What is Dry Cleaning?

Not completely dry, dry cleaning is a fabric cleansing method which uses liquids other than water to cleanse soiled clothing or articles. As a traditional washing machine can be extremely rough on delicate clothes and add-ons such as buttons, lace or zippers, dry cleaning is a more gentle way of removing stains and freshening fabric. Dry cleaning is beneficial to fabrics and materials which can not be cleaned in water as they will shrink, or tarnish, such as silk, wool, and leather.

Historic Techniques

Dry cleaning is an ancient technique which has been found in the ruins of Pompeii. There has been evidence of the use of chemicals and other materials to clean fabric besides water. Ammonia found in urine, lye, and Fuller’s’ Earth Clay are some of the original cleansing materials. From there on commercial laundry services have come about, originally in Paris, use of liquids such as gasoline, kerosene, turpentine spirits, petroleum-based fluids, and camphor oil has been found. As some of these solutions were dangerous, working in unsafe facilities crossed with high heat.

Improved Technology

The dry cleaning services today now use new liquids and technology to safely remove stains and dirt. Almost any type of fabric can be dry cleaned, as they get sorted and some pre-treated before being placed into the proper machine load. Most dry cleaner services today are full scale and have a wide variety of services, in addition to dry cleaning. Wash and fold, alterations, shoe repairs, leather, and rug cleaning, are what makes dry cleaners your one stop for all things apparel and home furnishings.

If you are in need of dry cleaning or repair services, call Vick’s Cleaners at 252-522-1843 to find a location near you. Free pickup and delivery services are available for your home or office.