Laundry or dry cleaning: what's the difference?
In short
A laundry washes with water and professional detergents, which suits household linen and hard-wearing clothes. Dry cleaning uses a solvent instead of water, so delicate items such as suits, silk and wool keep their shape and texture. The care label decides: a washtub means washing in water, a circle means dry cleaning.
When you want your workwear, hotel sheets or even your favourite shirt cleaned, two terms keep coming up: laundry and dry cleaning. What is the difference between the two, and above all, when should you choose one over the other? Here is a quick guide to help you decide.
Laundry: washing with water
Laundry means traditional washing in water, with professional detergents and, where needed, the right temperature. It is the ideal method for everyday clothes and household linen. It is particularly suited to:
- sheets, towels, tea towels and tablecloths;
- hard-wearing clothes such as T-shirts, jeans, cotton shirts and workwear.
The items are then dried, ironed or folded as needed. It is an effective, hygienic method that is kind to washable fibres.
Dry cleaning: cleaning without water
Despite the name, dry cleaning does involve washing, just not with water. A special solvent is used instead, which dissolves stains without soaking the fibres. The process is particularly suited to fragile fabrics. It is recommended for:
- suits, skirt suits and structured jackets;
- delicate dresses and fabrics such as silk, wool or velvet;
- garments with linings or delicate embellishments.
This treatment keeps the shape, colour and texture of delicate fabrics while cleaning them thoroughly.
How do you know which to choose?
The best way to know which method to use is to check the garment's care label:
- a washtub symbol means it can be washed in water (laundry);
- a circle means the garment needs dry cleaning.
If in doubt, ask for advice: a professional can tell straight away which method is safest for the fabric, the cut and the way the garment is worn.
What about the environment?
Modern laundries and dry cleaners are moving to more responsible standards. Water washing is optimised to use less energy and detergent. Dry cleaning is moving to gentler solvents and closed-loop machines, to limit its impact on the environment.
In short
- Laundry is ideal for everyday items that can be washed in water: sheets, workwear, household linen.
- Dry cleaning is essential for delicate, fragile or precious pieces: suits, dresses, fine fabrics.
At La Petite Suisse, every piece is handled with care, using the method that suits it. That is how we keep your clothes and linen clean, comfortable and long-lasting.