When you hand over your delicate garments to a dry cleaner, you expect them to come back perfectly clean and in their original condition. But a common fear is that dry cleaning might shrink your favorite wool sweater or silk blouse. While it’s less common than with traditional laundry, dry cleaning can, under certain conditions, cause clothes to shrink. Understanding how the process works and which fabrics are most at risk is key to protecting your wardrobe.
How Dry Cleaning Works
The term “dry cleaning” is a bit of a misnomer. The process isn’t truly dry; it uses a liquid solvent, not water.
Solvents vs. Water Washing
Traditional water-based washing can cause fibers to swell and agitate, leading to shrinkage, especially in natural fibers like wool and cotton. Dry cleaning, on the other hand, uses a chemical solvent (most commonly perchloroethylene, or “perc”) that doesn’t cause fibers to swell. This is why it’s generally considered a safer and gentler alternative for delicate fabrics.
Heat and Pressing
The actual cleaning is just one part of the process. The real risk of shrinkage in dry cleaning often comes from the finishing process. After the clothes are cleaned, they are put through a heated pressing or steaming process to remove wrinkles. Excessive heat or an incorrect pressing technique can cause the fibers in a garment to constrict, leading to shrinkage. This is especially true for garments with a lining that might shrink at a different rate than the outer fabric.
Fabrics at Risk of Shrinkage
While dry cleaning is generally safe, some fabrics are more susceptible to shrinkage due to their natural properties.
Wool and Silk
Wool is composed of natural fibers that have a microscopic scale-like surface. When exposed to heat, these fibers can interlock and contract, causing the fabric to shrink. Silk, a delicate protein fiber, can also be prone to shrinkage and can lose its sheen if not handled properly. This is why both fabrics are often labeled “Dry Clean Only.”
Blends with Unstable Fibers
Garments made from blends, such as wool-rayon or silk-cotton, can also be problematic. If one of the fibers in the blend is more prone to shrinking than the other, it can cause the garment to pull and warp, leading to an uneven and distorted shape.
How to Prevent Shrinkage
The best way to protect your clothes is to be an informed customer.
Use Trusted Dry Cleaners
Choose a professional and reputable dry cleaner with experienced staff. A quality dry cleaner understands fabric science and uses the proper solvents and pressing techniques for each type of garment. Don’t be afraid to ask about their process and their experience with delicate fabrics.
Check Care Labels
Always follow the instructions on the garment’s care label. If the label says “Dry Clean Only,” it’s for a reason. Ignoring this advice can result in damage. If it says “Dry Clean,” it’s a recommendation, not a requirement, giving you a bit more flexibility.
Alternatives to Dry Cleaning
For some delicate items, you may be able to skip the dry cleaner and save money with a little care at home.
Hand Washing Delicates
For certain wool and silk garments, hand washing can be a safe alternative to dry cleaning. Use a specific delicate detergent, cold water, and a gentle swishing motion. Never wring the garment; instead, gently squeeze out the water and lay it flat to dry.
Gentle Machine Cycles
Modern washing machines often have “delicate” or “hand wash” cycles that are very gentle. If a garment is not “Dry Clean Only,” this can be a viable option. However, always use cold water and a mesh laundry bag to protect the item from agitation.
FAQs
Can cotton shrink at dry cleaners?
It’s very rare for 100% cotton to shrink during the solvent part of dry cleaning. However, if a cotton garment has been pre-shrunk, it’s generally stable. The risk for shrinkage in a cotton garment at a dry cleaner comes from the final steaming and pressing process, particularly if the garment wasn’t pre-shrunk before it was made.
What fabrics are safest to dry clean?
Synthetic fabrics like polyester, acrylic, and nylon are generally the safest to dry clean because they are stable and don’t react to the solvents or heat in the same way natural fibers do. High-quality wool, linen, and cashmere are also generally safe, as long as a reputable dry cleaner is used.
Need to ensure your delicate garments are cleaned with the utmost care? Maid Cleaning For You partners with top-tier dry cleaners who use the best technology and techniques to protect your clothes. Contact us today for a free estimate on our professional cleaning services!