What exactly is the process of dry cleaning? You drop them off and they come back crisp and clean, but what happens in between? Additionally, what are the correct ways to dry clean? Are there certain fabrics that can't be dry cleaned? How should stains be removed? Check out a few Dry Cleaning FAQs below to brush up on your dry cleaning knowledge.

What's the difference between dry cleaning and laundering?

During laundering, water is used to wash clothes in a washing machine. On the other side, the dry cleaning process involves using solvents in a special, sophisticated machine that washes and dries clothes in a single cycle.

Will dry cleaning shrink my clothes?

The process of dry cleaning does not shrink clothes. The dry cleaning machines at Tide Cleaners are advanced and programmable. They are carefully controlled by systems designed for a wide variety of garment types.

Does dry cleaning shorten the life of a garment?

When clothes are cleansed in water, the yarns and other fabrics will swell. This causes the clothing to receive more disturbance and agitation. However, in the process of dry cleaning this does not occur, which allows the garment to have a longer lifespan.

What causes 'puckering' and additional fabric in cuffs and shirt collars?

Some manufacturers will occasionally not choose an interfacing that is compatible with the particular type of fabric on the shirt. This causes shrinkage, which causes a 'puckering' effect during the dry cleaning process.

Which fabrics are recommended for dry cleaning?

All fabrics are appropriate for dry cleaning, but especially silk, wool and acetate fabrics. Additionally, great pieces to dry clean are knit suits and sweaters. Other items include garments that are trimmed with certain materials such as suede or embellished with beading.

What does a care label on garments mean?

Clothing manufacturers are required by federal law to provide proper cleaning instructions on a clothing care label. This label displays appropriate cleaning directions and special care instructions. When it comes to the process of dry cleaning, it is important to pay attention to these instructions as to not damage any garments.

How should spills on clothing be treated at home?

Spills should immediately be blotted with a clean, wet cloth. Do not rub the stain in further, and do not use at home removal remedies. Bring the garment to the dry cleaners as soon as possible and let us know what substance was spilled on the clothing item.

What is spot cleaning?

Spot cleaning is essentially hand cleaning a clothing item only in the areas where there are noticeable spots. This can be performed anywhere on the garment, if other portions are not capable of withstanding an overall process of cleaning or if only a small area of the garment needs to be cleaned.