Difference between Dry and Wet Cleaning

Knowing the difference between dry and wet cleaning not only allows you to care for your clothes more efficiently. But it also provides an in-depth understanding of how best to care for various types of fabrics and materials.

Therefore, before you entrust your clothes to a laundry service. It is highly recommended to understand the differences between dry and wet cleaning to ensure that your decisions align with optimal clothing care needs.

Difference between Dry and Wet Cleaning

Wet cleaning (laundry and wet clean) and dry cleaning (dry clean) are different methods for cleaning clothes and fabrics, differing in their approach to water and solvents. Dry cleaning, as the name suggests, does not involve water. Instead, it uses chemical solvents, such as perchlorethylene (PERC), hydrocarbon, liquid silicon, in a machine that resembles a modern washing machine.

Wet cleaning, on the other hand, uses water as the main cleaning agent. Special washing machines are used to control water level, agitation, and temperature, ensuring proper cleaning without damaging the fabric. So what is the difference between dry and wet cleaning? Following is the complete explanation:

What is Dry Cleaning?

Even though it's called "dry cleaning," this process isn't actually 'dry cleaning,' rather it doesn't use water to clean your clothes. In contrast, dry cleaning involves the use of non-aqueous solvents and chemicals that do not damage or shrink delicate materials, but are also effective at dissolving hard-to-remove stains.

This process involves soaking the clothes in a solvent through a special machine before drying. dry cleaning uses solvents other than water to clean clothing and textiles. Clothes are placed in a special dry cleaning machine, where a chemical solvent, usually PERC, removes oils and stains from the fabric.

Dry cleaning is often preferred for fabrics, especially synthetic materials such as viscose, lyocell, modal, and cupro, which may respond negatively to water.

What is Wet Washing?

Wet cleaning refers to a professional method that does not involve the use of chemical solvents, in contrast to dry cleaning. This method relies on water as the primary cleaning agent, making it a more environmentally friendly option. Recent research shows that wet cleaning has a more positive environmental impact compared to PERC-based dry cleaning.

Additionally, wet cleaning can be used without the risk of shrinking or damaging garments that typically require dry cleaning. Some countries, such as France, have even issued bans on the use of PERC as part of efforts to reduce environmental impacts.

Disadvantages and Advantages of Dry and Wet Cleaning

The difference between dry and wet cleaning can be seen from the advantages and disadvantages. Clothing cleaning can be done through two main methods, namely dry cleaning and wet cleaning. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered before you decide which method suits your needs.

Pros of Dry Cleaning:

• Effective in dealing with stains - As oil and fat do not dissolve in water, dry cleaning methods using chemicals and non-water solvents are the only effective alternative for dealing with stains and stains on clothes.
• Soft - Some types of clothing and fabrics, such as down or cashmere pillows, can deform or damage if exposed to water. However, treatment with dry cleaning chemicals has been proven to be safe for these types.
• Eliminates the Need for Stain Removers - Thanks to dry cleaning solvents' ability to tackle tough stains. You don't need to do any special treatment first or use additional stain removers.

Disadvantages of Dry Cleaning:

• Loss of Color - Some dry cleaning chemicals can cause fabrics to lose brightness or fade, being one risk to be aware of.
• Chemicals - Some laundromats use cheaper and less environmentally friendly solvents, which are not biodegradable, resulting in a negative impact on the environment.
• Discoloration – Economical use of solvents can increase the risk of discoloration, making white fabrics susceptible to turning beige or yellowish.

Advantages of Wet Washing:

• Environmentally Friendly - The wet cleaning method uses water-soluble, more biodegradable detergents, so it does not have a major negative impact on the environment.
• Customizable - Wet cleaning provides flexibility with the ability to set water temperature, spin speed, wash duration, etc. according to user needs.
• Color Retention - Because water-based detergents are gentler and without the addition of chemicals in the process. Wet washing preserves the color of the fabric better, while the fabric also feels softer after washing with this method.
• Price - As a less specialist method, wet cleaning tends to be more economical and affordable.

Disadvantages of Wet Washing:

• Stretching - Due to the use of water and the spin cycle, wet cleaning can potentially cause clothing to stretch or shrink.
• Allergies - Some types of detergent can cause allergic reactions, especially for those with very sensitive skin.
• Less Effective - On stubborn stains and stains, wet cleaning may be less effective, requiring pre-treatment of particularly resistant areas.

Wet Cleaning vs Dry Cleaning in Removing Stains

Wet cleaning and dry cleaning are two common methods used to treat stains on clothes. Wet cleaning uses water and detergent to clean stains, while dry cleaning uses special chemicals.

In general, wet washing is quite effective in treating most stains. However, for oil stains that are difficult to remove or on clothes that require special care, dry cleaning may be a more appropriate choice.

Although dry cleaning can remove tough stains, keep in mind that the chemicals used can damage the fabric fibers and color of the clothing. Therefore, it is very important to consider the type of fabric and the type of stain before choosing a suitable cleaning method.

That's a complete explanation of the differences between dry and wet cleaning that you need to know. If you are looking for wet cleaning services or dry cleaning services that use environmentally friendly cleaning products, then aQualis Fabricare could be an option.

aQualis Fabricare is a company that provides laundry, wet cleaning and dry cleaning services that use 10 environmentally friendly cleaning materials. The products we use include Antibacterial Guard, Bio Detergency, Bio Stain Removal™, BriteWhite. Color Care, Green Dry Cleaning, Wool & Silk Care, Green Chemical (100% Natural Laundry & Wet Cleaning), Green Softener™ and Moisture Control™.

We also provide pick-up and drop-off services for Jabodetabek and Surabaya, making it easier for you to use laundry, wet cleaning and dry cleaning services. To order pick-up and drop-off laundry, you simply fill in the form on our website or you can contact us directly via WhatsApp 081381972469.