What Is the Best Alternative to Dry Cleaning?
Dry cleaning was worth £1.5 billion in the UK in 2022, proving that we Brits are a nation of laundry lovers. Being able to outsource the cleaning of delicate fabrics is the best way to treat tough items, but the reality is that not everyone can afford to do this. There is also the logistics issue, as not all dry cleaning fanatics will have a service provider near them.
Love2Laundry is a dry cleaning collection and delivery service in some of the UK’s major cities. While we help many customers achieve perfectly dry-cleaned laundry, we wanted to highlight some alternatives to this traditional cleaning method. Whether you are based in a different part of the country or just want to streamline your laundry spending, we have included some top tips below that will keep your delicate fabrics in pristine condition.
How Is Dry Cleaning Different From Regular Washing?
Before we give you tips for perfecting the alternatives for dry cleaning, let’s look at the differences between that and traditional washing. Even though the average Brit does around 13,000 laundry loads in their lifetime, there still seems to be some confusion around whether it is better to wash or dry cleaning fabrics.
The answer to this can be found when you consider the different processes.
Washing uses water and laundry detergents to clean clothing using a specified water temperature and spin process. Depending on the material in question, this can be altered and uses liquid to activate cleaning products and rinse dirt from fabrics. This can be done quickly at home or by professionals. 94% of UK households own a washing machine, but that doesn’t mean everyone enjoys the task, as it is often referred to as one of the most hated chores!
Dry cleaning is a method of water-less washing that requires specific cleaning solutions to be used that can remove stains and refresh fabrics. Industrial machines are used to gently agitate clothing so that the solution is activated and fibres are loosed in a controlled way. Dry cleaning is ideal for delicate materials and larger household items, such as curtains, which can be a nightmare to wash in a traditional machine.
Why Are Some Fabrics Dry Clean Only?
One of the reasons why it is recommended that dry cleaning should not be done at home is because dry clean items can only be damaged if not handled carefully. The main reason is that some fabrics were not pre-shrunk when the item was created, which means contact with water could result in a tiny piece of clothing being what you are left with.
Certain materials such as silks and linens are the main items you need to be careful with, which is why ignoring the label in clothing is NEVER a good idea.
Alternative Solutions for Dry Cleaning
We have previously looked at the best substitutes for dry cleaning, but in this blog, we are looking at how you can still treat delicate items if using a dry cleaning service is not an option for you. Our top alternatives are as follows:
Steam Treat Items
Our first recommendation of an alternative way to achieve dry clean results is using steaming as a cleaning method.
Steaming works by gently opening up the fibres within clothing so that a light layer of moisture can refresh fabrics. This can be achieved with a hand-held steamer, hanging items in the bathroom for a long shower, or using a tumble dryer on low to medium heat.
If using the latter, the dry, clean-only fabrics should be placed in the machine with either a damp towel or dryer sheet, creating a steam effect when the machine starts rotating. The spinning motion is the same as how a dry cleaning machine would agitate clothing, which is why this method is suitable.
Of course, if you are dealing with a stain or excessive dirt, this way of treating dry, clean clothing will not work. However, if you want to refresh items, give this a go.
Hand Washing
Most dry clean-only items can be hand-washed using cold or lukewarm water using a gentle hand-washing process. Before you commit to this method, though, you should research the specific fabric you want to treat to ensure no nasty surprises await you. Special attention should also be paid to the cleaning products used to ensure they are suitable for delicate items.
If choosing to hand wash, ensure that each item is treated carefully and that the water is gently pressed into the fabric. Pay special attention not to pull, tug, or misshapen the item as stretching dry cleaning only items can lead to them losing their intended shape permanently.
Water should then be rinsed out again by pressing the items firmly using the same method as the wash.
Use A Cold Spin In A Washing Machine
Not all, but some clothing can still be treated using a washing machine.
The way to do this is to use a cold and low setting to ensure items are not pulled around or heated up. Washing mesh bags should also be used to keep each item separate, as this will reduce the chance of items being pulled or twisted around.
This method should be used with caution and, again, always pay attention to the material of an item to see if it will survive the alternative washing method.
How Should Dry Clean Only Items Be Dried?
The fact that dry cleaned clothing can last longer than washed items is one of the top benefits that people love this way of refreshing fabrics. To get that dry cleaning professional finish, it is important to consider how to finish items properly.
Dry clean only items should be left to air dry and hung in a way that does not put any pressure on the material to not ruin the shape or design of the items. The best way to do this is using some lovely warm fresh air, so it’s best to treat your delicates on a sunny day.
A steamer can then be used to remove any remaining wrinkles or creases, leaving you with a fabric item that is as good as new.
Do Dry Cleaning Alternatives Remove Stains?
Dry cleaning is a method that uses chemical products to remove stains and clean clothing. These professional solutions have been designed for industrial use and are only available to industry experts. They treat items by distributing the make-up of dirt or residue to ensure a thorough clean.
We often get asked, ‘does dry cleaning remove armpit stains and other marks on clothing’? The answer is usually yes unless it is a particularly deeply embedded stain on a delicate fabric. However, when treating items at home with any of the alternatives we have listed above, there is no guarantee that stains, dirt and tough odours will be removed. In some situations, seeking professional services is the only way to save your fabrics.
What Is the Easiest Way to Get Clothing Dry Cleaned?
As we have now established, there are alternatives to dry cleaning you can do at home if you proceed with caution and care.
If you do think it’s best to leave it to the professionals and remove this timely task from your long list of chores, then why not choose our online dry cleaning service. Simply confirm your location, select the services that you want, choose your collection and drop-off time and we will do the rest!
To find out more, get in touch with the Love2Laundry team.
If you found this article interesting, we think you will love these:
Is There a Laundry App for Dry Cleaning?
