Laundry and dry cleaning are two ways to clean clothes and other textiles. Both have their pros and cons. This blog post will explore both options in depth to help you decide which method may work best for you.
Cost
One of the biggest considerations when choosing between laundry and dry cleaning is cost.
Doing laundry at home using your own washing machine and dryer is typically much less expensive than taking items to a dry cleaner. You already own the equipment, detergent is relatively inexpensive, and you don’t have to pay for any labor or store overhead.
However, professional dry cleaning does come with an increased cost. In addition to paying per item, dry cleaners charge more for larger items like comforters. Plus you’ll likely drop items off and pick them up, adding to the time commitment.
So if keeping costs low is your priority, doing laundry at home is likely the better choice. But dry cleaning may be worth the price if you need specialty care.
Convenience
Convenience is another factor that plays a role in the laundry versus dry cleaning decision. Doing laundry at home whenever you have time is very convenient. But this does require you to own the necessary equipment like a washer and dryer.
Taking items to a dry cleaner does involve an extra errand and trip. However, you don’t have to purchase any machinery or take the time to pre-treat stains and properly clean items yourself. Professionals handle it for you.
So laundry is more convenient if you already have laundry machines at home. But dry cleaning saves time and effort.
Type of Fabric/Garment
The fabric and type of garment makes a difference in whether laundry or dry cleaning works best. In general, dry cleaning excels at cleaning delicates that may easily shrink, warp, or lose shape in a home washing machine. These include silk, linen, wool, cashmere, leather, sequins, and feathers.
Everyday cottons, denims, synthetics, towels, sheets, and athletic clothing are typically fine for home laundry. The agitation cycle helps remove body oil and dirt/stains these fabrics easily encounter.
Refer to fabric care labels for exact cleaning guidance. But delicate fabrics prone to damage in washers and dryers are smarter dry cleaner choices.
Stain Removal Ability
If you have a stained garment or fabric item, dry cleaning also has an advantage for stain removal. Home laundry detergents help lift some stains. But dry cleaning solutions are stronger and specialized in stain removal.
The chemical perchloroethylene (PERC) used at most dry cleaners excels at removing oily stains, makeup stains, food stains, perspiration stains, grass stains, and other difficult blemishes. Laundry often struggles to get out these set-in stains.
So for stained clothing or textiles, take them to the dry cleaner for stain treatment. Then once the stains are removed, you can launder future times yourself at home if the item is washer-safe.
Environmental Impact
When comparing laundry and dry cleaning options, it’s also smart to consider the environmental impact. In general, doing laundry at home has less environmental impact.
Modern home washers use less water and energy efficient detergents. If you purchase an ENERGY STAR certified washer, it will consume even less resources while still cleaning effectively.
However, dry cleaning does involve chemical solvents that can create pollution. PERC has carcinogenic qualities at high concentrations and releases volatile organic compounds into the air. Proper disposal and recycling helps reduce pollution, but not 100%.
So if environmental impact is important to you, standard laundry creates less waste and emissions. Look to greener dry cleaners using newer liquid silicone (solvent called siloxane (D5)) if you must dry clean.
Item Lifespan
Laundry and dry cleaning also impact how long clothes and fabrics last. The intense agitation of home laundry machines can breakdown fibers and cause wear over time.
Delicate cashmere sweaters, for example, may pill or stretch out shape with frequent home laundering. Dry cleaning is gentler on the structure and fibers of fabrics. So it helps items like wool suits maintain structure longer.
For heirlooms and specialty textiles you wish to enjoy for years, gentle dry cleaning aids longevity. Save intense laundry methods for everyday items like t-shirts and jeans.
Conclusion
While both laundry and dry cleaning have pros and cons, understanding fabric type, stains, cost, convenience, and other factors helps determine the better choice. Generally delicate fabrics prone to damage do best with dry cleaning. Heavily stained items also benefit from dry cleaning solvents.
But everyday cottons and fabrics launder well at home for less cost and environmental impact. Just check clothing tags to ensure items can withstand home washing machines.
References
Environmental Protection Agency. “Dry Cleaning Industry.” epa.gov, https://www.epa.gov/drycleaning. Accessed 18 Jan 2023.
Michel, Tim. “Laundry vs Dry Cleaners: What is the Difference?” Good Housekeeping, https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a35021911/laundry-vs-dry-cleaners/. Accessed 18 Jan 2023.
Singer, Daniel. “How to Know If Your Clothes Should Be Dry Cleaned or Washed.” S.T.A.R. Certified, https://www.stardrycleaners.com/blog/how-to-know-if-your-clothes-should-be-dry-cleaned-or-washed/. Accessed 18 Jan 2023.
Laura has had an enthusiasm for laundry ever since she was a teenager experimenting with wash cycles. She went on study textile science in college before working in product testing.
Soon, Laura found friends and family constantly asking her laundry advice, realizing she had become an unofficial laundry guru. The questions kept coming in, so Laura decided to start sharing laundry tips online to help more people. The enthusiastic response led her start the blog “Laundry How”.
Now in her late thirties, Laura uses Laundry How to tackle all kinds of laundry topics – stains, fabric care, detergents, and more. She provides advice from both her studies and experience testing techniques out firsthand. Laura continues to grow an engaged community of laundry learners, feeling fulfilled empowering people to make laundry an easy, confidence-building ritual rather than a dreaded chore.