Do you want to wash your fragile clothes or textiles? Why not opt for dry cleaning! Zoom on this effective cleaning process.
What is dry cleaning and what is it for?
See alsoClothes that have just been dry-cleaned. Photo credit: JayMantri
Dry cleaning is a cleaning technique that washes clothes and delicate fabrics using a solvent instead of water. The concept of this gentle washing technique is accidentally found by Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Jolly. The latter spilled a mixture of alcohol and turpentine on a dress. He then found that instead of staining the garment, the mixture cleaned it. In 1855, following this discovery, Jolly opened the first laundry in Paris. Such is the popularity of this cleansing technique that it exists till this day. The proof ? You can find dry cleaning establishments in different cities in Europe such as Andenne, Brussels, Heusy or Embourg.
At first glance, the machine used for dry cleaning is similar to that used for traditional washing. However, on closer inspection, you will find that it functions differently and is much larger. Dry cleaning does not use water, but a solvent, the best known of which is perchlorethylene. Instead of being discharged into the pipes, this product is recovered, filtered and reused during the washing cycle.
The solvents used in dry cleaning protect the fabric. This is not the case for water, which is likely to alter the quality of textile fibres.
In recent years, many dry cleaners have been using environmentally friendly products to accomplish their tasks. Solvents that leave a repulsive smell on clothes and textiles are no longer relevant. To preserve human health and the environment, more and more manufacturers are using less flammable and more environmentally friendly substances, such as:
There are also materials that you should never dry clean. These include:
Wondering what the symbol for dry cleaning is? It is represented by a circle with a letter inside which informs you about the solvent to be used by the professional. If the circle is crossed out, it means that dry cleaning is prohibited. One or two under the circle will give the restrictions for dry cleaning.
Note: since 1stJanuary 2022, the use of perchlorethylene
in dry cleaners located near accommodation occupied by third parties is prohibited in France. The reason for this ban? This solvent has adverse effects on the environment and human health.
How to dry clean a mattress?
A woman cleaning the mattress with a vacuum cleaner. Photo credit: shutterstock 1363925888
To dry clean your mattress, you need:
Once the ingredients and materials are gathered, now proceed to dry cleaning your mattress. Here's how to go about it:
To disinfect your mattress and bedding, mix 5 drops of tea tree essential oil with 250 g of baking soda. Sprinkle your bedding with the resulting mixture and voila!
How to dry clean a coat?
A young woman cleaning a fur coat. Photo credit: Shutterstock 589439999
The coat is only washed a few times a year. However, this type of clothing requires specific cleaning and maintenance. As said before, the first thing to do before dry cleaning a coat is to follow the instructions on the label. If machine washing is allowed, it is best to clean in cold water. Do not add fabric softener, as this product may alter the waterproofness of your coat.
How to dry clean pants with ammonia?
Air dry pants after dry cleaning. photo credit: danielkirsch
The ammonia dry cleaning process for trousers is carried out as follows:
For your safety, strictly use ammonia in a perfectly ventilated area and away from any source of heat. Always wear gloves when handling the product to protect your hands.
Dry cleaning a carpet with baking soda: how does it work?
A woman cleaning a carpet. Photo credit: Shutterstock 722162842
Dry cleaning a carpet is always recommended before any other solution, as this process helps to loosen and eliminate bad odors. Here are the steps to follow to dry clean your carpet yourself with baking soda:
If you don't have baking soda, you can always use powdered Sommières clay.
How to dry clean a fabric sofa or armchair with baking soda?
A man cleaning a sofa with a vacuum cleaner. Photo credit: Shutterstock 1711717369
Follow the following steps to dry clean your fabric sofa or chair with baking soda:
Try this trick if you want to deodorize or revive the color of your fabric sofa or chair.
How to dry clean a suit?
A black suit for a woman who has just been dry cleaned. Photo credit: FotografieLink
Want to clean your suit, but don't want to go to the dry cleaners? Do not panic, because you only have to follow the following steps:
How to dry clean at home?
Dry linen in the open air after dry cleaning. Photo credit: Skitterphoto
Do you want to find a much more ecological technique to clean your linens or clothes? Why not opt for dry cleaning at home using only natural products like white vinegar or baking soda? These are less chemical than the products used in dry cleaners.
Baking soda is also effective for bagging your clothes or other fabrics. Here is how to use this powder with cleansing properties:
Here's how to dry clean with baking soda:
Granted, this dry cleaning technique is safe, but still make sure the fabric doesn't fade. Also make sure that it withstands contact with water. Here are the steps to follow to carry out a dry cleaning at home with white vinegar and detergent:
If the white vinegar-detergent mixture is not enough to clean the garment? Add a few drops of ammonia to the solution to increase its effectiveness.
You are not a fan of Do It Yourself or DIY? No problem ! On the market, you can find ready-to-use dry cleaning kits. These are delivered with various useful accessories and products, namely:
Here are the steps to follow to carry out a dry cleaning using a dryer:
When dry cleaning with a dryer, learn to recognize fabrics that bleed. To do this, apply a wipe to a hidden area of the textile. Its color adheres to the wipe? This assumes that it is not suitable for dry cleaning in the dryer. In this case, the best is to carry out a dry cleaning by hand or to go directly to the dry cleaners.
