Learn how Rinse is keeping our customers and team safe during COVID-19 here.
  • Blog Home
  • Popular
    • Time
    • Care
    • Rinse
  • Create your free account
what-dry-cleaning

How Is Dry Cleaning Different From Laundry?

Has the dry cleaning process always seemed a bit mysterious? You drop off dirty clothing and return to find your most prized pieces looking as good as new—but what really goes on in that magical place to prepare your wardrobe for the coming week? Most of us don't think about how our clothes get cleaned, but knowing the difference between dry cleaning and traditional laundry can help us better understand why certain items require different levels of care.

By Rinse Team In Care

Our guide breaks down what's involved in the dry cleaning process so you can be assured that your clothes benefit from professional attention.

Dry cleaning uses solvents instead of water

Traditional laundry relies on water and detergent to clean clothing. Dry cleaning, on the other hand, is the industry standard of clothing care without the use of water. This specialized process uses chemical solvents to gently and effectively clean fabrics, such as silk, that can't be wet washed. Dry cleaning can also maintain the original texture, shape and color of garments, which might otherwise get damaged when tossed in the washing machine or hung to dry in the sun. After clothes are cleaned, they may go through a post-spotting stage to remove any remaining residue.

For insider tips on selecting the right professional cleaner, consult our guide  on what to look for in a laundry and dry cleaning service.

Dry cleaning can tackle stubborn stains that can't be removed with water

Think of dry cleaning as laundry with benefits. A crucial difference between the two cleaning methods is a multi-step process called "pre-spotting"—a professional cleaner may apply a vacuum, steam and heat to prepare stains for cleaning. Not all stains are equal, so it's important that garments are pre-treated according to the type of stain and fabric to avoid more damage to the clothing. If heavy stains like mud or grease aren't properly treated with a stain remover before coming into contact with water, the traditional laundering process might inadvertently set the stain, making it more difficult to remove. As a result, dry cleaning can be an alternative care option for those hard-to-remove stains or inconvenient blemishes on your favorite pieces.

Dry cleaning is suited for sensitive fibers while wet wash methods work for durable materials

As a golden rule, delicate fabrics like silk and wool are best taken care of by dry cleaning. These fragile fibers can shrink or lose their shape when they come in contact with water. On the other hand, durable materials like cotton and polyester can be cleaned through traditional laundering methods without risking any changes.

It's important to note that there are exceptions to the rule. For example, cashmere can be either dry cleaned or hand washed with a gentle laundry soap. See our guide on which pieces can be dry cleaned for further detail.

Both dry cleaning and traditional laundry have their benefits. Understanding the differences between the two clothing care options can help you decide which of your clothes need a professional touch.

Photos: Peter Hershey, Alexxxey / Shutterstock.com, Michal Kulesza

Readers also liked...

Leave the cleaning to Rinse experts

Use Rinse's award-winning services for high-quality cleaning and delivery straight to your door.

Expert cleaning

Leave your clothes to the people who know best. You’ll receive your clothes pressed on hangers, or neatly folded (depending on the service).

Convenience

Schedule via SMS, web, or app. We pick up and deliver everyday, even if you are not home.

Fast turnaround

Our standard turnaround time is 3–4 days
MONTHU
TUEFRI
WEDSUN4
THUMON4
FRITUE4
SATTUE
SUNWED
for all services.
Schedule a pickup Learn more about Rinse
Company
  • About
  • Careers
  • Contact
  • FAQs
  • Privacy
  • Terms
Connect
  • Blog
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
More Rinse
  • How it works
  • Guarantee
  • Share Rinse
  • Gift Cards
  • CA Do Not Sell My Info
Download our app

The Rinse mobile app is the most convenient way to enjoy all Rinse services.

Download on the iOS App Store Download on the Google Play Store
  • Cities
    Dry Cleaning
    • San Francisco Bay Area Dry Cleaning
    • Los Angeles Dry Cleaning
    • D.C. Metro Area Dry Cleaning
    • Chicago Dry Cleaning
    • Boston Dry Cleaning
    Laundry
    • San Francisco Bay Area Laundry
    • Los Angeles Laundry
    • D.C. Metro Area Laundry
    • Chicago Laundry
    • Boston Laundry
  • Company
    • About
    • Careers
    • Contact
    • FAQs
    • Privacy
    • Terms
  • Connect
    • Blog
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
  • More Rinse
    • How it works
    • Guarantee
    • Share Rinse
    • Gift Cards
    • CA Do Not Sell My Info
Download our app

The Rinse mobile app is the most convenient way to enjoy all Rinse services.

Download on the iOS App Store Download on the Google Play Store
Dry Cleaning
  • San Francisco Bay Area Dry Cleaning
  • Los Angeles Dry Cleaning
  • D.C. Metro Area Dry Cleaning
  • Chicago Dry Cleaning
  • Boston Dry Cleaning
Laundry
  • San Francisco Bay Area Laundry
  • Los Angeles Laundry
  • D.C. Metro Area Laundry
  • Chicago Laundry
  • Boston Laundry

Copyright © 2021 Rinse, Inc. All Rights Reserved

  • Blog
  • Popular
  • Topics
    • Time
    • Care
    • Behind the scenes
  • FAQs
  • Contact
  • Careers
  • Terms
  • Privacy

  • How it works
  • Guarantee
  • About
  • Share Rinse
  • Gift Cards