The distinction between dry cleaning and laundry cleaning is often misunderstood. You may feel uncertain about which option is better.
The absence of water in dry cleaning stands as the primary distinction between this service and traditional laundry services. Dry cleaning often involves the use of harsh chemical solvents, like perchloroethylene (PERC), to remove stains like pen ink, whereas laundry washing typically involves the use of milder soaps and detergents.
While both dry cleaning and laundry washing are good options, there are situations when employing the wrong technique might ruin your clothing. If you're often on the go, it can make sense to have a professional service handle your dirty clothes for you, but it's important to make the correct choice.
In this article, we uncover the differences and what's best for your clothes before deciding between a dry cleaner and a laundry service.
Fundamental Differences Between Dry Cleaning & Laundry Cleaning
● Dry cleaning is a process of cleaning clothing without using water. Instead, chemical solvents are used to remove stains and grease. Laundries often combine water with cleaning products like soaps, detergents, or softeners.
● Dry-cleaned clothes are loaded into a machine for a process known as tumbling. The solvents used during this process are typically reused and recycled. During the laundry cleaning process, the clothes are placed into a machine and detergent and water are agitated in order to remove dirt particles.
● Dry cleaning is a process where garments are dried with the help of machines. In the laundry cleaning process, water is removed from the garments using the spinning method. After this, the clothes can be dried in a dryer or hung to dry.
In both laundry and dry cleaning techniques, once the drying process is complete, the garments are steamed or ironed to give them a smooth finish. Then, they can be packaged up and ready for delivery.
Wet Cleaning / Laundry
Laundering your clothes is a simple and inexpensive method to keep them clean and smelling fresh. Compared to dry cleaning, wet cleaning (also known as laundry) simply requires water, detergent, and softener to clean and rejuvenate your clothing. This process involves immersing the fabrics in a bath of warm, soapy water and fabric softener.
Not only is this method more energy efficient than dry cleaning, but it is also much more environmentally friendly since no harsh chemicals are used. Not to mention, laundering is much more affordable than dry cleaning. All you need is a good-quality detergent and fabric softener, and you're good to go!
Using a laundry service is a far more economical alternative to buying, installing and maintaining your own washing equipment.
Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning is an effective way to clean your most important clothes and other fabrics without using water. This process involves pre-treating difficult stains, grease, and spots with PERC. The clothes are then machine-tumbled before the chemical is removed, filtered and recycled. Finally, the garments are put in a dry cleaning machine and steamed and ironed to get rid of creases.
There are several benefits to dry cleaning. It is especially good for fabrics such as wool and silk, as well as long furnishings like curtains, as the PERC chemical is gentle on both the fabric and the colour. It can also help get rid of difficult grease and oil stains without causing any fading of the fabric.
The Busy Bubbles Checklist For Choosing Dry Cleaning Vs Laundry
You'll find that most laundry services offer both wet and dry cleaning, but how will you know which is best for you? We've compiled this simple comparative list that will help you decide.
● Dry cleaning is best for delicate fabrics that require special care, such as silk, wool and cashmere.
● Laundry is great for everyday items like cotton, linen and synthetics.
● Dry cleaning is better for removing stubborn stains and odours.
● Laundry is great for removing everyday dirt and dust.
● Dry cleaning is more expensive than laundry.
● Laundry is generally more time-efficient than dry cleaning.
● Dry cleaning is ideal for items you don't want to shrink or fade in colour.
● Laundry is best for items that you want to look cleaner and brighter.
Your Local All-In-One Laundry Service
At The Busy Bubbles Laundrette, we are proud to offer our customers the highest quality laundry and dry cleaning services available. With 30 years of experience, our professional staff is dedicated to maintaining a friendly and safe environment. Our service options include self-service wash and dry or full-service Drop & Go Lockers, available every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
We use only the best Dexter washers and gas-fired dryers to ensure that your laundry is handled with maximum efficiency. Drop your laundry in the locker by 8 a.m. on weekdays and collect it anytime after 4 p.m.
As a Busy Bubbles customer, you can now track the progress of your laundry on your smartphone using the DexterPay app and receive loyalty rewards for repeat use.
[CTA] If you're still unsure whether your garment is best handled with a wet or dry clean, come on down to The Busy Bubbles Launderette at Kingswood between 10am to 2pm and one of our technicians will happily advise.