Dry cleaning is a process that involves the cleaning of clothes and textiles that uses a chemical solvent instead of water. The solvent used is usually perchloroethane, which is commonly known as perc. It is a popular choice because it can be reused. The clothing or other delicate fabrics that you leave at the dry cleaners after going through a bit of preparation are then immersed in the solution and cleansed.

Many advantages can be attributed to the use of dry cleaning. One is that it does not harm fabrics that could be damaged by water. Most oil spots or stains are easily removed. Another is that it rarely causes shrinkage or stretching. Moat significantly the dry cleaning fluid allows for the original texture of the garments or cloth to be maintained.

What then occurs when you leave a garment, rug, or other item made of fabric at the cleaners? First the item is inspected and marked. Second if it is required it is mended and pretreated for the purpose of removing any lingering stains. Then it is sorted and sent to undergo the cleaning process.

The cleaning process itself involves several steps. First garments and other fabrics that are to be cleaned are placed inside a machine that it is a cross between a washing machine and a clothes dryer. The core of the machine where the actual cleaning takes place is what is called the washing/extraction chamber, which is also called the basket or drum.

During the cleaning process the drum, which is perforated, rotates within an outer shell called washing chamber. The solvent is held within the outer shell and the load of garments are held inside the drum. When the wash cycle starts the chamber is one third filled with the solvent solution. The load inside the inner drum is then agitated through rotation.

The solvent itself is maintained at a temperature that is low enough that it will not cause damage to the clothing inside the machine. During the wash cycle the solvent in the chamber, or cage, is fed into a filter then passed back into the chamber. This alternating cycle continues throughout the cleaning process, or wash duration.

Once the wash cycle has been completed the solvent is then recycled. It is sent through a distillation unit that is comprised of a boiler and condenser. Once the solvent has been condensed it is pumped into a separator where any foreign substance is removed. Then it is stored within what is called the clean solvent tank where it waits to be used again.

After your item of clothing has been cleaned there is a process it undergoes before being returned to you. The first thing that your garment goes through is what is known as post spotting in order to eliminate any remaining stains. Next your item is packed after other finishing touches are applied.

Dry cleaning then is beneficial for cleaning garments that may not stand being cleaned in the common way. It is also advantageous in that the process it uses avoids many of the pitfalls that a prevalent in the use of an ordinary washing machine.

Author Bio: Looking your best is always important, no matter where you are. So contact your local dry cleaners to service everything from normal laundry to your new suits!

Category: Home Management
Keywords: dry cleaning, laundry, home management, house, home improvement, clothes, family, society