Most of us have made use of our local dry cleaner in Farragut, TN, at some point. For most, a dry cleaner is typically used when you have clothing or textiles made from fabrics that cannot withstand the rough treatment of a domestic washer and dryer! However, have you ever wondered what exactly goes on behind the scenes at your local dry cleaner in Farragut, TN? Let's explore the science behind dry cleaning and take a look at how it works and why it is important for your clothing.

What Is Dry Cleaning?

Dry cleaning is a professional cleaning process that takes its name from the fact that little to no water is used, making the process 'dry.' Instead, a solvent cleaner is used on the fabric's surface that doesn't penetrate the fibers like water. Since the fibers are not saturated, garments are less like to shrink or stretch.

How Does the Dry Cleaning Process Work?

Mention of chemical solvents sometimes makes people a little bit wary, but the truth is, professional dry cleaner is completely safe, and it will not damage your clothing or cause any irritation to your skin. Some of this apprehension may also come from not knowing how dry cleaning works. With that in mind, let's talk about what goes on behind the scenes at your local dry cleaner in Farragut, TN.

1. Garment Tagging - The first step is dropping your garments or textiles off at your local dry cleaner in Farragut, TN. They will tag your items to make them identifiable and make sure you get your items back safely. You will be given a matching barcode or receipt to use at pick-up. This is an important step as most dry cleaners will clean similar garments together, which can mean mixing different customers' clothing together. Tagging each item allows them to be appropriately sorted after cleaning.
2. Inspection - Before any of the items are cleaned, your dry cleaner will first inspect each piece to make sure the pockets are empty and that there are no rips, tears, or loose buttons. Before cleaning, any issues should be noted so that the customer can be informed.
3. Pre-treating Stains - The inspection process will also allow your local dry cleaner in Farragut, TN, to pinpoint any stains needing extra attention or pre-treatment. If you are aware of these stains, it is a good idea to point them out to the dry cleaner when dropping off your clothes. Telling them exactly what caused the stain can give them an advantage when choosing the best product to remove it.
4. Cleaning Begins - Once the garments have been prepared and any pre-treatment taken care of, the clothes can be put through the dry cleaning process. This involves placing them in a large drum machine with a water-free solvent. The agitation will loosen the dirt. The solvent then gets drained away, and the clothing is 'rinsed' in a fresh batch to ensure all dirt traces are gone.
5. Post Spotting - While the dry cleaning process is very effective at removing stains, especially those that have been treated, some types of stains can be a little more stubborn. That is why your dry cleaner in Farragut, TN, will post-spot all of your garments to check for any lingering stains. These can then be treated with steam to remove the last traces of dirt.
6. Finishing - The final step is making sure that the garment is ready to wear! It will be steamed or pressed to remove any wrinkles, and any specialty buttons that were removed to avoid damage will be reattached. The garments will then be folded or hung on hangers before being wrapped in plastic, ready to be collected.

PRO TIP! Remove the plastic as soon as you get home. It is not intended for long-term storage and may cause mildew if left on for too long.

Is Dry Cleaning Better Than Regular Washing?

So, now that you have a better idea of how dry cleaning works, the big question is whether or not visiting your local dry cleaner in Farragut, TN, is better than washing your own garments and home textiles at home. The short answer is yes! Some fabrics require dry cleaning and would be likely damaged if you washed them at home. However, even fabrics that are not marked as dry clean only can benefit from dry cleaning. The process is not as hard on the fabric's fibers, which helps reduce shrinkage and stretching and can help your clothes last longer. You may not want to take your entire load of laundry to the local dry cleaner in Farragut, TN, but any special items might last a little longer if you dry clean them! Dry cleaning is also more effective when it comes to removing particularly deep-set stains like oil or grease. Standard detergents are often ineffective against this type of stain, so dry cleaning solvents can do a far better job.

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Farragut Cleaners is your locally owned and operated full-service dry cleaner. From dry cleaning to alterations and wedding dress preservation to home textiles, we are here to keep you fresh, clean, and looking & feeling impeccable.

Call 865-966-9414 or visit our website.