There are lots of ways to remove stains, but is dry cleaning one of them? The simple answer is yes. But there’s more to it that may surprise you. As we all know, dry cleaning is a process that uses chemicals to clean clothes without water.
It is generally considered a safer and more gentle way to clean clothes and fabrics than using traditional methods like washing with water and soap.
Here I’ll discuss more on dry cleaning and what type of stains it can remove.
How does dry cleaning work?
Dry cleaning is an effective way to clean delicate or sensitive fabrics, such as suits, dresses, and coats that can be damaged by water or heat.
It is also a good option for cleaning clothes that are difficult to clean with traditional methods.
As always, the most common type of dry cleaning is done with perchloroethylene. But dry cleaners often use other chemicals too, depending on the type of fabric.
Dry cleaning is not a new concept; it has been used for centuries to clean fine fabrics and clothing. Although initially done by hand, it has become a more efficient process with new technologies and solvents that surfaced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Today, it is a multi-million dollar industry with thousands of businesses around the world.
SEE: Coat vs Jacket Differences That Set Them Apart
Does dry cleaning remove stains?
Yes, it does.
Dry cleaning can remove stains, but it is not always effective. It’s okay to test a small hidden area of the fabric before dry cleaning to make sure the stain will come out.
How does dry cleaning remove stains?
Dry cleaning uses a solvent to break down and remove stains from fabric. The most common solvent used is perchloroethylene, also known as PERC.
PERC is pretty effective at removing most types of stains, but it can also be harsh on the fabric. That’s why dry cleaners are careful to pretreat any areas that look like they might have a stain.
Once the item is pretreated, it’s placed in a machine that looks like a washing machine. But instead of water, the machine uses PERC to clean the clothes and high-pressure air to remove the solvent and the stain.
Once the PERC is removed from the clothes, the cycle repeats itself several times until the clothes are clean.
After the cleaning cycle is complete, the clothes are placed in a dryer, where they are tumble-dried on low heat. This helps to remove any residual PERC that may be left on the clothes.
Can all stains be removed?
No, not all.
Some stains may be more difficult or impossible to remove, depending on the type of fabric and the severity of the stain. If you are unsure, it is always best to consult a professional before attempting to remove a stain yourself.
SEE: Create Your Unique Style With Tips on How to Be More Fashionable
What stains can dry cleaning remove?
Dry cleaning is great for removing various stains, including tough ones like grease, ink, and red wine.
Here is a quick rundown:
- Grease stains – Dry cleaning is especially effective at removing greasy stains from clothing.
- Ink stains – Whether you have an ink pen that leaks or accidentally get ink on your shirt, dry cleaning can help remove the stain.
- Red wine stains – Red wine is notoriously difficult to remove from clothing, but dry cleaners can still get the job done.
- Coffee stains – Spills happen, but fortunately, dry cleaning can lift coffee stains out of fabric.
- Blood stains – Blood stains can be challenging to remove, but dry cleaners have the experience and expertise to get them out.
- Grass stains – If you’ve got grass stains on your clothes, dry cleaning can help.
- Mud stains – Dry cleaning can also be effective at removing mud stains.
FAQs
Does dry cleaning remove stains better than washing?
Yes, it does.
The reason is that dry cleaning uses a solvent to break down the stain. The solvent in dry cleaning is also less likely to damage the fabric of your clothing.
What types of stains are permanent?
Permanent marker, tomato sauce, and red wine are some common examples of permanent stains. However, if you attend to these stains early, there’s a good probability of saving your clothes.
Can dry cleaning remove old stains?
Yes, but not entirely.
Most dry cleaners will tell you it’s always best to bring your soiled clothes in while the stains are still fresh.
SEE: Best Evergreen Gift Ideas for Women
Conclusion
Dry cleaners still use solvents like Perc to dissolve oils and get rid of tough spots or spills. Also, one of the main benefits of dry cleaning, aside from removing tough stains, is that it can preserve the shape of your clothing and make them serve you longer.
So, does dry cleaning remove stains? Yes, it does. But it’s important to note that it is not a cure-all for every type of stain. If you have a particularly stubborn stain, you may want to try another method of removal.
Thanks for reading.
Need more laundry guides? Find them here on Africana Fashion.
