Behind the Scenes: How Does Dry Cleaning Work?

Ever wonder what happens to your clothes after you drop them off at the dry cleaner?

Most of us use this service without fully understanding the magic that occurs behind the scenes. 

In this article, we will explore the fascinating processes that ensure your garments look their best, diving into why dry cleaning is crucial for certain fabrics and styles.

Why Certain Garments Require Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning allows fabrics to be cleaned using a solvent-based solution instead of water. This process is important as certain fabrics shrink or bleed in water. Not only this, but dry cleaning is also efficient at removing stains from fabrics and making sure your delicate fabrics have longevity. 

The solvent used in dry cleaning evaporates quickly, leaving the garments clean and ready to wear without the need for rinsing or drying.

Here are some of the fabrics that may require dry cleaning to preserve their quality:

• Silk: Imagine keeping your silk as luminous and smooth as the first time you wore it. Dry cleaning prevents the fabric from losing its luster and shape, ensuring it always looks flawless.
• Wool: To keep your woolen garments snug and soft, dry cleaning is the way to go. It avoids the shrinkage and felting that can occur with traditional washing, keeping your woolens as cozy as ever.
• Velvet: Protect the plush texture of velvet by choosing dry cleaning. This method avoids the crushing or matting that water exposure can cause, keeping your velvet garments sumptuously soft.
• Lace: Preserve the exquisite detail of your lace attire. Dry cleaning maintains the integrity of delicate patterns and structures, ensuring your lace pieces remain stunning.
• Satin: For satin’s signature smooth and glossy finish, dry cleaning is a must. It prevents unsightly water spots and wrinkles, keeping your satin elegant and smooth.
• Rayon: Maintain the soft feel and flowy drape of rayon with dry cleaning. It’s the best way to keep this fabric looking and feeling lovely, free from the distortions that water can cause.
• Cashmere: Keep your cashmere luxuriously soft and pill-free. Dry cleaning is essential to preserve the plush texture and comfort of your favorite cashmere pieces.
• Acetate: Extend the life of acetate fabrics by avoiding water, which can cause shrinking and stretching. Dry cleaning keeps acetate garments in pristine condition, maintaining their form and finish.

Always check the care tags on your clothing for specific instructions, but knowing which materials fare best with dry cleaning can save you from potential damage. Next, we'll explore the specific processes that make dry cleaning so effective.

The Dry Cleaning Process

Here are the main steps of how the dry cleaning process works, and how we make sure our process is not only efficient but also sustainable!

• Garment Inspection: The process begins with a thorough inspection of the garments to identify any stains, spots, or areas that require special attention.

• Pre-Treatment: Stubborn stains and spots are pre-treated using specialized spotting agents. These agents help to loosen the dirt and oils, making them easier to remove.

• Loading the Machine: Once pre-treatment is complete, the garments are loaded into the dry cleaning machine. The machine resembles a large drum and is designed to hold multiple garments while allowing the solvent to circulate freely.

• Sustainable Cleaning: We have a Green Earth Cleaning system that uses a silicone-based fluid that is environmentally friendly and non-toxic. Additionally, the activated clay filtration upholds the cleaning fluid's purity and effectiveness while avoiding the creation of hazardous waste. The machine then agitates the solvent and garments, allowing the fluid to penetrate the fabric.

• Rinsing and Drying: After the cleaning cycle is complete, any remaining solvent is drained from the machine. The garments are then subjected to a drying cycle, where warm air is circulated through the machine to evaporate any remaining solvent from the fabric. This step leaves the garments clean, dry, and ready for your next event!

Our cleaning technology prioritizes efficiency and environmental safety. What’s more, we also offer pickup and delivery services for the utmost convenience!

Pickup and Delivery Options at CPL

If you’re in Arlington, VA or its surrounding areas (see service area here) we offer pickup and delivery services for your laundry.

Our drivers arrive at your location at the time you choose to pick up your laundry. Within the next 48 hours, your laundry will be delivered to you freshly washed and folded at a time that suits your schedule. Need it faster? Opt for our express service for a turnaround in 24 hours or less.

Schedule your laundry pickup today for all your dry cleaning and washing needs!