An often-heard falsehood is that "Dry Cleaning Lessens the Lifespan of a Garment." As a matter of fact, it is not the case. An item of clothing can be kept in service longer if it is cleaned often. Reasons why

Not only can stains become more stubborn with time, but dirt, mud, and dust that has been crushed into fibres may be as abrasive to fabric as sandpaper.

Those microscopic pieces are abrasive and will shorten the lifespan of your fabric. In addition, the danger of insect damage is increased since insect larva will feed on spots and soil in garments.

Your favourite clothes won't last forever if you wash them all the time.

Tossing out a well-loved sweater or shirt can be a painful experience.

Your ability to wear it will diminish as it gradually fades, stretches, or shrinks.

Would you say the same about dry cleaning? Will bringing your clothes to a dry cleaner frequently shorten their useful life? A negative response is appropriate. Your clothes will last longer if you dry clean them. Some of the justifications follow.

How Does Dry Cleaning Work?

For starters, let's get the name out of the way.

The term "dry cleaning" refers to the process of cleaning garments and other fabrics without the use of water. Since its inception in 1885, this method has only gotten better.

However, a separate liquid is used in the dry cleaning process. Perchloorethyleen (or "perc" for short) is a mild petroleum-based solvent used for washing textiles.

To clean your clothes without hurting the fabric, use perc to dissolve any dirt or oil that has clung to them.

Your garments will be washed in a washing chamber using this solvent when you drop them off at the dry cleaner.

The spinning action of the machine loosens the dirt and particles from the fabric, which are then trapped in the solvent and subsequently filtered out.

Naturally, if you have any really stubborn stains (or another form of clothing damage), these will require some extra TLC. The good news is that professional dry cleaners can do this service with ease.

That brings us back to our original question: will this method extend the life of clothing? A quick Google search will reveal that the answer is "yes," and here's why:

Dry Cleaning Is Gentler on Clothes Than Washing Machines

Some materials are especially delicate and may be damaged by being submerged in water or subjected to the high temperatures and vigourous agitation found in commercial washing machines.

Your fragile garments will be better protected in the dry cleaning process than in the washing machine since the drums spin more slowly and gently, and no water is used. I mean, why would you take the chance of ruining your fancy outfit, dinner linens, or whatnot?

All of the Fabric Quality is Preserved After Dry Cleaning

While machine washing can cause terrible problems like tears and shrinking, it can also ruin your clothes in other ways.

A gentle solvent such as perc, as opposed to steaming and soapy detergent, is better for your fabrics because it helps to maintain their colour and texture.

It's likely that the fraying and blotchy appearance of a wool coat or silk dress you've seen was caused by the use of a sewing machine.

Tough Stains are No Match for Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning is effective because the solvents used in the process may reach even the deepest fibres of the fabric, dissolving oils, smells, and stubborn stains before they can permanently damage the fabric.

Clothes and linens will look new for a longer amount of time.

Reduced Risk of Insect Damage

Insects are one of the quickest ways to ruin a wardrobe.

These bugs can do harm even in a nearly immaculate home by making their way into storage areas such as drawers and cabinets.

Going to a dry cleaner on a regular basis can help avoid that from happening.

Soiled or unclean clothes are a common attraction for insects. Embedded stains, such as those from food or sweat, can do the most harm to a garment.

Dry cleaning eliminates these potential insect attractants, extending the life of your garments. Garments can be mothproofed by a dry cleaner to keep insects away without leaving an offensive odour.

Stain Removal

Stains that become permanent are another killer of clothing.

If you give the dry cleaner plenty of notice, they should be able to remove any stains from your clothes.

Stains can cause dyes to run or even oxidise the fibres in your clothing if not removed.

These are the stubborn brown and yellow stains that you've given up on cleaning and subsequently thrown away.

The dry cleaning process eliminates stains before they have a chance to oxidise, extending the lifespan of your clothing.

Dirt Removal

The fibres in your clothes are susceptible to damage from dirt. Dirt can grind on your skin like sandpaper as it moves against your clothing.

The fibres in your clothes will eventually wear out due to the abrasive nature of this treatment.

That's how holes or thinning might happen in clothing.

Regular washing can remove the bulk of the grime, but there may be residual particles that cause damage even after several cycles.

All of the filth and grime that has settled deep into the fabric, posing a threat to the fibres, is removed by the dry cleaning process.

Your clothes will stay clean and last longer if you take frequent vacations.

The Difficulties of Doing Laundry at Home

It's getting more and harder to juggle work and personal duties as the demands of the modern workplace increase year after year.

There are more women in the workforce than ever before, and many of them would rather focus on their professions than on mundane tasks like doing the laundry.

The fact is that many of us just do not have the time to devote to doing laundry on a regular basis.

Doing the laundry or hanging out with the family on your days off?

However, there are several advantages to using a commercial laundry or dry cleaning service.

One of these is that dry cleaning can prolong the useful life of your clothing.

