Dry Cleaning vs Laundry: What’s the Difference?

Jul 14, 2025 | Blog, Laundry Service

Ever take a look at your favorite coat’s care label and wondered why you have to get it dry cleaned every time? You’re not alone. Life would be so much easier if you could throw every piece of clothing into the washer, but get this, knowing the difference between dry cleaning vs laundry is absolutely essential to keep your clothes sharp, clean, and at their best condition. 

Laundry: An Everyday Essential 

Laundry is exactly what you know it to be, it’s the traditional cleaning method you use at home for your clothes. It’s made up of water and your choice of detergent, then you rinse, spin, and dry. It’s best for everyday items such as:

  • T-shirts
  • Jeans
  • Activewear
  • Undergarments
  • Cotton dresses
  • Towels

Handling your laundry with machine washing is optimized for clothing items that can handle movement, moisture and heat. Do take note however that machine washing can be rough on delicate fabrics such as silk or cashmere, or structured garments like blazers or suits.

 

Dry Cleaning: Special Garments, Special Treatment

Here’s a plot twist for you, dry cleaning isn’t completely dry. Instead of water, we use a special eco-friendly solvent for cleaning– our odor-free hydrocarbon solution. It lifts dirt and stains without damaging delicate fibers and garments. Dry cleaning is best used for:

  • Silk Blouses
  • Suits and Blazers
  • Formalwear
  • Clothes with Lining or Structure
  • Wool Coats
  • Delicate Fabrics

Because it doesn’t involve water, dry cleaning is significantly gentler and precise than that of its everyday counterpart, which makes it a vastly better option when your clothes need that extra TLC.

 

Quick Tip: Watch Out For These Labels!

At this point, you may have determined which clothes are better suited for laundry and for dry-cleaning, but we highly recommend reviewing your clothes’ label just to be safe. And if you’re really unsure, send it over to us here at Hangers Cleaners!

 

  • “Dry Clean Only” – Stick to dry cleaning.
  • “Machine Wash Cold” or “Hand Wash” – Can be done at home, but would also benefit from a professional touch.
  • No label? Play it safe and leave it to us.

 

Why Choose Hangers Cleaners for Your Laundry Needs?

Here at Hangers Cleaners, we’re not just another dry cleaner. We’re your neighbors! We are a business that treats every customer like a member of our family, so you can be sure that your garments get the family treatment as well.

Our state-of-the-art, eco-friendly plant makes sure you get the easiest laundry and dry cleaning experience of your life, all while saving you the time and hassle that comes with taking care of your clothes. Contact us today to schedule a pickup or find a store near you!