The following are simple definitions for what happens during the various cleaning processes as well as tips for the customer to help them get the most from their cleaning dollar. Dry cleaning uses fluids to remove soil and stains from fabric. In fact, the term "dry cleaning" is misleading: it is called dry cleaning because the fluid contains little or no water and does not penetrate the fibers as water does. Among the advantages of dry cleaning is its ability to dissolve greases and oils in a way that water cannot. Natural fibers such as wools and silks dry clean beautifully, but can shrink, distort and lose color when washed in water, Synthetic fibers such as polyester also respond well to dry cleaning, while they can retain oily stains after washing. Dry cleaning helps to return garments to a "like-new" condition using precautions to prevent shrinkage, loss of color and fabric distortion.

The dry cleaning process begins with the pretreatment of spots and stains using special cleaning agents. The garments are then loaded into a machine resembling an oversized front-loading home washer. It produces similar mechanical action to loosen embedded dirt, Throughout the cleaning process, the fluid is filtered or distilled to ensure its clarity.

Today, the solvent used by almost 75-80 percent of all dry cleaners is perchloroethylene, commonly known as "perc." Introduced to the dry cleaning industry in the late 1930s, perc offers many practical and environmental benefits that have led to its popular use as a cleaning agent. It efficient;y reused and recycled. Petroleum solvents are used by about 20% of cleaners. Petroleum solvents are gentler on trims and dyes but are flammable. The newly developed synthetic petroleum solvents are not as flammable, which allows them to be used in more locations than traditional petroleum solvents. Between 1% - 2% of cleaners are using alternative solvents such as liquid carbon dioxide, Rynex and GreenEarth.

Based on the care label instructions and a professional cleaner's expertise, wet cleaning might be the best method selected for some garments. Since the 1972 Care Label Rule requires that clothing manufacturers only list one method of proper care even if other methods can be used safely, garments labeled "washable" may not dry clean satisfactorily.

Like in the dry cleaning process, wet cleaning starts with the pretreatment of spots and stains using special cleaning agents. Wet cleaning is the professional process of removing soils from garments and other textile items through the use of water and

Professional laundering for shirts and other "washable" items is another process your cleaner uses to keep your garments looking at their best. Special detergents, additives and finishes set commercial laundry apart from home laundering. This process enables your cleaner to offer consistent quality shirts at reasonable prices. Collars come cleaner and the professional pressing affords a crisper finish.

Professional Cleaning Steps
Professional cleaning involves many different operations, all performed by skilled people and designed to give garments a fresh and clean appearance. Procedures include:

1. Checking the labels for adequate care instructions and fiber content.
2. Classifying the garment according to fabric type, color and degree of soiling.
3. Removing spots and stains using special equipment, special stain removal agents, and water.
4. Dry cleaning, wet cleaning or laundering.
5. Reapplying any sizing, water repellency and other finishes when necessary and possible.
6. Finishing the garment on professional pressing equipment to restore its original shape and appearance.
7. Replacing missing or damaged buttons and performing minor repairs whenever possible, according to plant policy.
8. Packaging the garment neatly in a protective wrapping.

Along with these basic procedures, many cleaners offer additional services such as garment storage, cleaning furs and leathers, rug cleaning, drapery cleaning, smoke removal, pillow cleaning, shirt and family laundry, wedding gown preservation and alterations and repairs.