What Type Of Clothes Need To Be Dry Cleaned?

Society perceives personal grooming as being essential to holistic personal development. Job opportunities, invitations to parties, and relationship possibilities require individuals to be well presented. However, changes in the economy, personal ambitions, and work-related pressure make focusing on the “personal self” somewhat daunting. Tasks such as washing clothes have become too overwhelming. As a result, people now consider dry cleaning services practical solutions to grooming needs.
Dry cleaning entails the removal of dirt or stains from garments with a particular chemical solvent as opposed to water – all dirty wears are usually dipped into the solution, and then cleaned with a dry cleaning machine. Dry cleaning is ideal for delicate fabrics that cannot resist regular cleaning. However, a wider array of materials can be cleaned through this process, as will be discussed.

Types of Clothes that require Dry Cleaning
Silk –
In general, garments that contain more than 60% silk require the services of a professional dry cleaner. Hand washing these clothes destroys the natural silk fiber used in the manufacturing process. The natural fibers are likely to stretch if exposed to regular wash.

Muslin or Cotton Voile
– Even the slightest pulling damages these two types of garments. Subjecting these clothes to hand-wash often causes disproportionate stretching or torn patches on the garment.

Lighter Silk Fabrics
– Apparel with a light, silky material such as chiffon, crepe chiffon, and silk georgette also require specialized cleaning. These types of garments contain beads, classy buttons, needlework, and other expensive accompaniments. Dry cleaning services work best on these garments due to their delicate nature. Ensuring the dry cleaner has the requisite experience to deal with these types of clothing provides maximum care at the end of the day.

Suede and Soft Leathers
– When hard to clean substances pours on these fabrics, restoring them to their original form becomes an uphill task. Dipping, soaking, and cleaning these garments in Perchloroethylene – the liquid solvent used by dry cleaners – and then cleaning them using a dry cleaner refurbishes their natural appearance.

Beaded, Embroidery, or Sequin Garments
– Clothes whose appearance in enhanced by the use of any the above items require specialized attention. Although some garments made using these items have strong fabric or material, hand washing them can lead to breaking or cracking of the additional pieces of the garments.

What can Be Washed At Home?

Cashmere
– In most cases, clothes made with Cashmere last longer when hand washed.

Durable Synthetic Fibers
– Garments made using durable synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester can be cleaned by hand or machine-washed with cold water.

Leather
– Some types of leather can be washed by hand. However, if they contain additions such as metal, it is better to dry-clean them. In addition, if the leather items carry sentimental attachments or are precious, it is better to have them dry-cleaned.
In general, if in doubt regarding the most appropriate cleaning method, simply have your clothing dry cleaned. It is the most reliable way to clean your wears.

Getting a Deeper Understanding of what needs to be Cleaned Dry
Men’s Clothes
Suits
– Business suits and dress shirts are usually made with fragile fabric; therefore, it is better to let the dry cleaners work on them.

Coats
– Most coats are made using thick material, which can easily get damaged if handled inappropriately. Subjecting them to hand wash or the harsh laundry processes can damage them.

Shirts
– Dry cleaning works best on polo shirts, dress shirts, and business shirts.
Slacks, Trousers, and Bermudas

Windbreakers

Vests
Winter Coats – For example, Coats that have fur hoodies must be properly dried.

Ladies Clothes

Suits – Dry Cleaning is ideal for all types of suits, whether they are pantsuits or dress suits. Suits are better maintained – color and texture – when dry-cleaned, as opposed to being machine-washed.

Jackets – Bomber, denim, or velvet blazers are well maintained if subjected to the correct cleaning methods.

Blouses or body suits

Jeans, lacks, or pants
Vests
Skirts – Skirts can shrink when cleaned using washing machines. Whether an A-line or a peplum skirt (especially if it is short) the fabric is best cleaned with a dry cleaner.

Dresses – There is a wide range of dresses in the market. Some of them are made of delicate material. Subjecting them to harsh laundry styles such as machine wash does more harm than good.

Cheongsam

Evening dresses, And Wedding Gowns – All women have sentimental attachments to their gowns. Since they are made using different styles and fabrics (sequins, beads, and lace materials), it is always best to clean them dry. A single machine-wash application could be a potent recipe for style disaster.

Other Items

Most individuals assume only wearables can be dry-cleaned. Items such as comforters, bed sheets, blankets, bolster pillow cases, mattress protectors, bedspreads, curtains, cushions, and quilts can also be cleaned dry.  Dry cleaning is a financially prudent way of taking care of one’s clothes. If a person can maintain the quality of his or her clothes over an extended period, he or she will not have to consider purchasing new clothes on a regular basis.

When to Dry Clean

Stained clothes or garments should be taken to the dry cleaners as soon as possible. Stains a couple of days old are easier to remove compared to ones that are a few weeks old. Pre-treating is not recommended since dry cleaners use specific stain removal agents to find a solution to stain problems.

Preparing Clothes for Dry Cleaning

Remove everything from the pockets
Use tapes or pins to make identifying the stained areas easier
Clean the separates of an outfit – for example a suit, at the same time
Clearly explain what the dry cleaner must do – should he be concerned about broken zippers or loose buttons?

Storing the Cleaned Garments

Take them out of the plastic bags used to store them – this prevents the formation of mildew, which discolours garments
Use plastic hangers to hang the clothes; wired ones may stain your garments after rusting
Leave any paper that’s been stuffed into the sleeves – it maintains the shape of the garment until it’s ready for use.

The Bottom Line

Dry Cleaning services maintain the durability and quality of garments. It also makes financial sense because individuals can wear the same pieces of clothing for long periods without feeling compelled to purchase new ones.

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