Dry cleaning is a process of cleaning clothes using solvents instead of water. It is a popular and convenient method of cleaning clothes that cannot be washed with water. People often send their expensive and delicate garments to the dry cleaners to ensure proper washing and maintenance. But have you ever wondered what happens to your clothes? Let us talk about dry cleaning and how it affects your clothes.
The Dry Cleaning Process
Inspection
The first step in the dry cleaning process is inspection. A person inspects the clothes for stains, damages, and other issues that may affect the cleaning process. They may also check the care label to ensure that the clothes can be dry cleaned.
Tagging
After inspection, the clothes are tagged with a unique identification number to ensure they don’t get mixed with other people’s garments. The tag also contains information about the type of cleaning required, such as the type of solvent to be used.
Pre-treatment
The next step is pre-treatment, where the dry cleaner applies a solvent or detergent to the stains and spots to loosen them up before washing. This step is critical as it helps remove the stains during the cleaning process.
Cleaning
Once the pre-treatment is complete, the clothes are placed in a dry cleaning machine. The machine uses a solvent, such as perchloroethylene (perc). During this process, the clothes are agitated to remove dirt and stains. The solvent is then drained, and all garments are rinsed with a fresh solvent to remove any remaining dirt and detergent.
Finishing
After cleaning, the clothes are pressed and finished using steam and heat to give them a crisp and fresh look. They are then inspected again to ensure all are washed and free from any stains or damages.
Environmental Impact of Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning is a popular method of cleaning clothes, but it has some environmental impact. The most common solvent used in this service is perchloroethylene (perc), which is a toxic chemical that can cause health problems. Perc can contaminate the soil, air, and water if not disposed of properly. It is also a carcinogen and can cause cancer if inhaled or ingested.
In Canada, the use of perc has been phased out in many provinces, and dry cleaners are required to use alternative solvents that are less harmful to the environment and human health. Some alternatives used in dry cleaning include hydrocarbons, glycol ethers, and liquid carbon dioxide.
Moreover, dry cleaners are adopting eco-friendly practices. These include recycling hangers and packaging materials, using energy-efficient machines, and reducing water consumption.
Tips for Choosing a Dry Cleaner
When choosing a dry cleaner, it is essential to consider the following factors:
- Reputation: Choose a dry cleaner with a good reputation for quality service and customer satisfaction.
- Experience: Look for one with experience handling different fabrics and clothing items.
- Price: While price should not be the only factor, it is essential to choose a dry cleaner that offers competitive pricing.
- Location: Choose a dry cleaner that is convenient to your location.
- Environmental Practices: Consider one that uses eco-friendly practices, such as alternative solvents and recycling.
Conclusion
Dry cleaning is a popular and convenient method of cleaning clothes. It involves several steps, and while it has some environmental impact, the use of alternative solvents and eco-friendly practices is reducing its impact. When choosing a dry cleaner, it is essential to consider factors such as reputation, experience, price, location, and environmental practices.
Choose Goodfellow Cleaners for all your dry cleaning needs. Our experienced team has been serving Ottawa for over 25 years, ensuring even your most valued garments are treated with care. We also clean household items! Contact us today for professional and reliable dry cleaning services.