Drycleaning uses solvent to remove soils and stains from fabric in specially
designed machines. In fact, the term "drycleaning" is misleading. It is called
drycleaning because the solvent contains little or no water and does not
penetrate the fibers as water does. Among the advantages of drycleaning is its
ability to dissolve greases and oils in a way that water cannot.
The drycleaning process begins with the pre-treatment of spots and stains using
special cleaning agents. The garments are then loaded into a machine resembling
an oversized front-loading washer. It produces similar mechanical action to
loosen embedded dirt. Throughout the cleaning process, the solvent is filtered
or distilled to ensure its clarity. The garments are dried in the same machine
and should have no residual solvent odor after cleaning.
Wetcleaning is the professional process of removing soils from garments and
other textile items through the use of water. The process uses special
chemicals similar to "Woolite" that work to condition the water to make it safe
to clean garments that would have otherwise been damaged by water alone. The
American Association of Textile chemists and Colorists (AATCC) definition for
professional wetcleaning is: A process for cleaning sensitive textiles (e.g.,
wool, silk, rayon, linen) in water by professionals using special technology,
detergents, and additives to minimize the potential for adverse effects. It is
followed by appropriate drying and restorative finishing procedures.
Professional laundering for shirts and other "washable" items is another process
your cleaner uses to keep your garments looking their best. Special detergents,
additives, and finisher set commercial laundry apart from home laundering. This
process enables your cleaner to offer consistent quality shirts at reasonable
prices. Collars come cleaner and their professional pressing offers a crisper
finish.
Professional cleaning involves many different operations, all performed by
skilled people and designed to give your garments a fresh and clean appearance.
Procedures involve:
- Checking the labels for adequate care instructions and fiber content.
- Classifying the garment according to fabric type, color, degree of soiling, and
cleaning process – drycleaning, wetcleaning or laundering.
- Removing spots and stains using special equipment, special stain removal
agents, and water.
- Reapplying any sizing, water repellent, and other finishes when necessary and
possible.
- Finishing the garment on professional pressing equipment to restore its
original shape and appearance.
- Replacing missing or damaged buttons and performing minor repairs whenever
possible, according to plant policy.
- Packaging the garment neatly in a protective wrapping.
Along with these basic procedures, many cleaners offer additional services such
as garment storage, cleaning furs and leathers, rug cleaning, drapery cleaning,
smoke removal, pillow cleaning, shirts and family laundry, wedding gown
cleaning, and alterations and repairs.