Dry-cleaning is a washing method used to clean delicate garments that cannot be washed in water or detergent. A solvent is used to dissolve dirt without damaging fabric fibers. Dry-cleaning can be carried out by a professional dry-cleaner, or at home, using suitable products. Here are a few tips on how to properly dry-clean your clothes.
Why choose dry-cleaning?
Dry-cleaning offers several advantages over traditional washing:
- It preserves the quality and shape of garments, which won’t shrink, fade or wrinkle.
- It effectively removes greasy or stubborn stains, which often resist water washing.
- It respects fragile fabrics such as wool, silk, cashmere, velvet and leather, which can be damaged by water or detergent.
- It avoids allergies or irritations, as it doesn’t use skin-aggressive chemicals.
How do I dry-clean a garment?
To dry-clean a garment, first check the garment’s label, which indicates the recommended washing method. If the washing machine symbol is crossed out, the garment must be dry-cleaned. Then choose the right product for the type of fabric and soil. There are several products available for dry-cleaning:
1. Dry-cleaning with ammonia
Ammonia is an effective solvent for removing grease and perspiration stains. It can also be used to revive garment colors. To use it, you need to:
- Wear protective gloves, mask and goggles, as ammonia gives off irritating fumes.
- Mix equal parts water and ammonia in a container.
- Soak a clean cloth in the mixture and dab onto the garment to be cleaned.
- Rinse the garment with another damp cloth soaked in clean water.
- Air-dry the garment.
2. Dry-cleaning with benzine or F-gasoline
Benzine or F-gasoline are solvents that dissolve ink, blood or wine stains. They are also useful for cleaning leather or suede garments. To use them, you need to :
- Work in a well-ventilated area, as benzine or F-gasoline are flammable and toxic.
- Pour a small amount of benzine or F-gasoline onto a clean cloth and rub over the garment to be cleaned.
- Allow garment to air dry.
3. Home dry-cleaning with detergent and vinegar
Home dry-cleaning can be carried out using simple, natural products such as washing powder and vinegar. This method is suitable for cotton and linen garments. To use it, simply
- Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a tablespoon of liquid detergent and a tablespoon of white vinegar.
- Dip the garment to be cleaned into the basin and leave to soak for 15 minutes.
- Rinse with clean water and wring out gently.
- Dry the garment on a hanger or drying rack.
4. Dry-cleaning with soda crystals
Soda crystals are cleaning agents that degrease and whiten clothes. They are suitable for cotton, linen and synthetic garments. To use them, you need to :
- Wear gloves, as soda crystals are corrosive to the skin.
- Dilute one tablespoon of soda crystals in one liter of warm water.
- Soak a clean cloth in the solution and rub the garment to be cleaned.
- Rinse with clean water and wring out gently.
- Air dry.
5. Dry-cleaning with ammonia and sawdust
Ammonia and sawdust can be used to clean wool, cashmere and fur garments. They remove stains and restore plumpness to fibers. To use them, you need to:
- Wear gloves, a mask and goggles, as ammonia gives off irritating fumes.
- Mix equal parts water and ammonia in a container.
- Soak a clean cloth in the mixture and dab onto the garment to be cleaned.
- Sprinkle the garment with sawdust and rub gently with your hands.
- Shake garment to remove sawdust.