Is It More Convenient to Dry Clean Than to Wash?

Most commonly, a washer/dryer combo is used in conjunction with a washing detergent to accomplish the task of laundering.

Just like its moniker says, dry cleaning is a thorough technique that does not involve the use of water, but leaves garments clean and fresh.

Both dry cleaning and machine washing have their uses, but dry cleaning is more appropriate for delicate objects and the elimination of oil-based stains.

It's possible that your garments will expand when washed in water.

Fibers can also be irreparably damaged by the combination of high heat and the mechanical treatment of the washing machine.

When you dry clean, this won't happen.

As an added complication, some colours don't work when combined with water.

There's a risk that the colour will transfer to the rest of your laundry while washing.

A red dress that was once a favourite might lose its lustre and seem worn and outdated over time. This is something that dry cleaning can keep from happening.

Do you really despise having to sort and fold clothes after every load of laundry?

Clothes washed and folded by professionals will be cleaned properly (without damaging the fabric) and neatly folded before being brought to your home.

Do Clothing Last Longer if Hand Washed?

It's possible that the care you take when washing your clothes by hand will help them last longer and look better for longer.

Unfortunately, many people view hand-washing as a cheaper alternative to dry cleaning, which is widely regarded as the safest option, despite the fact that it is far safer than machine-washing.

It's safer to clean your hands with the machine, but it's important to check that the approach you choose is actually the safest one before you use it.

Hand washing is recommended for products that are easily damaged, such as swimsuits, sweaters, raw denim, and sportswear.

Silk, cotton, and linen, on the other hand, may benefit from being washed in a machine.

What Kinds of Clothes Require a Dry Cleaning Service?

Velvet, suede, acetate, leather, wool, and silk are just some of the fabrics that should be dry cleaned rather than washed in water.

Water washing can also ruin garments embellished with buttons, sequins, or lace, thus dry cleaning is recommended.

Linings (typically seen in jackets and coats) and pleated fabric (like a pleated skirt) should also be dry cleaned.

This will keep the item's form and function intact throughout storage.

Duvets, curtains, bedding, and carpets are just a few of the many home textiles that can be dry cleaned instead of being washed in the washing machine.

What Makes Dry Cleaning Distinct From Regular Laundry?

There is no water used in the dry cleaning process, which is the fundamental distinction between it and washing.

Water and laundry detergent are required for washing, but neither are necessary for dry cleaning, which employs neither.

Dry cleaning is superior to washing in the washing machine for oil-based and stubborn stains since it employs a solvent instead of water.

Whether dry cleaning is preferable to washing depends on the type of item being cleaned.

Dry cleaning is preferable to washing when dealing with oil-based stains.

Washing smelly clothing, especially things having body odour from sweat, is preferable than dry cleaning.

Local dry cleaners have the expertise to choose the best cleaning process for your clothes. Just make sure to mention any lingering smells or spots before they get started.

Does Dry Washing Keep Garments From Fading?

Indeed, dry washing prevents colour loss in garments.

If you care deeply about the colour of your fabric and would be devastated to see it fading, you should start putting money aside for dry cleaning companies immediately.

Soap and water, whether used by hand or in a washing machine, can be excessively harsh on your garments, causing them to shrink, discolour, or fade.

Clothing can be safely cleaned of any dust, sweat, or grime by dry cleaning because the cleaning agent is considerably milder.

Can Garments Be Ruined by Dry Cleaning?

Having your clothing dry cleaned won't ruin them. In contrast to washing, dry cleaning actually helps your fabric last longer without compromising its integrity. However, moderation is key!

While dry cleaning does not pose any health risks, it shouldn't be used excessively.

This is due to the fact that the hydrocarbon-based solvent used during dry cleaning has the potential to break down the links between the fibres of your fabric if used too frequently.

If this occurs, the strength of your fabric may decrease. In addition to that, you shouldn't dry clean polyurethane, plastic, or PVC.

Clothes crafted from these materials are susceptible to being ruined if dry cleaned.

Can We Trust That Dry Cleaning Actually Cleans?

Since dry cleaning doesn't often leave behind the familiar "fresh from the washer" scent, some people are under the impression that it doesn't perform a very good job of really cleaning the clothes.

This is because dry cleaning is effective at removing ground-in dust and oil-based stains from fabrics, but less so at eliminating lingering odours.

Dry cleaning does a great job of removing stains, but it won't leave your garments smelling like a flowery meadow on a cool summer morning.

Dry cleaning does sanitize your clothes as well. 

We can safely say that dry washing removes all germs from clothing.

Stains can be removed and the fabric disinfected through dry washing.

Additionally to the dry cleaner's use of anti-bacterial chemicals, the steaming process's high temperatures will kill any germs or bacteria that may have made it onto your clothing.

Dry cleaning is also the first step if you want to preserve luxury garments or your precious wedding dress.

Your one-time worn dress must be preserved so it can maintain its pristine condition.

