It is important to choose the right cleaning method when it comes to laundry. Wet Cleaning or Dry Cleaning – while selecting wet cleaning or dry cleaning for your delicates, expensive wear and everyday wearable can affect the longitivity of your clothing life as well the environment. In Nearest Laundry we offer both services and through this guidance will help you to learn the differences between them.
What is Wet Cleaning?
Wet cleaning is a qualified manner of cleansing that makes use of water and environmental friendly soaps to clean the clothes. A newer alternative to dry cleaning, it is considered by many to be a greener choice. The wet clean process uses machines that are programmed to precisely control the levels of water, agitation and temperature so even your most delicate fabric can be safely washed. This is a remarkable alternative to the conventional home washing in which water can damage synergetic fabrics such as wool, silk, lace and other sensitive materials. Learn more about laundry symbols explained here.
How Does Wet Cleaning Work?
It starts with an assessment of your clothes. Every piece is inspected for stains, the fabric type and any special care instructions by the team over at Nearest Laundry. Then the bio-degradable, fabric safe stain removers and presprays are used on stains. They have it wet cleaned which means that your garment is getting water and detergents designed to remove dirt while being processed in a high tech machine. The garments are then gently dried at low temperatures or hung or lain flat to dry so as not to shrink the clothes or otherwise ruin them. Finally, the garment will need to be pressed and steamed (if necessary) so that it resembles its original state.
What is Dry Cleaning?
Dry cleaning, as its name suggests, is a process to clean clothes without water. Chemical solvents are then employed to carry away dirt, oil, and grass stains from garments. Perchloroethylene (PERC) is the solvent utilized in 90% of the dry-cleaning industry and has been deemed a standard practice for years. Learn more about what is dry cleaning here. Dry cleaning is best for delicate materials that can be water damaged — such as silk, acetate or heavily embellished clothing.
How Does Dry Cleaning Work?
Wet cleaning starts with an inspection of your garments just like the dry cleaning process. Solvent-based stain removers are used for spot treatment of stains. The garments are later placed into a dry cleaning machine, consisting of a solvent that breaks down and dissolve oils, grease and other stains. The solvent is then extracted by the machine, and your clothes come out clean. To complete the roasting process, items are dried and minerals plate pressed back to there original form.
Dry Cleaning vs Wet Cleaning
The clear difference on the face of it between wet cleaning and dry cleaning as you guys all know is water. Wet cleaning employs water and biodegradable detergents, while dry cleaning involves chemical solvents like PERC. However, it is not just a difference between water and chemicals. Key differences to note:
Eco-Friendliness:
The first option is wet cleaning, which is the more environmentally friendly of the two. It relies on water a renewable resource and environmentally friendly detergents. In other words, there are no toxic chemicals which equal less environmental pollution and fewer hazards for cleaners and those we are cleaning for. In contrast, dry cleaning requires PERC (perchloroethylene), a man-made solvent known to cause environmental pollution and health issues.
Fabric Care:
Wet cleaning and dry cleaning are both suitable for using on very delicate materials, however they are designed in different ways. Wet cleaning is safe on natural fibers — such as wool, silk, and cotton — since it can closely control water levels, temperature, and agitation to ensure that clothing doesn't shrink or get ruined. It also works well for artificial fabrics, although dry cleaning is the preferred tactic when it comes to preserving some types of synthetics such as viscose, which can be water-sensitive.
Dry cleaning, though effective for some materials can also be hard on fabric over time. In addition, delicate fabrics are more apt to be affected: the chemical solvents used in dry cleaning can break down fibers.
Stain Removal:
Overall, each type has its benefits when it comes to removing stains. Wet cleaning has a good removal rate of so-called water-solvent dirt in fabrics such as sweat, food or earth stains. It is also effective at removing odors, so clothes may come out of the machine smelling nice and fresh. Water is not enough to remove oil-based stains (i.e. grease, makeup) whereas dry cleaning does an excellent job of it.
Health and Safety:
Wet cleaning is a better and safer approach for the customers as well for the cleaners. But it has the advantage of not using harmful chemicals like PERC so there is no risk of toxic exposure. Especially for those with sensitive skin, or allergy sufferers. Wet cleaning uses biodegradable detergents that are hypoallergenic and perfect for sensitive skin. By comparison, PERC has been linked to a number of health issues including respiratory ailments, dermatitis and cancer.
Pros and Cons of Wet Cleaning
Pros of Wet Cleaning
Green: Because wet cleaning uses water and non-toxic detergents, it is an environmentally friendlier choice than dry cleaning. For one, it relies on cold water and low temperatures as opposed to harsh heat treatments applied by many of its competitors, which consequently releases no harmful chemicals into the environment, nor does it require a high-energy input.
Exquisite Quality: The best thing about wet-cleaning is it protects fabrics from shrinking, and color fading which makes the fabric wear longer. It is safe for use on wool, silk and even lace.
Stain Removal: Wet cleaning can do a great job removing water-based stains and odors. It penetrates deep into the fabric fibers, to leave your clothes clean and fresh.
Safe for Workers, Safe for Customers: Does not use toxic dry cleaning chemicals like PERC so brand new wet cleaning is safer for everyone involved. Well, this makes wet cleaning detergents combination more preferable for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
Cons of Wet Cleaning
Not Yet Common: As it becomes more widely understood that certain chemicals are very dangerous to health, many dry cleaners have gone over to wet cleaning.
Pros and Cons of Dry Cleaning
Pros of Dry Cleaning
Best for Oil-Based Stains: If there are any stains caused by oil-based products then dry cleaning is the solution to remove those type of stains.
Support for Synthetics and Highly decorative Apparel: Dry cleaning is recommended for synthetic fibres and outfits who have fine creations or embellishments that could be badly spoiled on water.
Accessibility: Dry cleaning services are available everywhere, including in any given neighborhood, which makes this method quite convenient for the majority of customers.
Cons of Dry Cleaning
Environmental Consequence: Dry cleaning employs chemicals such as PERC, which is noxious to the environment especially when it is improperly discarded.
Higher Cost: One major disadvantage of dry cleaning is the fact that it can turn out to be more expensive since you have to pay for chemicals and equipment.
Horrible Odor Remover: Dry clean isn't as good at removing odors as done with a wet cleaning system. Although it does remove stains, the chemical process can cause clothes to retain a specific smell that is not always desirable.
Why Use Wet Cleaning Versus Dry Cleaning
Customers are increasingly moving to wet cleaning because it is more environmentally benign and kinder on fabrics. It is a more eco-friendly alternative to dry cleaning and still provides the same level of cleanliness. This is a safer, more eco-friendly solution that works great, particularly for fragile fabrics that need special treatment. If you are worried about the effect dry cleaning has on the environment or have allergies, here is your better option. It will work in your favor to wash away stains, maintain fabric integrity and keep your clothes looking new and clean.
The good news is that Nearest Laundry provides a combination of both wet cleaning and dry cleaning as per your requirement to enhance the life and vibrancy of the clothes. Read more about our dry cleaning services work here.
Nearest Laundry offers a range of services to provide you with what suits your needs, either you need gentle washed for delicate fabric or opting for a more greener laundry option. For more information as to how we do so please visit our service page here, or feel free to read up on it with our blog!
