Dry cleaning was invented by Jean Baptiste, a French dye-works owner, in 1855. It is the process by which clothes are cleaned using an organic solvent rather than water. Just like cleaning your home is important, we believe that cleaning your clothes is equally important. This method of cleaning is required to wash certain textiles, such as silk or lace, that may be damaged when washed with detergent and water. Dry cleaning may also be employed if hand-washing is laborious for materials such as in curtains and furnishings.
The solvent used for dry cleaning is tetrachloroethylene. All the garments are soaked in this solvent without the use of water and hence the name “dry” cleaning. The clothes are put into a cleaning machine with a perforated basket. There is a continuous flow of solvent into the basket, which not only immerses the clothes but pounds them against baffles in the cylinder as well. This enables a diligent cleaning process that pumps out and recirculates the dirty solvent.
The need for dry cleaners is growing by the day thanks to the boom of the fashion conscious. Be it expensive designer garments or just jeans, dry cleaning removes stains in a safe manner that makes them as good as new. You can start your own dry cleaning business with very little investment wherever you live. For information on training to become a dry cleaner or how to expand you base to cater to corporate clients, read through our pages on our site. The hardest to find resources on the dry cleaning business and industry are now easily available at your fingertips.
Dry cleaning equipment consists of machines that are solvent resistant. For example, you have perc solvent or hydrocarbon solvent machines. Besides, you need shirt units, form finishers, spotting boards, puff irons, conveyors, air vacuums and air compressors. The laundry equipment consists of extractors, toppers dryers and presses. Dry cleaning supplies include hangers, poly bags, solvents, laundry chemicals, tags and other miscellaneous items. For the best online directory of the leading suppliers of dry cleaning machines and supplies, read through our pages.
Perchloroethylene, the solvent usually used during the dry cleaning process, is 70% heavier than water. Therefore, clothes need to be put into a mesh bag that provides mechanical support during the wash cycle to prevent the weight of the solvent absorbed tearing apart the textile. The solvent soluble dirt in the textiles first dissolves in the perchloroethylene and loose, insoluble soil too is removed. Machines may also use hydrocarbon solvents, which have a slower rate of solvation. Dig into the organic chemistry and bonding details of solvents to know how exactly they aid the dry cleaning process.
Refurbish your clothes to make them brand new in a cost effective manner. Remove those ugly stains on your designer clothes. Discover how to play a part in environment friendly dry cleaning.
Getting your clothes cleaned is one thing but getting your house cleaned is another. If you are moving out you can use the end of tenancy cleaning cost calculator to estimate the cost of hiring a professional cleaning service for yourself.