June 15, 2015By Mike BleierComments are Offdry cleaning
When it comes to dry cleaning, one of the most common questions is, “How often should I dry clean my clothes?” This is typically a main concern for people because dry cleaning is more expensive than washing machine-washable clothes at home. Luckily, you will be pleased with the response.
With clothes that are dry cleaned, you do not have to have your clothes dry cleaned again after just one wear. Of course, some people will soil their clothes more quickly than others depending on where and how often they wear the garments, but usually you can wear something that has been dry cleaned at least three times before it needs to be dry cleaned again. This is due to the process the garments go through when dry cleaned. Between the chemicals used to help remove stains and spots, and the starch used when pressing the garments to make them wrinkle-free, clothes stay cleaner for a longer period of time.
It’s important to note that excessive dry cleaning can decrease the life span of your clothes so dry clean wisely.
Our general rule of thumb for garments:
Shirts: Dry clean wool shirts after the third or fourth wear. Cotton shirts can be washed at home unless you want them to be pressed perfectly, then of course, send them to the dry cleaner.
Suit Coats: Usually a suit coat can be worn several times before it requires being dry cleaned again.
Pants: Wool pants can be worn up to 20 times before they need to be dry cleaned unless they become dirty before that.
Denim: Denim can be washed at home but if you’re concerned about wearing down the denim or having it shrink, bring it in for a dry cleaning treatment. Some people prefer their denim to be pressed while others do not. It comes down to preference but make sure you specify which you’d like when dropping off your clothes.
If your dry cleaned clothes are still clean and spotless but are wrinkled, you can bring them in to just be pressed to appear wrinkle-free and crisp. This will lengthen the life span of your clothes so opt for this whenever possible.
If you have further questions regarding the length of time your clothes can be worn before being dry cleaned, please do not hesitate to call us at Greener Cleaner. We look forward to serving you!
Dry cleaning is a fascinating realm blending chemistry, garment care, and fabric preservation. The article touches on several key concepts integral to understanding dry cleaning routines. First, the process itself involves chemical agents that aid in stain removal and maintaining the garment's quality. These chemicals and the specialized process help in extending the cleanliness of the clothes between cleanings.
Understanding the frequency of dry cleaning depends on various factors such as the type of fabric, garment usage, and personal preferences. For instance, the article suggests that clothes can typically endure at least three wears before requiring another dry cleaning session. However, this varies based on individual soilage rates and the environment in which the clothes are worn. Wool shirts might warrant dry cleaning after the third or fourth wear, while cotton shirts can be washed at home unless a perfectly pressed appearance is desired.
Moreover, the article outlines specific guidelines for different garment types. Suit coats, for example, can generally be worn multiple times before necessitating dry cleaning. Wool pants might endure around 20 wears before needing cleaning unless they become soiled earlier. Denim, though washable at home, might benefit from dry cleaning to prevent wear or shrinkage, depending on personal preferences.
A critical point emphasized in the article is that excessive dry cleaning can actually reduce the lifespan of clothes. This is a testament to the importance of strategic dry cleaning to maintain fabric integrity. The use of starch during the pressing process aids in keeping garments wrinkle-free but should be done judiciously to prevent premature wear.
Lastly, the article advises that if clothes are clean but wrinkled, opting for a press-only service can help maintain the garment's lifespan by avoiding unnecessary cleaning.
The key takeaways are the balancing act between maintaining cleanliness and preserving the fabric, the role of chemicals and processes in dry cleaning, and the considerations for different garment types and their cleaning requirements. It's crucial to strike a balance between cleanliness and garment longevity, making informed decisions about when and how frequently to dry clean based on fabric, wear, and personal preferences.
