Dry cleaning: what it is, how it works, what can be cleaned

The washing machine and the usual powder or gel do not remove some stubborn dirt. Delicate fabrics and materials that cannot be washed in water also periodically need cleaning. In such cases, dry cleaning is used. How is it carried out and for what things are suitable for such a method of cleaning?

What is dry cleaning?

Instead of water, dry cleaning clothes and furniture use chemicals as solvents. They break down and remove dirt from the material. The substances used in dry cleaning are:

• perchloroethylene;
• trichloroethylene;
• Liquid silicone;
• Hydrocarbons.

These are non-combustible substances that are considered relatively safe. Perchloroethylene is used most often. It is a very active ingredient that removes grease stains. However, it can damage the fibers of delicate fabrics, things can lose their brightness of color. To solvents are added surface-active substances - detergents. These agents make perchloroethylene penetrate deeper into the fabric. The same principle is used for dry cleaning of a sofa and other upholstered furniture, mattresses, etc.

How the dry cleaning is done

Dry or wet dry cleaning of clothes or furniture is performed. Dry cleaning uses perchloroethylene or hydrocarbons in the form of powder or foam. The product is applied to the stain, left to work and then removed.

Wet cleaning of clothes or furniture with the use of chemicals follows these steps:

• Stains are treated with a stain remover.
• Things are placed in a dry cleaning machine. A solvent enters the tank and is constantly filtered from the dirt. This gradually removes the stains from the fabric.
• The cleaned items are dried with warm air. Remaining solvent is evaporated.
• Clothes are ironed and packed and returned to the customer.

It is important to properly prepare clothes for dry cleaning. The clothes are sent for treatment with intact seams, buttons must be firmly sewn. Remove accessories: brooches, belts.

Do not remove stains yourself, since without experience you can use the wrong remedy, and the dirt will penetrate into the material stronger. In addition, chemical agents can be incompatible and cause unwanted reactions and damage to the fabric. A professional will choose the right substances to effectively remove stains when used together.

It is better to take clothes or furniture to the dry cleaner as soon as it is soiled. Fresh stains are much faster to remove than stale ones.

What can be dry cleaned

The most common things you can dry-clean are down jackets, leather jackets, fur coats and hats, wedding dresses, etc. Upholstered furniture with fabric upholstery and mattresses can also be dry cleaned. Not all fabrics can be cleaned with chemicals, however. Some materials deteriorate and deteriorate from exposure to active substances. The label has a circle symbol on the label to identify the appropriate type of cleaning:

• P - Perchloroethylene can be used;
• F - Hydrocarbons may be used;
• A - any drycleaner will do;
• horizontal line under the circle - only gentle dry cleaning is allowed;
• The empty crossed out circle - no dry cleaning is allowed.

After dry cleaning with hydrocarbons, leather, suede and fabrics become softer. And perchloroethylene removes many stubborn stains. However, it is important to keep in mind that some types of stains cannot be removed even with aggressive chemical agents.