Top 4 Dry Cleaning Myths and Facts

Just like every other important service, dry cleaning has its fair share of rumors and myths. Due to the seemingly elusive nature of the process, it’s difficult to comprehend how it’s undertaken, compelling people to make up stories to fill in the gaps.

Let’s take a look at the most popular dry cleaning myths that people believe, even though there’s very little truth to them.

Dry Cleaning Damages Fabric

The overuse of solvents, machines, and dryers may be a cause for concern for people who are used to doing laundry at home. But solvents such as PERC—that are used in dry cleaning—are highly effective in removing stains and grease from clothes without damaging them.

Dry cleaning is a very gentle process that leaves clothing fabric smooth and improves its appearance, contrary to popular belief.

Dry Cleaning is Required for Most Pieces of Clothing

Many people believe that care label instructions are set in stone; if a label says ‘dry clean only,’ it must be adhered to. In reality, manufacturers are legally required to add at least one care instruction on each piece of clothing. Most manufacturers prefer using the ‘dry clean only’ label because it’s more effective and works better on fabrics compared to machine washes.

However, it’s important to take certain precautions when you home wash fabrics like cashmere and silk. Even though dry cleaning isn’t necessary, home washing them can cause damage and discoloration if proper care isn’t taken.

Dry Cleaning Bags are for Preservation

Dry cleaned clothes come in garment bags. Many people use them for preservation and safe storage, but that’s not their intended purpose. Dry cleaners use the bags after cleaning to prevent splashing and spotting.

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Make sure to take your clothes out of the dry cleaning bag, as they need ventilation—otherwise, trapped humidity can oxidize stains and damage the fabric. Not to mention that your clothes will be left with a permanent odor.

Organic Dry Cleaning Isn’t Effective

PERC and other harmful dry cleaning solvents have long been used by the dry cleaning industry; most dry cleaners in America still use it. But more and more dry cleaners are starting to use greener alternatives that have minimal impact on the environment while offering similar efficacy, even if people think they’re less effective.

Organic dry cleaners NYC show the same results that hazardous solvents do. The process involves the use of programmable machines and special detergents for grease and abrasion removal. Another alternative to PERC is carbon dioxide cleaning, that recycles the solvents and leaves zero carbon footprint.

Looking for organic dry cleaning services in New York, Queens, or Brooklyn? Get in touch with us.