Drycleaning 

“Drycleaning” is a process that uses non-water solvents to remove soil and stains from fabric. Garments are generally immersed completely in these solvents and agitated in a machine much like a large industrial laundry machine. In addition, stubborn spots and other trouble areas are given individual attention on a “spotting table,” using agents specifically designed for the type of stain in question.

Once the garment is clean, it is then pressed by hand and inspected to insure that no problem areas remain.

At Penrose, we are committed to providing excellent garment care while upholding our responsibility to the environment. Our “dry-in, dry-out” equipment is designed to minimize solvent evaporation, and all chemical waste is handled by a professional carrier who specializes in safe processing of these materials.

Wet-Cleaning

We may also recommend wet-cleaning for some items if stains are water-soluble and the garment can be safely cleaned with water-based solutions. We can perform wet-cleaning for you, or if you prefer we can offer guidance on how best to wash your garments at home.

What about those home “Dry Cleaning” kits?

Home drycleaning kits—those sheets you moisten and put in the dryer—can be useful to mask odors in garments if you find yourself in a bind. The spotting solvents they sometimes include can temporarily minimize the discoloration caused by many common sources of stains. But they do little to remove the staining agents and abrasive soils that will shorten the useful life of your garment.

If you must use a home kit for a last-minute “freshening” at home, we encourage you to bring your garment to us at the next convenient opportunity so that we can remove the sources of the stains and odors the kit masked.

For more information about drycleaning and fabric care, we encourage you to visit the website of the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute, of which we are a member.