Is Dry Cleaning Worth It?

Is Dry Cleaning Worth It?

If you’re reading this, then the chances are that you’ve been pondering whether or not to invest in professional dry cleaning service for your clothes. You may be considering how much it would cost and wondering if the investment is worth it. 

Dry cleaning is a common practice for people who want to keep their clothes looking new and fresh. It is also one of the most effective and environmentally-friendly methods for cleaning clothes. However, some people think it is a waste of time and money, while others believe it can be worth the investment. Let’s look at both sides of the argument and see what makes more sense for you. 

What is Dry Cleaning?

Dry cleaning is a process of cleaning clothes using solvents instead of the usual detergent soap and water. Therefore, the term “dry” refers to the absence of water in this technique. 

The process usually involves using one or more chemicals to dissolve dirt, grease, food stains, and other kinds of contamination from fabrics. It’s essential to use a professional for this job because they know what specific chemicals work best with different materials like silk or rayon. 

It’s important to understand that not all garments are created equally. Different types of fibre require different treatments and care, and understanding how they work will undoubtedly help you preserve your wardrobe and save money.

Polyester, cotton, nylon, acrylic, wool, spandex are all machine washable. Cotton and polyester are more prone to losing their form when utilised in men’s and women’s suits and other sophisticated garments like wedding dresses. As a result, these things must be treated with care when dry cleaning and washing them.

Garments made of taffeta, linen, rayon, silk, velvet, acetate and fabric mixes with rayon or silk should be dry-cleaned by a professional unless the care label states otherwise. Dry cleaning is also necessary for clothes composed of suede or leather.

How Does Dry Cleaning Work?

A dry cleaning job is not actually dry, which makes the term somewhat misleading; rather than using soap and water to remove dirt and grime from clothing and eliminate stains.

Perchloroethylene, more commonly known as perc, is a cleaning solvent that has been widely used in the dry cleaning industry, and it became the industry standard due to its effectiveness. After the fabric treatment, the cleaning solution is extracted, and the clothes are pressed to remove wrinkles. The chemical solvent is properly recovered in the extractor and re-used, so it does not evaporate into the air, causing pollution.

The dry cleaning process includes:

  • Tagging and inspection: To avoid confusion, your clothes are identified with some method, whether it’s tiny paper tags or small stickers written on a shirt collar. Clothes are also inspected for missing buttons and tears that the dry cleaner might take the blame for.
  • Pre-treatment: The cleaner examines your garments for stains and treats them to make the process go more smoothly.
  • Dry cleaning: The clothes are immersed in a solvent and cleaned in a dry-cleaning machine.
  • Post-spotting: Any residual stains are removed.
  • Finishing: Finishing touches include pressing, folding, and packaging the garment in a protective bag.

Learn More: How Dry Cleaning Works: Everything You Need To Know

 Is Dry Cleaning Worth It?

Dry cleaning can be costly, but it also comes with some perks. When you choose dry cleaning, the clothes are cleaned gently and don’t include any harsh chemicals or fluids. Not only does this make your clothes smell better and last longer, but it also means they’re safe for sensitive skin types. In addition to being safer on our skin, dry cleaning is much gentler on the environment than other methods of laundry care, such as washing in hot water and using laundry soaps or harsh detergents which release toxins. If you have a busy schedule and want to save time by avoiding doing laundry at home, then consider going to a professional dry cleaner

Some clothes are better off not being washed every time you wear them, which can cause fading or shrinking over time. Dry-cleaning your clothing may be more expensive than doing laundry at home, but it will help these garments last longer, so it is worth the cost.

The Benefits of Dry Cleaning

Several benefits come from taking clothing labelled as being “dry clean only” into a local cleaner for special care. 

Gentle on Clothes: Modern dry cleaning procedures use less harsh chemicals and are gentler on your clothing than regular at-home washing and drying. Dry cleaners only use water in a wet cleaning procedure if absolutely necessary, and not all garments are suitable. Your delicate garment, which requires special attention, is handled according to dry cleaning standards at all times. 

Removes stains and odours well: Home treatments may remove stains, but they risk damaging clothes in the process. It’s a better idea to get your clothing cleaned by a professional cleaner who can effectively remove tough stains and odours. It is accomplished by cleaning the garment using the appropriate organic solvent. The outcome is a fabric that’s cleaner and more comfortable overall. If you’re thinking about throwing away clothing items because they can’t be cleaned, consider taking them to a dry cleaner instead to see if they can be saved. 

Suitable for oversized items: Dry cleaners can also clean other items besides clothes. They are the best option for people who need to clean large fabric items, like drapes, carpet, or bedding, that are difficult to clean at home. 

Convenient: The dry cleaning pickup and delivery service is the quickest and most convenient way to have your dirty clothes cleaned. They can pick up dirty clothes from your home and have them delivered to you clean and wrinkle-free. It’s also possible to drop off your dirty clothes at a dry-cleaning establishment and pick them up at a later time. 

Making Your Clothes Last Longer: Clothing that has been laundered in a washing machine deteriorates with time. Textile fibres can degrade after a few washes, and the spin cycle is particularly harsh on them. On the other hand, dry cleaning is gentle on your clothes. Dry cleaners clean and press the garments to ensure that they retain their shape and last longer.

The advantage of using this method is that you can extend the life of your clothing beyond its expected life span while also saving money. 

Final Thoughts

Dry cleaning may seem like an unnecessary expense, but the truth is that it can be worth your time and money. There are many benefits to professional cleaning over doing laundry at home. It is a very old and trusted technique that has been used for many years. In addition, it’s an excellent way to keep clothes looking their best for more extended periods of time than with home laundering processes.

Professional dry-cleaning is an excellent option for clothes that are made of high-quality delicate fabrics and materials. Not only can you wash your garments with the most delicate care, but you also maintain the structure. Ad Astra provides professional dry cleaning services to help keep your clothing looking new even after many washes and wears. If you’ve been on the fence about whether or not professional dry cleaning is worth it, we encourage you to give us a call at 93816688 to learn more.