How long does dry cleaning take? Learn what factors influence the duration of dry cleaning and how you can save money on it.

A Guide on How Long Does Dry Cleaning Take

Have you ever wondered how dry cleaning works magic, swiftly erasing stains and revitalizing your beloved garments? A surprising fact: did you know that dry cleaning isn’t “dry”? Instead, it’s a meticulous process that utilizes special solvents instead of water to clean fabrics. People choose this method for suits, dresses, coats, blankets, duvets, and curtains.

In this article, we’ll dive and focus on one burning question: how long does dry cleaning take? Join me as we explore the factors influencing dry cleaning time, from the process’s inner workings to its cost implications. We’ll also uncover tips on saving money, selecting a trustworthy cleaner, and tackling common stains that demand dry cleaning expertise. Let’s dive in!

How Long Does Dry Cleaning Take?

The average time for dry cleaning is about 1-2 days for most items, but it can vary depending on the type of fabric, the degree of soiling, and the dry cleaner’s policies and equipment. So, let’s look at the following:

How Dry Cleaning Works

Have you ever wondered how dry cleaning works? How can clothes get clean without water? Dry cleaning is a process that uses solvents instead of water to clean fabrics that are delicate or prone to shrinking or staining. Here are the basic steps of dry cleaning:

1. Garment tagging

When you drop off your clothes at the dry cleaner, they’re tagged with a unique number to identify each item. It helps the dry cleaner keep track of your clothes and avoid mixing them with other customers’ clothes.

2. Inspection and stain pre-treatment

The dry cleaner inspects your clothes for stains, tears, or missing buttons. They also check the care labels to see what type of fabric and cleaning method suits each item. If there are any stains, they are pre-treated with special chemicals or solvents to loosen them before the dry cleaning machine.

3. Dry cleaning machine

The dry cleaner loads your clothes into a sizeable drum-like machine that looks like a washer but works differently. The machine fills with a solvent, usually perchloroethylene (PCE), a colorless liquid that dissolves dirt and grease from the fabrics.

The machine agitates and spins the clothes in the solvent for 10 to 15 minutes, then drains and extracts the solvent. The solvent gets filtered and recycled for future use.

4. Second inspection

The dry cleaner removes your clothes from the machine and inspects them again for any remaining stains or damages. If stains do not come out in the first cycle, they’re treated again with more chemicals or solvents. If there are any damages, they’re repaired or reported to you.

5. Finishing touches

The dry cleaner finishes your clothes by steaming, ironing, or pressing them to remove any wrinkles and restore their shape. They also replace any missing buttons or hooks and trim any loose threads. They then hang your clothes on hangers, fold them neatly, and pack them in plastic bags or boxes for you to pick up.

Types of Solvents Used in Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning uses different types of solvents depending on the type of fabric and stain. Some of the most common solvents are:

Perchloroethylene (PCE): It is the most widely used solvent in dry cleaning because it is practical, cheap, and non-flammable. However, it is also toxic and carcinogenic and can harm the environment and human health if mismanaged.
Hydrocarbons: They’re petroleum-based solvents that are less toxic, less aggressive than PCE, and less effective and flammable. They’re often used for delicate fabrics like silk or wool that cannot tolerate PCE.
Trichloroethane: This synthetic solvent is similar to PCE but more environmentally friendly and less harmful to human health. It is also more expensive and less available than PCE.
Wet cleaning: It’s not a solvent but a water-based method that uses special detergents and machines to clean fabrics that can tolerate water. It is more eco-friendly and gentle than dry cleaning but less effective for some stains and fabrics.

Everyday Items That Require Dry Cleaning and Why

Some common items that require dry cleaning and how long it takes are:

Suits: They’re usually made of wool or other fabrics that can shrink or lose shape when washed in water. Dry cleaning preserves their fit and appearance and removes any odors or stains from sweat or food. A suit may take about 1-2 days to dry clean, but it can be longer if any stains need extra treatment.
Dresses: They’re often made of silk, lace, velvet, or other fabrics that water or detergent can damage. Dry cleaning protects their color, texture, and embellishments, removing any stains from wine, makeup, or perfume. A dress can take about 1 day to dry clean, but it can be faster if the dry cleaner offers same-day service.
Coats: Manufacturers usually make coats from wool, leather, fur, or other fabrics that water or heat can ruin. Dry cleaning cleans them thoroughly without shrinking or fading them and removes any dirt or dust from the outdoors. A jacket may take about 1-2 days to dry, but it can be shorter if the fabric is easy to clean.
Blankets/duvets and comforters: Blankets are often made of wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers that can be bulky when wet. Dry cleaning cleans them without adding extra weight or moisture and removes dust mites or allergens. A blanket may take about 2-3 days to dry clean, but it can be longer if the comforter is large.
Curtains: Manufacturers often make curtains out of silk, velvet, linen, or other fabrics that can fade or shrink when washed in water. Dry cleaning cleans them without altering their size or color and removes dust or smoke. It can take about 1-2 days to dry clean, but it can be longer if there are any stains.

