The O.F.A. - Ontario Fabricare Association

Professional cleaners use a variety of techniques to get your garments clean and looking their
best. Fabric care specialists sort your clothing and determine whether your garment can be dry cleaned, wet cleaned, or laundered.

What is Dry-Cleaning?

Dry cleaning is actually a wet process but because the solvents used contain little or no water, the technique is described as "dry". During the dry cleaning process, clothes are sorted and classified, then any stains are pre-treated. The dry cleaning machine resembles a large front-loading washer. As the clothes are tumbled, solvent is filtered through. The clothes are washed and dried in the same machine. The remaining solvent is removed from the clothes by evaporation while inside the machine. When the clothes are removed from the dry cleaning machine you can expect them to be clean and fresh.

What is Wet-Cleaning?

Some textiles like wool, silk, rayon and linen are cleaned better with water than dry cleaning
solvents. The wet cleaning process uses water and special equipment, which controls temperature and agitation, in combination with detergents to clean garments. Clothes are then dried and finished.

What is Laundering?

Laundering is the term most commonly applied to shirt cleaning. Using detergents and additives, the process removes the stubborn dirt on collars and cuffs much more effectively than home laundering. Plus, the finishing process gives shirts a neat, crisp appearance.

What else does your Dry-Cleaner do?

Most dry cleaners offer a wide range of services. Ask your Ontario Fabricare Association member (OFA) dry cleaner about:

Garment storage
Cleaning furs, leathers and suedes
Rug cleaning
Drapery cleaning
Smoke Removal
Pillow cleaning
Wedding gown cleaning, restoration and preservation
Alterations and repairs
Table and bed linen laundering

You and your Professional Cleaner

Using a professional dry cleaner is an excellent way to protect the investment you have made in your wardrobe. There are many ways in which you can help your cleaner ensure that your garments stay looking as good as the day you bought them.

A stained garment can't wait. Take stained clothing to your dry cleaner as soon as possible.
When you drop off your clothes, be sure to point out where stains are and what type, if possible. Pay special attention to light coloured stains that your cleaner might not notice. This will help ensure that the best stain removal method is used.
Always keep care labels for your garments. These labels are helpful to your dry cleaner because they provide information about the manufacturer's recommended care.
Talk to your dry cleaner. Discussing the special needs of your garment will help you to understand how to better care for your clothes at home and will give you realistic expectations.

OFA