dry-clean
Wash without water
To dry-clean is to clean clothing or fabric using chemical solvents rather than water.
The process avoids shrinking, stretching, or color bleeding that water might cause in delicate materials.
Garments labeled "dry-clean only" require this treatment: I need to dry-clean this suit before the wedding.
Formal business clothing
- dressesOne-piece women's garments
- blousesWomen's button-front tops
- gownsElegant full-length dresses
- tuxedosFormal evening suits
formalwear · woolens · silks · linens · delicates · pleats · coats · jackets
Dissolving liquid or financially stable
- perchloroethyleneChlorinated cleaning solvent
- percFilter through slowly
- pressingRequiring immediate attention
- steamingReleasing hot vapor
spotting · finishing · pre-treat · garment bag · care label · hanger · bagging · tagging
Agents that remove dirt
- shopRetail sales venue
- serviceAid or maintenance
- franchiseLicensed business operation
- counterFlat service surface
alterations · tailoring · laundromat · pickup · delivery · same-day · express · wholesale
Chlorinated cleaning solvent
- hydrocarbonAll-carbon-and-hydrogen compound
- carbon dioxideRespiration byproduct, photosynthesis fuel
- non-toxicCauses no harm
- biodegradableAble to decompose naturally
suits
Formal business clothing
tuxedos · formalwear · woolens · silks · linens · delicates · pleats · coats · jackets · ties
solvent
Dissolving liquid or financially stable
- perchloroethyleneChlorinated cleaning solvent
- percFilter through slowly
- pressingRequiring immediate attention
steaming · spotting · finishing · pre-treat · garment bag · care label · hanger · bagging · tagging · inspection
cleaners
Agents that remove dirt
counter · alterations · tailoring · laundromat · pickup · delivery · same-day · express · wholesale · commercial
perchloroethylene
Chlorinated cleaning solvent
- hydrocarbonAll-carbon-and-hydrogen compound
- carbon dioxideRespiration byproduct, photosynthesis fuel
- non-toxicCauses no harm
biodegradable · distillation · filtration · eco-friendly · organic solvent
spotting
Perceiving or identifying visually
- pre-treatPrepare surface before main treatment
- degreaseRemove fatty substances
- oilSlippery viscous fluid
grease · wine · ink · sweat · set-in · protein · tannin · oxidation · bleach · stain-resistant