How to Choose a Good Dry Cleaner

Choosing a good dry cleaner is essential for your clothes and your health. A good dry cleaner will provide quality service, protect the environment, and ensure the solvents’ safety. Here are some tips on how to choose an excellent dry cleaner:

Location and convenience: I always choose same-day dry cleaning near me. So, you want to select a dry cleaner near your home or work that offers a pick-up and delivery service. It will save you time and money on transportation and make it easier to drop off and pick up your clothes.
Reputation and reviews: You want to choose a dry cleaner with an excellent reputation and positive customer reviews. You can ask your friends, family, or co-workers for recommendations or check online reviews on Yelp or Google. You can also look for signs of professionalism, such as membership in trade associations, certifications, or awards.
Type of equipment and solvents used: You want to choose a dry cleaner with modern and eco-friendly solvents. It will ensure that your clothes get cleaned effectively and safely without damaging the fabrics or causing health risks. You can ask the dry cleaner what equipment and solvents they use and look for labels or logos indicating green cleaning practices.
Pricing and policies: You want to choose a dry cleaner with fair and transparent pricing and policies. You can compare prices from different dry cleaners for the same items and look for coupons or discounts. You can also check the guidelines on turnaround time, guarantees, refunds, liability, and insurance. Lastly, you should always get a receipt with the details of your order and the terms and conditions.

Before you trust your clothes to a dry cleaner, ask questions and do some research. You should also inspect your clothes before and after dry cleaning and report any issues or complaints to the dry cleaner. Choosing dry cleaners near me helps save time and keep my clothes looking fabulous and lasting longer.

What Are Some Common Stains That Require Dry Cleaning

Some stains are hard to remove at home and need professional treatment. These are some common stains that require dry cleaning:

Oil and grease stains: They’re caused by cooking oil, butter, salad dressing, mayonnaise, or other oily substances. They are difficult to remove at home because water cannot dissolve oil and grease. Dry cleaning uses solvents that can dissolve oil and grease better than water and remove them from the fabrics.
Protein-based stains: These are stains caused by blood, sweat, milk, egg, or other protein sources. They are difficult to remove at home because they can set and become permanent when exposed to heat or alkaline substances. Dry cleaning uses enzymes that can digest protein-based stains and break them down into smaller molecules that wash away.
Dye stains: These are stains caused by wine, ink, coffee, tea, or other colored substances. They are difficult to remove at home because they can penetrate deep into the fibers and dye them permanently. Dry cleaning uses special chemicals or techniques to remove dye stains without damaging the fabrics or fading their original colors.

If you have any of these stains on your clothes, take them to the dry cleaner as soon as possible. However, before you do that, follow these steps to deal with the stains:

Blot (don’t rub) the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much of the stain as possible. Rubbing can spread the stain or push it deeper into the fibers.
Avoid using hot water or home remedies like vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda on the stain. These can set the stain or cause more damage to the fabrics.
Inform the dry cleaner about the type and source of the stain. It will help the dry cleaning attendant choose the best solvent and method to treat the stain.

Following these steps can increase the chances of removing the stain successfully and keep your clothes looking clean.

How Much Dry Cleaning Costs

Dry cleaning can be a convenient and effective way to clean your clothes but it can also be expensive. How much does dry cleaning cost, and what factors affect it? Here are some answers and tips: The average cost of dry cleaning for unique items in the US is as follows :

$12-$15 per garment for a standard-size load
$5-$10 for a shirt or pants
$15-$30 for a suit or dress
$20-$40 for a comforter or drapery
$85+ for a wedding dress

The cost of dry cleaning depends on several factors, such as :

Type of fabric: Some fabrics are more delicate or difficult to clean than others and require more care and solvents. For example, silk, wool, leather, and fur are usually more expensive to dry clean than cotton, polyester, or nylon.
The number of items: Some dry cleaners offer discounts or flat rates for bulk orders or regular customers. For example, you may pay less per item if you bring five shirts than in one shirt.
Type of cleaning: Some items may need unique cleaning methods or treatments, such as stain removal, pressing, or alterations. These services may add to the cost of dry cleaning.
Location: The cost of dry cleaning may vary depending on the area, the competition, and the demand. For example, you may pay more for dry cleaning in a big city than in a small town.

