Clothes become soiled in use and sooner or later they require cleaning to maintain their appearance, as well as for hygienic reasons. Everyone will be familiar with washing (in water0 but dry-cleaning remains a mystery.

Dry-cleaning is the use of organic solvents to remove soil and stains from fabric. It is called dry-cleaning because the process contains little or no water. When washed in water, natural fibres such as wool and silk can shrink, distort and even lose colour. Because the dry-cleaning process does not ‘wet’ the fibres, these problems are unlikely to occur. Synthetic fibres such as polyesters also respond well to dry-cleaning.

Other stains require specialised treatment to remove them, known as spotting. Whilst many can be removed quickly with steam, others require a high level of professional skill and expertise from the cleaner.

Dry cleaning does not cause creasing or distortion, neither does it remove unwanted creases or restore the loss of shape caused by wear. The skilled drycleaner, by steam pressing, will be able to re-shape the garment, replace the required creases and eliminate unwanted wrinkles.

The term ‘dry-cleaning’ is generally understood to cover the whole process of cleaning in solvent, spotting and pressing, carried out in sequence.

It is many different operations, all performed by skilled people and aimed at giving your garments as near a new appearance as is possible.

The procedures include:

• Checking the garments for care label instructions and fibre content
• Classifying the garment according to fabric type, colour and degree of soiling.
• Selecting and carrying out the correct cleaning process
• Removing spots and stains.
• Replacing water repellency and retexturing agents when necessary.
• Pressing the garment with steam to restore its original shape and appearance.

Many professional cleaners offer additional services such as cleaning leathers, curtains and shirts, and alterations and repairs.

EVEN THE MOST PROFESSIONAL CLEANER IS NOT ABLE TO

• Remove years of ingrained dirt and grime. Frequent cleaning will eliminate this problem
• Remove all stains. The nature and age of the stain, plus the colour and construction of the fabric, sometimes make stain removal impossible.
• Recover worn or torn areas. In some cases, small holes can be re-woven.
• Remove shine, caused by excessive heat and pressure used in home ironing
• Correct the effect of poor home stain removal, such as excessive rubbing.

Q Is dry-cleaning good for clothes?

A Yes. It removes grit, dust and grease that can damage the fabric if left in too long. Dry-cleaning not only prolongs the life of a garment, but keeps it looking smart as long as possible.

Q Should I tell the cleaner what has caused the stain?

A Yes, and the quicker stained garments are taken to the cleaner the better. Some stains affect fabrics permanently if they are left unattended too long.

Q Should I have all matching pieces cleaned together?

A Yes. If all pieces are cleaned together, any colour loss is likely to be uniform and variations will be minimal. However beware! – there are exceptions. Some two-pieces are made as separates and different cleaning instructions may be found on each piece. If this is the case advise your cleaner.

Q Does dry-cleaning shrink clothes?

A No. Not if the dry-cleaning process has been carried out correctly in accordance with the care label.

Q Are suede’s and leathers cleaned in the same way as fabric garments?

A No. Highly specialised procedures are used on leather garments. Most will need to be re-oiled and/or re-dyed to restore colour and texture.

Q Will my freshly drycleaned garment have an odour?

A No. A professional cleaner is skilled in keeping his solvent clean, and following proper drying procedures your garments are returned free of all smell.

Q Can I store my clean garments in the plastic wrapping they are returned in?

A The wrapping provided by the drycleaner is to protect the garment until you get it home. It is best to store garments uncovered.

• Have your garments cleaned regularly.
• Bring the garment in for professional care as soon as possible after staining occurs.
• Discuss any stains with your dry cleaner and be especially sure to point out any light coloured spills.
• Avoid garment contact with solutions containing alcohol, such as perfume, as this can cause loss of colour.
• Protect your garments especially silk, from excessive perspiration. Perspiration can weaken silk fibres.
• Allow deodorants and anti-perspirants to dry before you dress.
• Protect your garments from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
• Do not iron stained clothes, as heat can set some stains.

FCRA is the national technical association for professional drycleaners and launderers. Its aim is to provide a full technical service which will improve the quality or care and service which the customer receives. It is involved in many areas of research, education and training, and also represents the UK industry at National and International levels.

The impartial Textile and Clothing investigation service is available to drycleaners, manufacturers, retailers, Citizens Advice Bureaux, and legal and consumer organisations.