How Does Dry Cleaning Work?

We are all familiar with dry cleaning, but how many of us actually know how dry cleaning works? Not all clothing can simply be tossed into a washing machine. Some fabrics require additional care in order to maintain their quality. If you’ve ever taken your clothing to a dry cleaner, or considered taking your clothing to a dry cleaner, you may have wondered what goes on on the other side of the counter. To learn more about dry cleaning, keep reading.

How Does Dry Cleaning Work?

Dry cleaning began in the 1940s when French tailor Jean-Baptiste Jolly discovered that solvents were capable of removing dirt and grease stains from fabrics. Ever since the 1940s, petroleum solvent has been used as a way to remove dirt and stains from clothing without water. Dry cleaning doesn’t mean that clothing doesn’t get wet. It just means that clothing isn’t saturated in water and soap, but rather washed using perchloroethylene solvent and distillers.

The process of dry cleaning varies from garment to garment. For example, a silk dress would be cared for differently than a leather jacket. Also, clothing that is stained is cared for differently than clothing that simply needs to be washed. After clothing is cleaned, it is dried. Air is applied to the garments at a temperature between 140 and 160 degrees Fahrenheit. After solvents remove dirt and stains from clothing, the drying process removes the solvents from the fabric. Once a product is dried, it is ready to be given back to the customer.

If you have clothing that is in need of special care, check out our services at Oak Neck Cleaners. At Oak Neck Cleaners, we can care for all of your special clothing and fabrics. We can clean everything from wedding dresses to comforters, to linens, to suits. We offer pick up and delivery services, or you can bring your garments to our West Islip location. Find us at 945-4 Montauk Highway, or give us a call at 631-422-4339 today!