Dry cleaning is a cleaning process for clothes and textiles that uses a solvent other than water. At home, dry cleaning can be done using special dry- cleaning sheets and bags designed for use in dryers or by hand washing with specific detergents suited for delicate fabrics. Professional dry cleaning involves machines that use chemical solvents to clean clothes without water, which helps prevent damage to delicate fabrics like wool or silk. To dry clean clothes at home, follow these general steps:
- Check the care label to ensure the garment is suitable for dry cleaning.
- For spot cleaning, use a stain remover carefully on stains.
- Use a dry-cleaning bag and include a dry-cleaning sheet.
- Put the bag in a dryer on medium heat for about 30 minutes.
- Remove the clothes immediately after to prevent wrinkles and hang to air out.
Alternatively, you can hand wash with cold water and gentle detergent meant for delicate clothes, limit washing time to 30 minutes, then gently wring and air dry on a flat surface. Professional dry cleaning uses solvents like perchloroethylene or newer environmentally friendly solvents to lift dirt and grease without shrinking or fading clothes. After cleaning, clothes are pressed or steamed to restore their shape. Dry cleaning is particularly recommended for fabrics that do not tolerate water well and for removing tough stains such as oil and grease.
