When it comes to maintaining the quality and longevity of your garments, choosing the right cleaning method is crucial. The dry cleaning versus wet cleaning debate has been on for a long time now with each method having its own unique advantages as well as disadvantages. Pros and cons will be analyzed in this paper to help you make an informed decision about your wardrobe.
Dry Cleaning
It should be noted that even though this process is called dry cleaning, it isn’t actually dry because no water is used. Instead, clothes are soaked in a liquid solvent which is mostly perchloroethylene (perc).
Pros
Effective on Delicate Fabrics
Dry cleaning does not damage delicate fabrics like silk, wool or cashmere which can be damaged if put through washing machine.
Stain Removal
This method can take out oil-based stains that cannot be cleaned with water alone.
Preserves Fabric Integrity
The lack of water prevents shrinkage or stretching and distortion of clothes.
Convenience
Some people find it easy to drop their dirty laundry at a nearby dry cleaner’s place for them to clean and return pressed.
Cons
Chemical use
Perc, the main solvent is a chemical that can be harsh on environment when disposed off irresponsibly or over time accumulative effects may lead to health problems.
Cost
Since specialized equipment and solvents are involved, dry cleaning costs more than wet cleanings do most times.
Odor
Some individuals feel that clothes cleaned by dry cleaners retain some chemicals smells from the solvent used such as perc.
Wet Cleaning
On another hand, wet cleaning uses water and biodegradable detergents to clean garments. It has thus gained acceptance as being more environmentally friendly while also being applicable for many types of fabric materials.
Pros
Eco-Friendly
Using mild biodegradable detergents along with water makes this option more sustainable environmentally speaking.
Safe for Sensitive Skin
This method is suitable for people with allergies as it lacks harsh chemicals.
Effective Cleaning
Wet cleaning technology has advanced significantly and it can now be used to clean many fabrics that were only dry cleaned before.
No Chemical Odor
Clothes washed by water and detergent have a fresher smell than those cleaned by chemical solvents.
Cons
Fabric Sensitivity
Not all fabrics can be safely wet-cleaned. Woolen or silk materials are delicate and may sometimes shrink or sustain damage when not handled properly.
Wrinkling and Shrinkage
There is higher probability of clothes becoming smaller and creased in the absence of proper drying
Availability
It might be hard to find a place in your area where wet cleaning services are offered since most dry cleaners do not have them.
Which Method Should You Choose?
Choice between dry cleaning and wet cleaning largely depends on the type of fabric that your garments are made from as well as what you like. Delicate and heavily stained items often require dry cleaning. Wet cleaning; however, are an excellent eco-friendly alternative for every day wear as well as less fragile materials.In case you are wondering which cleaner to use, check-out Jackson Dry Cleaners. They also provide both these services hence your clothes will receive the best treatment regardless of whether they were wet or dry cleaned.
