Dry Cleaning vs Washing at Home: Which Clothes Need Professional Care?
When it comes to fashion, people wear outfits with unique textures and vibrant colours. However, when it comes to washing them, it gets tough depending on the fabric type. That’s because some outfits can be washed at home while others require professional cleaning. So, an expert cleaner like Love2Laundry will help you with dry cleaning vs washing at home.
We guide our customers through scenarios and tips that help them understand when they can wash clothes at home and when they should outsource their outfits to experts.
To learn more about house washing and professional maintenance, continue reading our blog.
Understanding the Basics
When you discover that your clothes have sustained stains and are damaging the fabric’s quality, instead of acting immediately, learn the basics. That’s because some outfits can be washed at home while others need professional assistance.
So, let’s see the basics of a wedding dress dry cleaning and washing clothes at home.
What is Dry Cleaning?
Dry cleaning is a process that removes stains from delicate outfits using specialised solvents. That’s because a washing procedure that uses water can cause damage to outfits, such as shrinking and colour fading.
Furthermore, the procedure is carried out by experts, giving it an advantage over dry cleaning vs washing clothes at home.
What is Home Washing?
Washing clothes at home involves a process that typically includes a washing machine, laundry detergent, and water at the appropriate temperature, depending on the fabric’s requirements. For delicate outfits, hand washing with eco-friendly detergents is recommended to prevent damage.
Which Clothes Should Be Dry Cleaned?
There are certain fabrics that should be dry cleaned by professionals instead of being cleaned at home. That’s because the risk of damage is higher when cleaning at home. They might get out of shape, lose colour, and weaken the fibres. So let’s see what fabrics can be dry cleaned.
- Suits and Blazers
- Silk and Satin Garments
- Beaded or Embellished Dresses
- Leather and Suede
- Wool Coats and Cashmere
Also Read – If you’re hesitating when dry cleaning your clothes with stains and wrinkles, check out our blog ‘Does dry cleaning remove wrinkles?’ for details.
Which Clothes Can You Wash at Home?
People who wash their clothes at home should know which types of outfits can be dealt with without hurdles. That’s because fabrics that require specialised care need a professional’s assistance. So, instead of searching for a ‘laundry near me,’ here are the fabrics you can wash at home.
- Cotton T-shirts
- Denim Jeans
- Basic Undergarments
- Towels and Bedsheets
- Activewear
Please Note – Washing the outfits at home might require different cleaning requirements, so always check the clothing label.
Comparing Dry Cleaning vs Washing at Home
There are multiple factors to look at when comparing dry cleaning vs washing clothes at home. The technique, materials, and time required for removing stains might differ.
Furthermore, outfits with luxury texture and embellishments need expert care to deal with stains. So, here’s a comparison of professional dry cleaning and home cleaning. Let’s take a look.
In terms of garment longevity
When comparing professional dry cleaning and home cleaning, a notable difference is observed in terms of garment longevity. Depending on the fabric’s quality, both cleaning procedures would be effective.
However, in terms of an outfit’s longevity, professional dry cleaners have the upper hand. The expert’s technique reduces friction and prevents the risk of harsh washing.
Stain Removal Capabilities
The stain-removing capabilities of professional dry cleaning and home washing react differently. That’s because dry cleaning uses solvents and is effective for removing oil-based stains.
On the other hand, home cleaning techniques that consist of water remove stubborn stains and odours.
Convenience and Time
When it comes to time and convenience, the expert’s dry cleaning and washing clothes at home are specific. When comparing the methods, professional dry cleaning offers convenience, but delivery typically takes 1 to 3 days.
But when washing clothes at home, you’ll easily get access to everything but the washing process takes time and effort.
Cost Comparison
Washing clothes at home is less expensive than hiring an expert dry cleaner due to the techniques and materials used. That’s because home washing requires laundry detergent and a source of water.
However, a professional dry cleaner varies the cost by service type, location, and the condition of the stain, which could be higher.
Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of home cleaning is less effective than that of professional dry cleaning methods. That’s because washing outfits at home consumes more energy due to the traditional washing machines.
In contrast, expert dry cleaners utilise modern washers and environmentally friendly detergents to protect the environment from harm.
Pros and Cons of Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning is a process suitable for delicate outfits for removing stubborn stains without causing damage. The solvents used in the procedure enhance the washing quality, keeping the outfits soft and fresh.
However, despite these benefits, dry cleaning also presents some drawbacks that can pose multiple challenges. Let’s examine the pros and cons of the dry cleaning process.
Advantages
- Gentle on Delicate Fabrics
- Professional Stain Removal
- Preserves Garment Shape
Disadvantages
- Higher Cost than Home Washing
- Requires Time for Pickup or Drop-off
- Not Ideal for Frequent Everyday Use
Pros and Cons of Washing at Home
People who wash clothes at home can simultaneously enjoy multiple benefits and face several drawbacks. Even when using the correct laundry detergents, the outfits can react differently. So, let’s see the pros and cons of home washing.
Advantages
- Cost-Effective
- Convenient
- Great for Everyday Clothing
Disadvantages
- Risk of Damage if Improperly Done
- Limited Stain Removal for Oil/Grease
- Not Ideal for High-End Garments
How to Decide: Dry Clean or Wash?
It’s essential to decide on the procedure when comparing dry cleaning vs washing clothes at home. It encompasses multiple factors, including clothing type, stains, and environmental impact.
For a solution, here are some tips to help you decide on the process for curtain dry cleaning or home washing.
- Check the clothing label first to confirm whether it is ‘dry clean only’ or ‘machine washable.’
- Fabrics like cotton, polyester, and nylon can be washed at home.
- If your outfits are silk and wool, contact a professional dry cleaner.
- For oil-based stains, you can get your outfits dry cleaned by experts.
Why Choose Love2Laundry
At Love2Laundry, you’ll receive the finest treatment for delicate outfits, including the removal of old stains. Even more, when you compare dry cleaning vs washing clothes at home, the professional treatment would be effective.
Furthermore, our dry cleaning costs are affordable and offer people multiple plans tailored to their specific cleaning requirements.
Book Your Dry Cleaning or Laundry
Now your laundry and dry cleaning routine will be stress-free as Love2Laundry will cater to your needs with premium-quality services. Proper treatment of fabrics, convenient delivery, and cost-effective plans will keep your clothes spotless.
Book now and experience the professional washing treatment for your delicate outfits.
FAQs – Dry Cleaning vs Washing At Home
Can I wash “Dry Clean Only” clothes at home?
There are some outfits with ‘dry clean only’ labels that can be washed at home. Outfits made from silk and wool should be tested first, as the risk of colour fading and shrinking is higher.
How often should I dry clean suits?
Suits can be dry cleaned after every 3 to 6 wears, but depending on your usage, they may look clean even after being worn 8 to 10 times. But remember that over-cleaning can cause damage to the fabric, so make sure to avoid it.
Is dry cleaning worth the cost?
Dry cleaning is worth the cost to maintain the durability, shape, and colour of outfits. That’s because dry cleaning removes oil and stains that are tough to remove with a water-based technique.
Wrap Up!
Contacting a professional for dry cleaning or washing clothes at home both are effective. It just depends on the type of outfits and the stains your fabric has sustained. The comparison of dry cleaning vs washing at home will help you understand the difference.
Moreover, the time would be different for house washing and letting a professional do the dry cleaning. So, check out how long does dry cleaning takes first, and then schedule the pickup.
