instead of water to clean clothes. It’s used for fabrics that can’t be washed with water, like silk, wool, and structured garments.
What clothes should be dry cleaned? Clothes with a dry clean label (circle symbol). This includes suits, silk blouses, wool sweaters, structured dresses, and items with delicate trim.
Can you wash dry clean only clothes at home? Some items can be hand washed in cold water with Tide Free and Gentle. Test on a hidden area first. Don’t machine wash dry clean only items.
How much does dry cleaning cost? Most dry cleaners charge $5 to $20 per item. Prices vary by item type and location.
How long does dry cleaning take? Most dry cleaners take 1 to 3 days. Some offer same-day or next-day service for an extra fee.
References
- The Spruce. “Dry Cleaning Guide.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “Dry Cleaning Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- Consumer Reports. “Dry Cleaning Guide.” consumerreports.org.
- Tide. “Dry Clean Guide.” tide.com.
