The Cleanery Debystifies Dry Cleaning Myths That Keep Consumers From Using It
Albuquerque, NM
The Cleanery, a family-owned professional garment care provider, is addressing the most common misconceptions surrounding dry cleaning—misunderstandings that often prevent consumers from taking advantage of one of the safest and most effective fabric-care methods available today.
Dry Cleaning Is Not Actually “Dry”
Despite its name, dry cleaning does involve liquid. However, unlike traditional laundering, the process eliminates water, which is responsible for most fabric damage such as shrinking, stretching, and distortion. Instead, professional cleaners use specialized liquid solvents designed to dissolve oils, grease, and grime while preserving the integrity of the fabric.
How Professional Solvent Cleaning Works
Inside a modern dry cleaning machine, garments are treated through a carefully controlled process:
Solvent Replaces Water
Clothing is immersed in a regulated solvent bath, typically hydrocarbon or silicone-based, which effectively removes oil-based soils without saturating fibers the way water does.
Fabric Structure Remains Stable
Because fibers do not swell in solvent, garments experience no shrinking, texture changes, or warping. This stability makes dry cleaning especially effective for silk, wool, and rayon.
Gentle, Low-Heat Drying
Solvents evaporate quickly at low temperatures, allowing clothes to dry without the harsh tumbling or high heat common in household dryers.
Color and Shape Are Preserved
Without water, dyes remain intact, colors do not bleed, and garments maintain their crisp finish and original structure.
Solvent Is Recycled
Dry cleaning machines operate in sealed systems that filter and reuse solvent, reducing waste while protecting fabrics throughout the process.
Dry Cleaning Does Not Shrink Clothes
One of the most persistent myths is that dry cleaning causes shrinkage. According to The Cleanery, this is rarely the case. When garments appear smaller after professional cleaning, the damage typically occurred earlier—often during home washing, handwashing, or exposure to high dryer heat.
Dry cleaning actually prevents shrinkage by eliminating the two primary causes: water and excessive heat.
How Professional Cleaners Prevent Shrinkage
Garment Evaluation Comes First
Before cleaning, professionals assess fiber content, care labels, garment construction, and linings to ensure the correct method is used.
Heat and Moisture Are Carefully Controlled
Dry cleaning machines operate at lower temperatures than household dryers, and steam is used only during finishing to restore shape—not to tighten fibers.
Structural Integrity Is Maintained
Tailored garments, lined pieces, and structured clothing are cleaned using techniques that protect inner layers and preserve proper fit.
Key takeaway:
Water causes shrinkage.
Heat accelerates shrinkage.
Dry cleaning avoids both.
Dry Cleaning Is Gentle, Not Harsh, on Fabrics
Contrary to popular belief, dry cleaning is often far gentler than washing with water. Detergents, agitation, and heat place significant stress on delicate materials such as silk, wool, linen, suede, and leather. Solvent cleaning avoids these stressors, cleaning garments without stretching, swelling, or weakening fibers.
This is why many premium and luxury garments are labeled “Dry Clean Only.”
Fabric Care Comparison
Silk
Water can cause spotting, stiffness, and dye fading. Dry cleaning preserves sheen and softness.
Wool
Water leads to shrinking, felting, and distortion. Dry cleaning maintains elasticity and fiber integrity.
Linen
Water causes excessive wrinkling and loss of shape. Dry cleaning keeps structure crisp and colors clear.
Suede and Leather
Water can cause cracking and stiffness. Specialty dry cleaning restores texture and natural oils.
Alternative Professional Options
For certain garments, professionals may use modern wet cleaning—a controlled process using minimal water, biodegradable detergents, and precise temperatures. This method is ideal for sensitive items labeled “hand wash only,” further demonstrating that professional care is tailored, not one-size-fits-all.
Dry Cleaning Is Not Just for Suits and Dresses
Dry cleaning is often associated only with formalwear, but The Cleanery emphasizes that it is equally suitable for everyday clothing. Shirts, sweaters, blouses, jackets, and linen pants all benefit from professional care, particularly when worn frequently.
Using a professional dry cleaning service for everyday garments can extend their lifespan, reduce wear from repeated washing, and save time for consumers.
How Professionals Decide What to Dry Clean
Oil-Based Stains
Grease, sunscreen, makeup, motor oil, and body oils dissolve far more effectively in solvent than in water.
Delicate or Premium Fibers
Wool, cashmere, silk, and rayon maintain stability in solvent but often shrink or distort in water.
Structured Garments
Clothing with pleats, padding, interfacing, or lining retains shape better through dry cleaning.
High-Value or Specialty Items
Leather, suede, embroidered pieces, and embellished garments require professional handling to prevent damage.
Bottom line: Dry cleaning is just as practical for daily wear as it is for formal attire.
Dry Cleaning Does Not Remove Every Stain Instantly
While dry cleaning is highly effective, it is not a cure-all. Water-based stains such as coffee, wine, juice, and perspiration often require pretreatment before solvent cleaning. Professional cleaners are trained to identify stain types and apply the correct techniques without harming the fabric.
The Professional Stain-Removal Process
Inspection
The cleaner identifies whether the stain is oil-based, protein-based, dye-related, or tannin-based.
Pretreatment
Targeted agents are applied to loosen the stain rather than using generic chemicals.
Solvent Cleaning
The dry cleaning cycle removes oils and greasy residues.
Post-Spotting
If needed, steam, gentle brushing, or additional spotting solutions are used to address remaining marks.
Professionals advise customers to point out stains when dropping off garments, as early identification improves the chances of complete removal.
The Cleanery Sets the Standard for Professional Garment Care
Dry cleaning has evolved far beyond outdated assumptions. At The Cleanery, the focus extends beyond stain removal to long-term garment preservation. Family-owned since 1984, The Cleanery has served tens of thousands of customers across Albuquerque and Santa Fe, delivering personalized service that larger chains cannot replicate.
With four Albuquerque locations—Ramway and Academy, Spain and Eubank, Coors and Montaño, and Ventura and Holly—The Cleanery offers convenient access alongside FREE pickup and delivery service.
From everyday clothing and linens to leather, suede, and wedding dresses, The Cleanery utilizes EcoLuxe technology to provide a safer, more sustainable clean. For more information or to schedule service, customers can call (505) 294-6200 or email [email protected]
