The Pros and Cons of DIY Dry Cleaning

You can find several DIY dry cleaning solvent kit brands online and in physical stores today, and they usually only require a tumble dryer. Given the convenience of these kits, it becomes easy to wash your delicates or “dry-clean only” clothes at home. However, despite its utility, there are still some disadvantages to DIY dry cleaning that you need to know.

Dry Cleaning Kits: What Are They?

DIY dry cleaning is ideal with the right set of products, skills, and equipment. For this purpose, dry cleaning kits are made widely available for public use.

These kits usually include:

• A specially designed reusable cleaning bag for the dryer
• Stain remover pens/ absorbent pads for spot cleaning
• Stain removal solution
• A leave-on cleaning solvent
• Heat-activated moist cleaning cloths
• An instruction booklet

Once you have purchased a starter kit, you’ll only need to get additional stain remover pens and cleaning cloth refills for subsequent use. You won’t need to buy a new kit later.

Steps to Follow in Using Dry Cleaning Kits

The instruction booklet contains a complete, detailed guide for DIY dry cleaning at home. Nonetheless, here is an overview of how you can use the kit to achieve the best results:

1. Start by spot-treating stains using the stain remover and absorbent pads or with the stain remover pen. This prevents you from transferring stains to other parts of your garment.
2. Place a maximum of 3 to 4 garments into the resealable dryer bag along with a moist towelette that is pretreated with a dry cleaning solution.
3. Close the bag and place it in the dryer.
4. Set the dryer on medium to high heat cycle for a span of 15 to 30 minutes.
5. Once done, remove the items and hang them up to avoid creasing.

Given that not all dry cleaning kits are created the same, following the package instructions is a must.

Some Important Do-It-Yourself Dry Cleaning Tips

• Use white paper towels in the absence of absorbent pads.
• Zip or button up garments before cleaning to hold their shape.
• Group similar colors and fabric weights in the dryer bag.
• Clean your dryer’s lint filter before starting the cycle to prevent overheating.
• Avoid overstuffing the cleaning bag to prevent clothes from wrinkling.
• Immediately hang your garments or lay them flat as you remove them from the cleaning bag.
• Avoid placing any decorated items like garments with beads or sequins inside the bag.

Pros and Cons of DIY Dry Cleaning at Home

The following advantages and disadvantages of DIY dry cleaning apply to most garments at home:

Pros

• Costs can be as low as 50 cents for each garment, which is less expensive compared to professional dry cleaning.
• At-home cleaning is an economical alternative to frequent dry cleaning.
• A single kit can clean up to two to six loads, given that one cleaning sheet is sufficient for one load.
• You can reuse and recycle the kits several times with separately-sold replacement sheets.
• The products keep clothes from wearing out.
• They remove smoke and body odors.
• DIY dry cleaning solvents are safe for a lot of fabrics and are less toxic compared to professional-quality cleaners.
• The process works well even for knitted garments like sweaters.
• There are lower chances of your clothes shrinking.

Cons

• Kits may not be efficient in removing grease-based stains or heavy grime.
• The process does not offer a deep clean, which causes some missed stains to set on clothes.
• DIY cleaning may result in overly perfumed clothes.
• Professional starching is better than a dryer, and you’ll need to iron and starch like a pro to achieve a polished look.
• It does not offer the same pressed look for tailored garments like trousers and coats.
• DIY methods are not an ideal cleaning solution for velvet, suede, or leather.

Pros and Cons of Hiring Professional Dry Cleaners

Amidst your efforts to remove tough stains with products like DIY dry carpet cleaners, it’s still best to take your clothes to the cleaners for a more efficient clean.

Pros

• A professional dry cleaning company offers better and more effective cleaning equipment than DIY products.
• Professional dry cleaners know how to remove tougher stains easily, and overall, they do a much better job compared to those who try to clean carpets themselves.
• These experts apply the most advanced cleaning methods and equipment to efficiently dry out even bigger items like carpets.
• The process offers more convenience and less disruption on your part.
• Professionals are equipped with years of experience to provide the most effective solutions to dry cleaning, enabling them to remove even deep-seated dirt.

Cons

• Professional dry cleaners may only operate during specific hours, which entails you arranging cleaning times in advance to fit your own schedule.
• Hiring a professional dry cleaning company may be a little more costly compared to DIY cleaning at home. Still, it offers more savings in the long run, given that your carpets will last longer.

Experience the Benefits of Expert Dry Cleaning

Discover how professional dry cleaning offers a more thorough cleaning compared to do-it-yourself methods.

With years of professional expertise in the industry, Kelly’s Dry Cleaners offers the best Durango laundry services for all types of fabrics and garments. With advanced equipment handled by our experienced dry cleaners, rest assured that your items are in good hands. Choose the best clothing care by calling our experts today!