Clean, tidy, and stain-free clothes are one of the most sought-after items of regular use. When it comes to getting these stain-free, spotless clothes, there are two ways to go about it; laundry service and dry cleaning. Although both work on the same principle of getting your clothes free of stubborn stains, certain differences set them apart. 

In those instances where dresses, shirts, and sweaters need to look crisp, neat, and tidy, dry cleaning is the ideal option. However, one should note that not all garments require extensive dry cleaning. More often than not, laundry service is the solution to obtaining spotless, neat clothes.

This blog explores the factors that differentiate between laundry service and dry cleaning while shedding light on their individual uses for cleaning garments and fabric.

Laundry Service and Dry Cleaning: The Differences

The process of cleaning garments may result in damaging the fabric, which is why it is crucial to choose wisely between laundry servicing and dry cleaning. Even when professional laundry services are available to take care of the cleaning needs of clothes, it is vital to understand the differences between the two processes. Let us look into these differences between laundry service and dry cleaning. 

1.Difference in Washing Liquid

Perhaps the most basic difference between laundry service and dry cleaning is the solvent that is used in the process of cleaning. Dry cleaning uses a non-water-based hydrocarbon solvent called Perchloroethylene (Perc) that dissolves and removes the stains from the cloth. On the other hand, laundry services involve the use of water mixed with detergents or soaps to remove dirt and stains from the fabric. 

2.The Cleaning Process

The process of traditional laundry service is simpler and easier than the dry cleaning process. After the garments are immersed in the Perc solvent to remove the stains, this solvent is extracted and the clothes are dried using special dry cleaner machines. The final step involves pressing and steaming the garment to give it a crisp and wrinkle-free look. 

Conversely, the process of laundry service includes cleaning clothes in water mixed with detergents or soaps, either manually or in a washing machine. This washing machine uses mechanical spins to remove stains and dirt from the fabric. After washing, the garments have to be rinsed thoroughly to cleanse them of any detergent and dried in a dryer machine or air-dried. [1]

3.Effectiveness in Cleaning Outcome

Although laundry service uses traditional wash-and-dry methods, certain stubborn stains do not come off easily with washing. For these types of bothersome stains, dry cleaning is an ideal option. Dry cleaning removes stubborn stains such as oil, grease, paint, and ink. On the other hand, laundry service removes dirt, sweat, and food stains from clothes. Hence, in terms of effectiveness in cleaning outcome, dry cleaning is more effective than laundry service.

4.Choice of Fabric

Dry cleaning is ideal for delicate fabrics such as wool and silk that may contain intricate embroideries or designs. It is also used for suits, formal dresses, and garments which can get damaged due to being exposed to water. The choice for dry cleaning delicate fabric is made to maintain the appearance and structure of the cloth without damaging it. 

Laundry service is suitable for more durable and sturdy fabrics such as linen, cotton, leather, and most synthetic fabrics. Moreover, the process of laundry washing and drying involves the use of water and detergent to get rid of stains that fall on regularly worn clothes. After drying, the clothes may also be neatly folded to give an organized appearance. 

5.Environmental Impact

The dry cleaning process uses specialized hydrocarbons and chemicals to get rid of stubborn and hard-to-remove stains. However these hydrocarbons can have a toxic effect on the environment if not used carefully. However, the dry cleaning industry is now moving towards adopting more ‘greener’ solvents such as liquid silicone to reduce the harmful impact of chemicals. [2]

Laundry service is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option for cleaning garments. This is because only water and detergents are used in the process. However, wastage of excess water during the washing process may be detrimental to the environment and needs to be checked for more eco-friendly cleaning. 

6.Cost Consideration

Dry cleaning involves treating delicate fabric that may contain intricate designs which can incur additional costs. Since dry cleaner machines are typically used for this purpose, the costs associated with dry cleaning may be high.

Laundry service can be done both manually and with the aid of washing machines. Eliminating the cost incurred due to the use of water, laundry service is ideal if you want to cut on cleaning costs. 

When to Use Dry Cleaning and Laundry Service?

Everyone wants clean and stain-free clothes, but making the right choice between dry cleaning and laundry service can be tricky. However, one should keep these factors in mind when choosing between the two:

• The choice of fabric: Choose dry cleaning for delicate clothes and laundry service for more sturdy ones
• Accessibility: Get laundry services for your clothes as it is more accessible than dry cleaning which may require the presence of dry cleaning machines.
• Cost consideration: Go for laundry service if it is located near your home and the garments are sturdy. However, if the garments are delicate and require special treatment to get stains out, dry cleaning is a good option. [3]
• Turnaround time: Opt for dry cleaning as it has a faster turnaround time than laundry washing and drying.

Conclusion

Getting clean and stain-free clothes is a top priority for many, which is why it is important to choose wisely between laundry services and dry cleaning when sending your clothes for stain removal. Even when differences exist between the two, both are effective in cleaning and getting rid of stubborn, bothersome, sticky, and hard-to-remove stains that threaten to ruin the appearance and life of your garments. 

FAQs

Is dry cleaning better than laundry?

Dry cleaning is a gentler and faster process than laundry washing and drying. It is more suitable for delicate clothes as they are much less likely to shrink and get exposed to wear and tear.

Does dry cleaning remove the smell?

Most odors emanating from clothes arise from oil, dirt, or grease stains. Dry cleaning alone is ineffective in removing these odors. Rather, the dirty clothes need to be pretreated before dry cleaning to remove any bad smell.

Does dry cleaning fade clothes?

Dry cleaning typically does not cause color fading of garments as it uses a gentle cleaning method. However, it is important to follow manufacturers’ care instructions carefully and use colorfast dye if they specifically state to dry clean the garments. 

References

[1]https://home.howstuffworks.com/how-do-washing-machines-get-clothes-clean.htm

[2]https://www.greenmatch.co.uk/blog/is-dry-cleaning-bad-for-the-environment

[3]https://www.laundryclub.sg/post/the-benefits-of-dry-cleaning-a-comprehensive-guide