Yes, dry cleaner services have professional experience as well in preservation after they clean your clothes. It is the best choice you have to maintain your expensive clothes.

Conclusion

If you wash your clothes frequently, they will last longer in your wardrobe. The laundering solvent perchloorethyleen (perc) is a moderate petroleum-based solvent.

When you bring your clothes to the dry cleaner, they will be washed in a special washing chamber using this solvent.

Wearing garments that have been damaged by machine washing is not only possible, but quite likely.

The chemicals used in dry cleaning are so powerful that they can penetrate deep into the fabric and revive the fibres.

Fabrics will retain their like-new appearance for a lot longer.

Since dry washing is so harsh, it will eventually ruin your clothing.

Delicate items and oil-based stains are better suited for dry cleaning.

Taking regular trips also helps keep your wardrobe neat and extends the life of your clothes.

To many, hand washing is a more affordable option to dry cleaning.

For oil-based and other tenacious stains, dry cleaning is preferable to washing in the washing machine.

Your neighbourhood dry cleaner knows just which cleaning method will work best for your garments.

Just double verify with your neighbourhood dry cleaners first.

Both hand washing and machine washing with soap and water can be extremely damaging to your clothing, causing them to shrink, change colour, or fade.

Dry cleaning is a safe method for removing dirt, sweat, and grime from clothing, as the cleaning chemical is much more gentle.

Clothes cleaned in a dry cleaner will be free of dirt and spills, but they won't have the fresh scent of a summer morning in a flower field.

If you care about the longevity of your fine clothing or wedding gown, dry cleaning should be your first step. It's the finest option for prolonging the life of your pricey wardrobe.

Content Summary

• Your clothes will last longer if you dry clean them.
• Your fragile garments will be better protected in the dry cleaning process than in the washing machine since the drums spin more slowly and gently, and no water is used.
• Going to a dry cleaner on a regular basis can help avoid that from happening.
• Soiled or unclean clothes are a common attraction for insects.
• Garments can be mothproofed by a dry cleaner to keep insects away without leaving an offensive odour.
• If you give the dry cleaner plenty of notice, they should be able to remove any stains from your clothes.
• The fibres in your clothes are susceptible to damage from dirt.
• Doing the laundry or hanging out with the family on your days off? However, there are several advantages to using a commercial laundry or dry cleaning service.
• One of these is that dry cleaning can prolong the useful life of your clothing.
• Unfortunately, many people view hand-washing as a cheaper alternative to dry cleaning, which is widely regarded as the safest option, despite the fact that it is far safer than machine-washing.
• Duvets, curtains, bedding, and carpets are just a few of the many home textiles that can be dry cleaned instead of being washed in the washing machine.
• Whether dry cleaning is preferable to washing depends on the type of item being cleaned.
• Dry cleaning is preferable to washing when dealing with oil-based stains.
• Indeed, dry washing prevents colour loss in garments.
• If you care deeply about the colour of your fabric and would be devastated to see it fading, you should start putting money aside for dry cleaning companies immediately.
• Having your clothing dry cleaned won't ruin them.
• In contrast to washing, dry cleaning actually helps your fabric last longer without compromising its integrity.
• While dry cleaning does not pose any health risks, it shouldn't be used excessively.
• In addition to that, you shouldn't dry clean polyurethane, plastic, or PVC.
• This is because dry cleaning is effective at removing ground-in dust and oil-based stains from fabrics, but less so at eliminating lingering odours.
• Dry cleaning does sanitize your clothes as well.
• We can safely say that dry washing removes all germs from clothing.
• Dry cleaning is also the first step if you want to preserve luxury garments or your precious wedding dress.
• Yes, dry cleaner services have professional experience as well in preservation after they clean your clothes.
• It is the best choice you have to maintain your expensive clothes.

FAQS ABOUT DRY CLEANING

Does dry cleaning extend the life of clothes?

Putting your clothes through a dry cleaner is quite safe. If you want to get the most wear out of your wardrobe, dry cleaning is a great way to prolong the life of your clothes.

Is it better to dry clean or wash clothes?

Dry cleaning is a more efficient method of stain removal than hand washing, so your garments will emerge from the process looking like new. Fabric-friendly: The dry cleaning chemicals used are not harsh and won't ruin your clothes.

Will dry cleaning prevent fading?

The dry cleaning process is far more delicate than the conventional washing method.

That is to say, it is kinder and softer on your garments, thus it prevents crocking, which is a primary source of colour runoff.

Dry cleaning makes use of chemical solvents that contain active chemicals that protect against colour loss and fading.

Why is dry cleaning best?

Dry cleaning is preferable for keeping clothes looking brand new because it is gentler than washing. Dry cleaning is preferable to hand washing since it preserves the fabric's original colour and soft hand while almost eliminating the risk of shrinkage during washing.

What fabrics should not be dry cleaned?

Fabrics containing or composed of plastic, PVC, or polyurethane are common examples of materials that cannot be dry cleaned properly. Fabrics made from these materials would be damaged by washing and drying.