Dry cleaning is a cleaning method used to clean delicate fabrics and garments that are not suitable for traditional washing with water. It involves the use of special solvents instead of water to remove stains and dirt from clothing.
Here is a general overview of the dry cleaning process:
Clothing Inspection: When you bring your garments to a dry cleaner, they first inspect them for stains, damage, and any special instructions provided by the customer. This step helps them identify any specific areas that require special attention during the cleaning process.
Pre-Treatment: If there are visible stains on the garments, the dry cleaner will usually apply a pre-treatment solution to those areas. This solution helps to break down the stains and make them easier to remove during the cleaning process.
Cleaning: The garments are placed in a large drum-like machine called a dry cleaning machine. The machine rotates the garments gently while a specific solvent, such as perchloroethylene (perc) or hydrocarbon, is introduced into the machine. The solvent acts as a cleaning agent, dissolving and removing dirt and stains from the fabric.
Post-Spotting: After the cleaning cycle, the dry cleaner will inspect the garments again for any remaining stains. If there are still stains present, they will perform additional spot treatments using specialized solvents and techniques to remove them.
Drying: Once the cleaning process is complete, the garments go through a drying cycle. In this stage, the dry cleaning machine removes the solvent and circulates warm air to evaporate any residual moisture from the fabric.
Finishing: After the garments are dry, they are carefully pressed and finished to restore their shape and appearance. This step may involve the use of steam, pressing equipment, and other techniques to remove wrinkles and give the garments a polished look.
Inspection and Packaging: The dry cleaner performs a final inspection to ensure the garments meet the quality standards. Once approved, they are packaged and prepared for customer pickup or delivery.
It's important to note that the dry cleaning process may vary slightly depending on the specific dry cleaning facility, the type of solvent used, and the equipment and techniques employed. Additionally, advancements in technology and environmentally friendly practices have led to the development of alternative solvents that are less harmful to the environment and human health, such as liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) and wet cleaning methods.