Why You Should Dry Clean Instead Of Washing Your Clothes

Are you tired of shrinking your clothes in the washer or hand-washing items that seem too delicate for a regular machine? If so, then it’s time to start thinking about dry cleaning instead. 

Sure, spending money on a service like this might seem daunting at first — especially if washing clothes is something you’ve done all your life and enjoyed completely free! 

But, with the right understanding of why and how dry cleaning works, you can learn its incredible benefits — whether they include keeping delicate fabrics as good as new or removing tough stains from stubborn clothing.

So keep reading to find out why dry cleaning conquers all when it comes to taking care of your wardrobe!

What is Dry Cleaning?

Dry cleaning, a professional laundry process, employs specialized machines and solvents to clean clothes without the use of water. Unlike traditional washing, dry cleaning doesn’t shrink, distort, or alter the color of your clothing, ensuring each garment maintains its original aspect. 

It’s particularly beneficial for delicate fabrics that can’t withstand regular washing or for items with stubborn stains that may require specialized treatment. 

The process typically involves pre-treating stains, cleaning with a solvent, post-spotting any remaining residue, and finally, finishing with pressing or steaming. 

Dry cleaning can extend the life of your clothes, making it a worthwhile investment for your wardrobe.

Benefits of Dry Cleaning

The benefits of dry cleaning include:

1. Preservation of Fabric Quality: Dry cleaning is gentle on your clothes, helping maintain the quality of the fabric while removing stains and dirt effectively. This process can extend the life of your clothes.
2. Saves Time: Dry cleaning services save you the time and effort that you would otherwise spend on washing, drying, and ironing your clothes.
3. Expert Stain and Odor Removal: Dry cleaners have expertise in removing tough stains and odors. The solvents used in dry cleaning can often remove stains that are otherwise impossible to eliminate through traditional methods.
4. Professional Finishing: Once your clothes are dry-cleaned, they are ironed and finished professionally. It leaves them looking brand new and ready to wear.
5. Convenience: Most dry cleaning services offer drop-off and pick-up services, making them a convenient option for busy individuals.
6. Preserve Color: The dry cleaning process helps to preserve the color of your clothes, preventing them from fading which often happens with regular washing.
7. Ideal for Delicate Items: Delicate fabrics or clothes with embellishments are often not suitable for machine or hand washing. Dry cleaning is a perfect alternative that keeps these items intact.

Different Fabrics That Require Dry Cleaning

Certain fabrics and materials simply require the professional, gentle touch that dry cleaning can offer. Here are some common examples:

1.  Silk: This delicate and luxurious fabric can easily be damaged by water and heat. Silk often requires dry cleaning to keep its sheen and softness.
2. Wool: Although woolen items can sometimes be hand-washed with care, dry cleaning is usually the safest choice to maintain the wool’s texture and prevent shrinkage.
3. Leather and Suede: Leather and suede can be seriously harmed by water damage, so dry cleaning is the recommended method for these materials.
4. Rayon: A semi-synthetic fabric, rayon requires dry cleaning to maintain its shape and size. Washing can lead to shrinking and wrinkling.
5. Linen: High-quality linen should ideally be dry cleaned to preserve its crispness. Water washing may lead to wrinkling and color fading.
6. Velvet: This plush fabric requires professional cleaning to maintain its distinctive texture and rich, deep color.
7. Cashmere: Cashmere items should be dry cleaned to maintain their softness and prevent pilling.
8. Chiffon: Another delicate fabric, chiffon can lose its shape and texture with regular washing. Dry cleaning helps to preserve its airy quality and prevent shrinkage or tearing.

Be sure to always check the care label on your garments before deciding on a cleaning method!

Reasons to Choose Dry Cleaning Over Washing by Hand

While hand washing may seem like a cost-effective and gentle way to clean your clothes, it can be more harmful than beneficial for certain types of fabrics. Here are some reasons why you should opt for dry cleaning over hand washing:

1. Efficiency: Dry cleaning is a much more efficient method as it removes stains and odors that hand washing may not be able to tackle. The specialized solvents used in dry cleaning penetrate deeper into the fabric, providing a thorough clean.
2. Gentleness: Although hand washing appears gentle, it can be harsh on certain fabrics. The scrubbing or twisting actions in hand washing can lead to wear and tear or distortion of the garment. Dry cleaning, on the other hand, provides a much gentler treatment.
3. Professional Care: Dry cleaners have the expertise and equipment to care for delicate fabrics and complex garments that might be ruined by hand washing.
4. Time-Saving: Hand washing can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with stubborn stains or delicate items. Dry cleaning offers a quick and convenient solution, saving you valuable time.
5. Durability: Dry cleaning extends the life of your clothing. Because it is less likely to cause shrinkage, color fade, or change of shape, your clothes stay newer for longer.
6. Crease-Free Finish: Dry cleaned clothes receive professional finishing which includes pressing or steaming. This results in a crisp, crease-free garment that is ready to wear. Hand-washed clothes often require additional ironing after they’ve dried.

Remember, the ultimate goal is to keep your clothes in their best condition. While hand washing is suitable for some garments, the benefits of dry cleaning are undeniable, particularly for those made from delicate or high-quality fabrics.

Summing Up!

As you can see, there are many benefits to dry cleaning your clothes that make it the preferred option if you want to maintain the quality and appearance of your fabrics for as long as possible. Dry cleaning not only extends the life of delicate items but also makes your clothes look well-maintained after each visit. 

No matter what type of fabric you have, there is a wide range of services available that match your individual needs. Make sure to research the different fabric types and establish a plan that allows for regular dry cleaning visits to ensure your clothing looks its best. If you follow these steps regularly, you will get the most out of your garments and they will last for years! 

With these tips in mind, you’re all set to take on dry cleaning and reap the rewards–so don’t wait any longer; get started today!

About Us

Keeping your clothes clean is more than just about hygiene, it is also about wearing clean clothes that look stylish and make you feel confident. However, to make your stylish couture last, you must take care of them. That’s where Greener Cleaner comes in. 

We are one of the few dry cleaners in Chicago that use zero petrochemicals in our cleaning. From your wedding dress to chic leather jackets, we dry clean everything in an eco-friendly manner. We can also alter your outfits to create a flattering fit and add a new spark to your old wardrobe favorites.

We also provide pick-up and delivery services for your clothing, so there is no hassle associated with laundry cleaning. You can reach us at (773) 784-8429 or fill out our contact form to know more.