Dry-cleaning or DIY – What’s the Best Option?

Dry-cleaning or DIY – What’s the Best Option?

Dry cleaning in Singapore today is as easy as getting your local laundromat to do it, but what many people are confused about is what needs to be dry cleaned, and what can be washed normally? We’ve taken a look at the different types of clothing that is best thought to be dry cleaned here.

What should be dry cleaned?

There are some fabrics and items that will be ruined if they go through the washing machine. Think about clothing items like those with beads or sequins and other embellishments, suits, complicated designs, pleated items, delicate fabrics and of course, items with very bad stains. Fabrics that need a professional clean include silk, velvet, wool and at times, leather. If you want these items to last, it’s best to get the professionals involved.

When it comes to leather, you can wash it at home, but you need to be exceptionally careful and wash by hand. However, any leather items with embellishments such as metal detailing will need to be handled by the experts.

What can be washed at home

Of course, any time you’re washing something at home you need to check the label. With some colours and fabrics, a warm wash will cause the garment to fade.

Fabrics such as cotton, knit polyester and nylon can all be washed in your own machine. The synthetic fabrics are best in warm water on a delicate cycle. This will ensure they last.

And of course, there is always the option to hand wash. Luxurious pieces such as cashmere should be washed by hand in cold water, and then dried flat to avoid wrinkles and protect the fabric. If you really don’t want to, or don’t have the time to wash by hand, there is also the option of popping the more delicate items in a laundry bag on the most delicate cycle of your machine.

Advantages of dry cleaning

With anything in life, there are advantages and disadvantages to dry cleaning. While the costs do add up and it may seem an inconvenience to drop off and pick up items, when it comes to certain materials and fabrics, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

• You don’t have to wait around – simply drop and go! You also don’t have to wait for your clothes to dry. In winter, it can take that little bit of extra time for clothes to dry. There’s no point drying them outdoors because even if the sun is out, the air is cold. Dry cleaning means your clothes will dry quickly and evenly without compromising the material.
• Clothes will last longer – those winter staples can be hard to replace. After all, there’s nothing like a good winter coat. If a jacket or coat is wearing out, it may be down to how you’re washing it. Taking it to the dry cleaner will ensure it’s washed using the correct technique to ensure excellent wear and tear.
• They know what they’re doing – that’s not to say you don’t, but dry cleaners know which materials are sensitive to chemicals and which materials work best with what temperature. Sometimes, normal washing machines can still leave a bit of residue dirt on winter clothes, purely because they are so thick and heavy that it’s hard to penetrate the stains. But dry cleaning is a thorough clean, so you’ll know that all germs, dirt and stains are completely removed.
• Affordability – yes, there is the cost of dry cleaning. But consider the cost of a whole new winter coat. Plus, plenty of dry cleaners in Singapore offer great deals for winter clothes and the cleaning is so effective that it’s unlikely you’ll need to clean the clothes as often as you think.

Choosing the right dry cleaner

Of course, finding the right dry cleaner for you and your clothes is crucial. It needs to be convenient so it’s easy to get your items to and you need to trust the people who work there so you can ensure your clothes are well-looked after. Plus, if you have any special requirements, you need to be able to rely on the dry cleaning company to implement your needs.

Advantages of doing it yourself

On the flip side, there are several advantages to doing your own laundry.

• Most dry cleaners will use chemicals during the cleaning process. It’s how the clothes are cleaned so thoroughly. Laundry cleaning ensures these chemicals aren’t used or are kept to a minimum.
• People with sensitive skin can control what kind of detergents are used at home, ensuring there is no reaction to the chemicals used by the dry cleaner.
• It’s much cheaper in the long run. All you need is water, bio-home laundry detergent and fabric softener.
• It’s more energy efficient, consuming 50% less energy than that used for dry cleaning.

Choosing the right products

When washing at home it is essential to understand what products you’re using, the amount of detergent you need, how your machine works and the best cycle to select for the material. Take the time to choose the right detergent and softener for your clothes and read the instructions carefully. Bio-home offers natural washing detergents that are suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.

To find out more about laundry detergent and how to use it properly, read our Laundry Guide here.