Glossary of Terms for Dry Cleaners and Laundry Services
<p></p> <img src="https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/DCR-ADMIN/Article_Webp/glossary%2520clothes.webp" alt="undefined" style="height: auto;width: auto"/> <p></p> <p>Navigating the world of dry cleaning and laundry can be confusing due to the specific terminology used, but understanding these terms will help you make informed decisions about the services you need. Here’s a glossary of some common terms used in the dry cleaning and laundry industries: </p> <p><strong>alterations</strong><br>Modifications to the fit of a garment, such as hemming trousers or taking in the waist of a skirt.</p> <p><strong>color fastness</strong><br>The resistance of a fabric’s color to fading or running. This is an important consideration when cleaning colored garments.</p> <p><strong>delicates</strong><br>Items of clothing that require special care, usually because of their fabric or design.</p> <p><strong>dry cleaning</strong><br>A method of cleaning clothing and textiles using a chemical solvent rather than water. This process is used primarily for fabrics that degrade in water and delicate fabrics that can’t withstand the rough and tumble of a washing machine and clothes dryer.</p> <p><strong>hydrocarbon</strong><br>A solvent used as an alternative to perchloroethylene, which is less aggressive and therefore gentler on clothes.</p> <p><strong>perchloroethylene (perc)</strong><br>The most commonly used dry cleaning solvent known for its effectiveness in removing grease and dirt.</p> <p><strong>perc test</strong><br>A test performed to determine the color fastness of a fabric in perchloroethylene.</p> <p><strong>pressing</strong><br>The process of ironing clothing to remove wrinkles. This is typically done with a professional press or steam iron.</p> <p><strong>shrinkage</strong><br>The process where a fabric becomes smaller than its original size, often through washing or drying.</p> <p><strong>spot cleaning</strong><br>Treating a specific area of a garment that’s stained without cleaning the entire piece.</p> <p><strong>starching</strong><br>A laundry process that involves adding a starch solution to clothes to make them stiff and crisp after washing.</p> <p><strong>steaming</strong><br>Using steam to remove wrinkles and freshen garments. This is gentler on fabrics than pressing.</p> <p><strong>turnaround time</strong><br>The amount of time it takes from when clothes are dropped off at the cleaners to when they’re ready to be picked up.</p> <p><strong>wet cleaning</strong><br>A method of professional cleaning that uses water and specialized detergents that are milder than home laundering products and much gentler than dry cleaning solvents. </p> <p><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies</a></p> <p><strong>Related Articles</strong><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/clothes-and-shoes/" target="_self">The Essential Guide to Clothes & Shoes</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Rated Local</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Companies</a><br><a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a> </p>
