Is It Better to Dry Clean or Wash My Clothes?
Deciding between dry cleaning versus laundering for your clothes depends on several factors – the fabric type, construction, stains present, and care instructions. While a dry cleaning service has benefits for delicates, laundry washing may work better for most everyday clothes. This article provides tips on when to choose dry cleaning or laundering services.
The Difference Between Dry Cleaning and Laundering
Dry cleaning uses chemical solvents instead of water to clean clothes. Modern reputable dry cleaning companies immerse garments and agitate them gently in eco-friendly solvents, before being pressed. This is ideal for delicate fabrics.
Laundering involves soaking clothes in water, detergent, and sometimes other chemicals to remove stains. The clothes are washed and spun in commercial machines, partially dried, then pressed. Most everyday clothing can be safely laundered.
Benefits of Dry Cleaning Services
A dry cleaning service offers advantages for certain fabrics and stains:
- Preserves delicate fabrics like silk, cashmere, sequins, and lace that could warp or shrink in water. The chemical solvents are gentle on these fabrics.
- Specialized odor removal like smoke, body oils, and mildew that require solvents rather than detergent.
- Stain removal like oil-based makeup, lipstick, and mascara that water cannot dissolve.
- Maintains the shape and structure better for tailored wool suits and wedding dresses.
- Provides expert “pre-spotting” to treat stains based on their composition before cleaning.
When to Choose a Dry Cleaning Service
Factors that indicate a dry cleaning service is the better choice:
- Fabrics labeled “Dry Clean Only” – this is required to prevent damage.
- Delicate natural fabrics like silk, wool, cashmere, leather, suede, velvet, etc.
- Heavy fabrics like brocade or heavy quilting that could misshape.
- Tailored wool suits, tuxedos, wedding dresses.
- Embellished fabrics where beads, sequins, or applique could detach.
- Down-filled outerwear that should not be saturated.
- If in doubt, check the clothing label for recommended care.
Benefits of Laundry Washing
Having clothes professionally laundered also offers advantages:
- Uses water which can more effectively remove common food, dirt, and bodily soil stains.
- Can incorporate bleaches to brighten whites and disinfect clothes.
- Is safer for most everyday clothing fabrics like cotton, denim, linen, polyester, etc.
- Provides a deeper cleaning for items like socks, underwear, and exercise clothes.
- Is more eco-friendly than using chemical solvents.
- Is significantly more affordable for large loads like business shirts.
When to Choose Laundering
Factors indicating that laundering services are the better option:
- Fabric is durable like denim, corduroy, and performance wear.
- Fabric labeled “Machine Washable”.
- Stains are food-based like wine, sauces, juice, etc.
- For everyday clothes without special care needs.
- For large loads like business shirts, bedding, and athletic uniforms.
- For items that need disinfecting like sick bed linens.
Understanding fabric characteristics and stain types is essential to choosing between dry cleaning and laundering. A dry cleaning service is helpful for preserving delicate fabrics and removing oil-based stains. However, for most everyday clothes, professional laundering provides an eco-friendly deep clean at a lower cost. Considering the fabric, construction, and care goals guides the decision between these two specialized services.