You can reduce the cost of dry cleaning by following these tips :

Compare prices from different dry cleaners: You can shop and find the best deal for your items. You can also check online reviews or ask for recommendations from friends or family.
Look for coupons or discounts: You can look for coupons or deals online, in newspapers, or flyers. You can also ask the dry cleaner if they have any special offers or loyalty programs.
Avoid unnecessary services: You can avoid paying for services you don’t need or want, such as searching, folding, or hanger fees. You can also ask the dry cleaner to skip the plastic bag or use your hangers.
Wash some items at home: You can wash some items at home if they are washable and not too delicate. You can check the care labels on your clothes and follow the instructions carefully. You can also use alternatives to dry cleaning, such as hand washing, spot cleaning, or steaming, but avoid washing machines.

How to Save Money on Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning can be a convenient and effective way to clean your clothes but it can also be expensive. How can you save money on dry cleaning without compromising the quality and care of your clothes? Here are some tips on how to save money on dry cleaning:

1. Prevent Stains and Dirt on Clothes That Need Dry Cleaning

One of the best ways to save money on dry cleaning is to prevent your clothes from getting stained. You can do this by:

Wearing an apron or a bib when eating or cooking to protect your clothes from food spills or splashes
Using a stain-repellent spray or fabric protector on your clothes to make them more resistant to stains and dirt
Avoiding wearing perfume or deodorant on your clothes, as they can leave marks or damage the fabrics
Storing your clothes properly in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight, dust, or moisture

2. Choose Alternatives to Dry Cleaning for Some Items

Some items labeled as dry clean only may be washable at home, depending on the type of fabric and the degree of soiling. You can check the care labels on your clothes and look for symbols or words indicating whether an item is washable or dry clean. If an item is washable, you can try these alternatives to dry cleaning:

Hand washing with mild detergent and cold water, gently squeezing and rinsing the fabric without twisting or wringing it
Spot cleaning with vinegar or baking soda, dabbing the stain with a cloth soaked in the solution, and then rinsing it with cold water
Steaming or ironing to remove wrinkles, using a low heat setting and a pressing cloth to avoid scorching or shining the fabric

3. Check the Care Labels on Clothes Before Washing or Dry Cleaning Them

Another way to save money on dry cleaning is to carefully follow the instructions on the care labels and avoid damaging the fabric. You can do this by:

Sorting your clothes by color, fabric, and cleaning method, and washing or dry cleaning them separately
Using the right amount and type of detergent, bleach, or fabric softener for each load
Adjusting the temperature, cycle, and speed of your washer, dryer, or iron according to the fabric type and care label

Following these tips, you can save money on dry cleaning and keep your clothes looking fabulous and lasting longer.

Final Thoughts

Dry cleaning is a convenient and effective way to clean your clothes that are delicate or prone to shrinking or staining. However, it can also be costly and time-consuming. That’s why you need to know how long dry cleaning takes, what factors affect it, and how to save money.

Following the tips and advice in this article, you can make the most of dry cleaning and keep your clothes looking fabulous and lasting longer.

Check out our other guides to learn more about dry cleaning or other home cleaning tips and hacks. You will find helpful information and links to help you with cleaning needs.

FAQs

Why Do Dry Cleaners Take So Long?

Dry cleaners take a long time because they use a complex process to clean clothes without water. They use a solvent that removes dirt and stains and extracts them from the clothes. They also treat water-based stains separately.

What Exactly Is Dry Cleaning?

Dry cleaning is cleaning clothing and textiles using a solvent other than water. The most widely used solvent is tetrachloroethylene, or “perc.” The clothing gets soaked in the solvent, agitated, and spun to remove it.

How Long Does Dry Cleaning Take to Air Out?

Dry cleaning takes time to air out because the solvent used in the process may leave a residual odor. Proper drying and ventilation of the clothes can reduce the smell. Air out time depends on the solvent used, clothes, and environment. A typical air-out time for dry-cleaned clothes is about 24 hours.

Will Dry Cleaning Remove Stains?

Dry cleaning can remove some stains, but not all. It depends on the type and age of the stain, the fabric of the clothing, and the solvent used by the dry cleaner. Some stains, such as oil, grease, and fat, are easier to remove with dry cleaning than water.

How Long Does Dry Cleaning Take