Wet cleaning

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For the cleaning process of the same name used for cleaning silicon wafers, see Wet cleaning (technology).

Wet cleaning is a non-toxic, environmentally safe alternative to dry cleaning, utilizing computer-controlled washing machines, biodegradable soaps and conditioners, and various types of pressing equipment that may be specialized for many different fabric and fiber types.

Modern wet-cleaning technology was developed by Miele in 1991.^[1] An earlier form of wet cleaning was offered by Saville Row bespoke tailors: a suit would be carefully measured, linings and interfacings would be removed, and the garments would be carefully hand washed in cold water and mild detergent, rinsed in cold water, and blocked to its original shape and air-dried; then the linings and interfacings would be put back in.^{[citation needed]}

The traditional way of cleaning a kimono is similar: The garment is held together by coarse basting stitches, as are used by a tailor in the early stages of constructing a suit. To clean the kimono, the stitches are ripped out, then the fabric is washed in cold water and mild soap or detergent, rinsed in cold water, then stretched and air-dried. It is then stitched back together with the same coarse stitches as before.^[2]

For professional cleaners, wet-cleaning offers several advantages, such as lowered costs for start-up capital, supplies, equipment and hazardous waste disposal, as well as less reliance on skilled labor.^[3] Dry-cleaners are beleaguered by the spiraling costs of energy, labor, insurance, etc.^{[citation needed]}

Tailors have generally recommended that garments be returned to them once a year for wet cleaning and dry-cleaned in between.^{[citation needed]} These tailors are also careful to choose materials that will not be destroyed by water, even if they later sew in the usual "Dry Clean Only" label.^{[citation needed]} Some clothing manufacturers may mislabel their clothing "Dry Clean Only", even though there is no "reasonable basis" for making the claim that the garment will be harmed if it is not dry cleaned.^[4]

[edit] References

^ The Miele Wet Cleaning System. Available: http://www.wetcleaning.com/intro/wetcleaning_intro.html. Last accessed 2008 January 3.
^ Dalby, Liza (2001). Kimono: Fashioning Culture. Washington, USA: University of Washington Press. ISBN 0-295-98155-5.
^ (2007). EPA Fact Sheet - Wet Cleaning: An Alternative to Dry Cleaning that Is Safe For You, Your Clothes and Your Cleaner. Available: http://www.deq.state.va.us/osba/factsheets/wetclean.html. Last accessed 2008 January 3.
^ (2001). Don't Say 'Dry Clean Only' If It Can Be Washed. Available: http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/textile/alerts/dryclean.shtm. Last accessed 2008 January 3.