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Difference Between Laundry Wash and Dry Cleaning

Difference Between Laundry Wash and Dry Cleaning

A picture of washed clothes being dried
2 Feb

Difference Between Laundry Wash and Dry Cleaning

Are you interested in knowing the difference between professional dry cleaning and professional laundry wash? Most people don’t know which service is used for what issue. While both cleaning methods are helpful, there will always be times when one way would be more suitable for your garment. We at Imperial Valet are here to help you out with the great debate between laundry wash and dry cleaning.

Cleaning Method

A picture of hanging dry cleaned shirts

The main difference between laundry wash and dry cleaning is the solvent used. For instance, a laundry wash uses water as a solvent to dissolve the detergent or soap. In contrast, dry cleaning uses water-free chemical compounds or solutions. Therefore, the dry part in dry cleaning means the absence of water, not other liquids.

Most dry cleaners use Perc or Perchloroethylene. Then some use hydrocarbon instead of Perc because of its less aggressive nature though it takes longer than usual. Dry cleaners also use liquid silicone and Glycolether, the most easily found solvents. Even though the solvents used in dry cleaning are recycled most of the time, they’re not green or almost green. The solvents used in dry cleaning are toxic and need to be disposed of properly.

 

Type of Fabric to Be Cleaned

Professional dry-cleaning is a better option for silk, rayon, and acetate clothing materials. These materials can be put in a laundry wash, though cold water can cause them to shrink. Not only this, but using soaps or detergents on silk, acetate, and rayon can ruin the appearance of the fabric. On the other hand, clothing materials like acrylic, cotton, denim, and linen are better sent to a laundry wash. Well, you can also have them dry-cleaned though that would be an extra, unnecessary expense for you. A good quality detergent and water will not negatively affect acrylic, cotton, linen, and denim.

 

Drying Method Used

One thing common between these methods is that both use solvents, and the fabrics you wash or dry clean need to be dried off to remove any excess water or solution. However, for clothes that pass through the laundry wash, you can either wring them out and then hang, spin dry, or machine tumble dry. No further drying is required with dry-cleaned clothes as a special drying machine already dries them.

 

Stain Removal

While both processes can effectively remove stains, the type of stain matters here; for instance, a laundry wash is suitable for all organic pigments such as urine, mildew, sweat, food colorings, tea, and coffee. However, dry cleaning is recommended for all oil-based, grease, and other chemical stains.

Still unsure what cleaning service would be better for your clothes. No issues. We at Imperial Valet are just a call away. Contact us to get rid of all your washing woes and dirty laundry. We offer professional dry cleaning services and laundry wash for residential and commercial clients at the lowest and most affordable rates.

 

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