Dry cleaning is a way of cleaning clothes without water. Instead of a soap-and-water wash, the clothes are cleaned in a liquid solvent that removes dirt and oil without making the fibres swell, shrink or lose their shape. The clothes do get wet, just not with water. That is why it is called “dry”.
It is the safest way to clean suits, silk, wool, structured jackets and anything with a “dry clean only” label.
Why not just use water?
Water is great for cotton and polyester. But some fibres, like wool and silk, swell when they get wet. When they dry, they can shrink, stretch or lose their shape. Water also struggles to remove oil-based stains like grease, makeup and body oils. Dry cleaning solvents dissolve oil easily and are much gentler on delicate fibres.
How dry cleaning works, step by step
1. Tagging and inspection
Each item gets a tag so it does not get lost. Staff check for stains, tears, loose buttons and anything left in the pockets.
2. Pre-treating stains
Stains are treated by hand before cleaning. Different stains need different treatments, so it helps when you say what caused a stain.
3. Cleaning in solvent
Clothes go into a dry cleaning machine. It looks like a large front-loading washer. The machine gently turns the clothes in solvent, then spins most of it out. The solvent is filtered and reused.
4. Drying
Warm air dries the clothes inside the machine and recovers the last of the solvent.
5. Checking again
Staff check each item. Any stain that remains may get another treatment.
6. Pressing and finishing
Garments are steamed and pressed so they look sharp. Shirts get crisp collars and suits get clean lines.
7. Packing
Clean items are hung and covered, ready for collection or delivery.
What solvents are used?
The most common solvent for many years was perchloroethylene, often called “perc”. Many cleaners around the world now use gentler options such as hydrocarbon or silicone-based solvents. Some also offer “wet cleaning”, which uses special machines and mild soaps to clean delicate items safely in water. If you have sensitive skin or prefer gentler methods, ask your dry cleaner what they use.
What should be dry cleaned?
- Suits, blazers and tailored trousers
- Wool coats and sweaters
- Silk shirts, dresses and ties
- Evening gowns, wedding dresses and beaded items
- Leather and suede (by a specialist)
- Curtains and some upholstery covers
- Traditional and occasion wear with embroidery or beads
- Anything with a “dry clean only” label
Everyday cotton clothes, bedsheets and towels are better washed in water. See our Wash and Fold vs Dry Cleaning guide.
Reading the care label
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Empty circle | Can be dry cleaned |
| Circle with P | Dry clean with most solvents, including perc |
| Circle with F | Dry clean with gentler hydrocarbon solvents only |
| Circle with W | Professional wet cleaning is allowed |
| Circle with a cross | Do not dry clean |
How often should you dry clean?
- Suits: every 4 to 6 wears, or sooner if stained. Too much cleaning wears the fabric.
- Silk blouses and shirts: after 1 to 2 wears.
- Wool coats: once or twice a season.
- Evening wear: after each wear, before storing.
Between cleans, brush suits, hang them on proper hangers and air them out.
Common myths
“Dry cleaning removes every stain”
It removes most, but old or heat-set stains can be permanent. Bring stained items in as soon as you can.
“You can wash dry clean only items on a gentle cycle”
Sometimes you can, but it is a risk. Wool can shrink and silk can lose its shine. If an item matters to you, dry clean it.
Frequently asked questions
Is dry cleaning really dry?
No. Clothes are cleaned in a liquid solvent, but no water is used. That is where the name comes from.
Does dry cleaning remove smells?
Yes. It removes most body, smoke and food odours.
How much does dry cleaning cost in Nairobi?
It is usually priced per item. See our price list for current rates.
Can you dry clean a duvet?
Some duvets can be dry cleaned. Most can be washed with water in a commercial machine. Check the label, or see our duvet cleaning service.
Dry cleaning in Lavington and nearby
DropCleanGo cleans suits, dresses, coats and delicate fabrics at our laundromat on Hatheru Road, Lavington, with free pickup in Lavington, Kileleshwa, Kilimani, Hurlingham and State House. See our dry cleaning service or book a pickup.
Photo: Waldemar Brandt on Unsplash.
