Differences Between Wash and Dry Cleaning

May 12, 2023

When it comes to dealing with our dirty laundry, there are two major options to choose from: washing or dry cleaning. You may know the basics of both and probably have experience trying each of them at different points in your life. If that's the case, you know that a seasoned dry cleaning service should provide the necessary equipment to make all garments look and feel their best.

Depending on your convenience, you may find many more advantages in one option over the other. Let's look at the differences between washing and dry cleaning to make sure you're choosing the right approach.

Washing vs. Dry Cleaning

There are a couple of key differences in each process. As the name suggests, dry cleaning doesn't need water to remove stains and sanitize clothes and other fabric items. Washing involves mixing water with soaps and detergents to get the dirt out, usually through multiple laundry cycles.

You can handwash your clothes or use a washing machine. The former option is obviously more time-consuming and usually reserved to clean individual items that require gentle care.

In the absence of water, dry cleaning services use solvents as active cleaning ingredients. Some of these formulas tend to have a higher chemical concentration than off-the-counter cleaners, which leads to some unpleasant experiences with subpar dry cleaning companies. The expertise of a cleaning company is imperative, not only to fully remove the stains but to diversify cleaning methods according to the fabric and material.

Most common fabrics like cotton, polyester, wool, and nylon respond well to either of these cleaning methods, which is why many people alternate between washing their clothes and contacting a dry cleaner service whenever they're short of time. Expensive garments require more sophisticated services, however, or they could be irreparably altered after being exposed to water and soap just once. The advantages of a professional laundry and folding company come in handy for these specific cases, which is why it's common to leave nightgowns and three-piece suits in the hands of a professional, namely a trustworthy dry cleaning service.

Benefits of Washing:

• Low costs: We can't deny that washing remains the least expensive option, mainly because it sidesteps many of the products and equipment you need to complete a dry cleaning service. The final verdict might change if you consider your monthly cleaning budget and clothes' longevity, but there's no denying that washing is the most cost-effective option on a day-to-day basis.


• Energy-efficient: This is one of the reasons why regular laundering is an accessible approach that stands the test of time. On average, washing your clothes consumes 50% less energy than a dry cleaning job. The downside to this is that the water and soap used during a laundry cycle cannot be reused.


• Your own schedule: Some people find it easier to fit their laundry into a tight schedule, washing varying amounts of clothes at different times depending on their availability. When doing your own laundry, you're not limited by a particular set of work hours and you're free to dedicate as much/little time as you want to each item.


• Control over cleaning products and methods: This is expected as each owner becomes familiar with their washing routine until they know what each garment needs. You may have your own preference when it comes to the clothes' fragrances and the right products to ensure the best care for delicate fabrics. Some dry cleaning companies are known to go overboard with toxic solvents; if you've had bad experiences in the past, it's understandable to stick to a proven formula.

Benefits of Dry Cleaning

• Reduced deterioration and discoloration: The constant friction of regular washing can gradually damage fabrics like cotton, taffeta, wool, velvet, silk, leather, and others. When washing these and other fabrics together, discoloration is a constant risk, either from the hue of one particular garment or the harsh effect of chemical-based cleaners. In fact, even water can be a factor in the deterioration of certain materials, which is why choosing a more specialized solution is a viable way to keep the garments whole for a long time.


• Customized treatment for delicate fabrics and embellishments: Lace, chiffon, and other sheer fabrics can easily get tears after being subjected to traditional washing for too long. Likewise, embroidery, pearls, and other embellishments are constantly damaged by regular washing. At best, they get discolored/loose on the fabric and, at worst, they're lost completely at some point during the washing. A dry cleaning company has the means to care for these items separately without damaging the details that make them unique.


• Stain treatment: Dry cleaning services are better equipped to deal with stains caused by grease, oil, pen ink, body fluids, and more. This way, you can have the best of both worlds: deep clean your outfits with tools you can't find at the local store, but without risking a harsh enough treatment to affect the size and texture of a piece.


• Better equipment: Dry cleaning involves more products and machines. It may sound daunting, but this allows for many achievements. You can revamp an old piece or save time cleaning large pieces of clothing.

There are disadvantages to each method. For instance, many people miss the smell of their household detergents when faced with the strong fragrance left by some dry cleaning products. Others can't get past the amount of time that a washing session demands, especially when dealing with multiple sets of dirty laundry.


As dry cleaning experts with decades of experience in South Florida, Puritan Cleaners & Laundry makes sure to address all the common concerns that drive people away from laundry & folding services. Our dry cleaning methods provide the best results each and every time, including vibrant colors that won't fade after passing through our equipment and the most pleasant fragrances that last for hours on end.

We follow a meticulous method to prevent any damage, and the quality of our results makes us the best options to clean high-end garments and the most delicate fabrics. Last but not least, Puritan Cleaners & Laundry also offers the most reliable pickup and delivery service to get you your orders whenever you need them without any delays.

If you're wary about letting a dry cleaning service handle your valuable clothes, don't hesitate to come to us with any of your questions. We'll be happy to tell you more about our products, equipment, and each step in our laundry and folding method. And if you need the best service to leave your garments looking as good as new, our specialists are ready to meet all your expectations!