Drycleaning is the use of solvents to remove soil and stains from fabric. It is called "drycleaning" because the solvents contain little or no water and do not penetrate the fibers as water does. Drycleaning solvent is not harmful to any fabric, and drycleaning is the only safe method for cleaning many types of garments.

Natural fibers such as wools and silks will shrink and perhaps loose their color whom washed in water, but will dryclean beautifully. Cottons and linens, unless they are preshrunk in manufacture, will also shrink in home laundering. Drycleaning is particularly effective in removing greasy, oily stains from synthetic fibers, which have an affinity for oils.

But the professional drycleaner provides more than just drycleaning. This service also includes professional removal of problem stains that will not come out with simple drycleaning. It also includes professional pressing, careful packaging, and inspection at every step along the way to make sure that all stains have been attended to and the item has been properly pressed and finished.

Drycleaning can extend the life of your wardrobe, and your knowledge about drycleaning can bring you more value for your clothing dollar. Drycleaning does NOT reduce the life of your clothing.

Selecting Clothing
Buying new clothes is often an exciting event, related to special events, holidays, and great expectations. But it is also the time to think about the serviceability and cleaning requirements of the garment.

Care Labels
Before you buy, read the care label attached to the garment and any hang tag or care instructions on garment packaging, The Federal Trade Commission requires apparel manufacturers to attach permanent labels to garments supplying instructions for drycleaning or laundering. Look for this label when you are considering a purchase. The care necessary to keep a garment clean and attractive may be important in deciding whether to buy it in the first place.

Care Symbols
In 1997, the FTC ruled that "care labels" may substitute symbols for words on garments. The symbols, which show consumers how to safely launder or clean their clothing, are permitted on care labels as long as the manufacturer includes with the garments a written explanation of what the symbols mean for the first 18 months they are in use. Most garments that are labeled with washing instructions may not be drycleanable, as they may contain dyes or trim that are not resistant to drycleaning solvent. If you have a difficult stain on such a garment, or if you want the convenience or the enhanced appearance of professional cleaning and finishing, discuss the article with your drycleaner. According to the amended federal care label rule of January 1984, no warning about an alternative cleaning method is required, so your cleaner may ask you to sign a release before drycleaning a garment with washing instructions only.