What Is the Difference Between Dry Cleaning and Laundry?

Dry cleaning and laundering are the two top choices for washing clothing. Dry cleaners are often thought to clean more deeply due to their ability to make clothing appear new. However, sending all of your clothes to be dry cleaned can be wasteful, not to mention time-consuming! Traditional washing and drying is often a better option.

Both dry cleaning and laundering have advantages. One isn’t necessarily better than the other, but each is better suited for different scenarios. Learn about the two washing methods and which suits you.

What is Dry Cleaning? 

Dry cleaning is a process for washing garments and textiles that uses a solvent other than water. Ideal for sensitive articles, it effectively removes oil-based stains without the water and agitation that could damage delicate materials. This process preserves clothing by maintaining fabric texture, colour, and shape.

Unlike traditional laundry, dry cleaning requires specialized equipment that can’t be replicated at home. Dry cleaners often spot clean stains before washing them, then finish by pressing the articles and ironing out any wrinkles.

Benefits of Dry Cleaning 

Effective Stain and Odor Removal

Dry cleaning is often chosen for its ability to remove certain types of stains more reliably than traditional methods. These stains are typically oil-based, such as grease, motor oil, and ink.

A professional often “pre-spots” clothing by analyzing each stain and determining the best solvent to treat it. If you know the source of a stain, inform your cleaner.

Certain smells, such as smoke or mildew, are challenging to remove with a traditional wash. Dry cleaning solvents break down odors and remove embedded smells.

Fabric Preservation

Washers and dryers are known to cause bleeding, fading, or shrinking if not careful, and even then, it may be unavoidable. Dry cleaners eliminate this risk and prevent unwanted alterations.

Specialty Items and Services

Clothing made from natural fibers, such as silk, cashmere, or wool, isn’t meant to be laundered as the water can damage the fabric. Water can cause these delicate materials to become rigid and shrink.

Some dry cleaners also offer services for specialty items, such as wedding dresses and suits. Due to sensitive fabric, intricate stitching, and embellishments, these pieces require extra care to clean and maintain their integrity.

How Does the Laundry Process Work?

Laundering is a cleaning process for clothing using water and detergent. Clothes are soaked and agitated in a washing machine, emerging slightly damp. They are then dried in a tumble dryer or on a clothesline. They can then be individually ironed or pressed.

The laundry process is suitable for most everyday fabrics, such as cotton, polyester, and denim. It’s the go-to method for removing dirt, sweat, and other water-based stains.

What Are the Advantages of Doing Laundry? 

Stain Removal Capabilities

Laundering tends to remove water-based stains, such as sweat and some food spills, more easily, making it the preferred choice for everyday clothing. 

Affordability and Accessibility

The cost of laundering is significantly lower per piece than dry cleaning, whether done at home or through a laundry service. Water, detergent, and laundering equipment are cheaper than chemical solvents and dry cleaning equipment.

Laundering is also more accessible. Washers and dryers allow laundry to be done at home, and laundromats are often more common than dry cleaners. Laundering also enables you to have clean clothes the same day, whereas dry cleaning can take up to a couple of days.

Sustainability

Laundering’s heavy water and energy consumption have harmful effects on the environment. However, modern and commercial-grade appliances are becoming more efficient, and more detergents, like Freddie’s laundry sheets, are designed to minimize environmental impacts. The chemicals used in dry cleaning can be toxic to the environment and irritating to the skin, which may make laundering a more environmentally responsible option for some households.

Comparing Dry Cleaning and Laundry 

Process

Dry cleaning often begins with an experienced cleaner pre-treating the clothing to target any stains. The clothes are then immersed in a solvent other than water, typically perchloroethylene. The solvent is extracted before the clothes are dried and pressed to smooth any wrinkles.

Laundering involves washing clothing in water and detergent. This can be done by hand, but is more often done in a washing machine. The clothing is agitated to help dislodge dirt and stains. The clothes are then rinsed and dried by air or in a dryer.

Cost

Dry cleaning is generally more expensive per piece than laundering because specialized solvents and equipment are used. Laundering is much cheaper, especially when done at home, because it only requires water and detergent.

Fabric Care Considerations

Dry cleaning is a gentler washing method than laundry and is therefore suited for more sensitive materials, such as silk or wool, or garments with embellishments. Laundering is more suited for durable everyday fabrics like cotton and denim.

Stain Removal

Dry cleaning is well-suited for removing oil-based stains, such as grease and motor oil. The solvents used penetrate the fabric and lift stains that water often can’t. Laundering is more effective in removing dirt, food, and water-based stains. Water and detergent, paired with agitation, break down stains and wash them away.

Environmental Impact

Dry cleaning typically uses perchloroethylene, a solvent that’s toxic to the environment and irritating to the skin. However, many dry cleaners are moving toward more environmentally friendly solvents. Laundering’s heavy water and energy use also has environmental impacts, but washers are becoming more efficient. The chosen laundry detergent also has an environmental impact, with some being free of harmful chemicals, like Freddie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Is Better, Laundry or Dry Cleaning?

Laundering can handle everyday clothes with common stains such as sweat or dirt. Dry cleaning is preferred for delicate materials that can lose their integrity in a traditional wash, and can target oil-based and other tough-to-remove stains.

What Are the Disadvantages of Dry Cleaning?

Dry cleaning is typically more expensive per piece than traditional washing and drying. It also raises environmental concerns due to its traditional solvents being toxic to the environment. However, newer solvents are becoming more environmentally friendly.

Laundry Saves Money, While Dry Cleaning Protects Fabrics

While dry cleaning is the preferred method of cleaning delicate materials and clothing with stubborn stains, the cost and environmental impacts make it unsuitable for washing every article of clothing. Laundering, whether at home or through a professional service, is a much more affordable cleaning option for everyday clothes.

However, washers and dryers still have environmental impacts, using water, energy, and detergents. Freddie laundry detergent sheets mitigate environmental concerns by eliminating the plastic jug and opting for recyclable cardboard.