While many people rightfully understand the importance of dry cleaning as an essential service, there’s a lot that you might not know about the processes, history, and evolution of this industry. Here are some less well-known facts about the dry cleaning business.
Dry Cleaning’s Early Roots Stem From Medieval Europe
Cleaning agents have always been important to dry cleaning. However, it may surprise you to learn what the earliest known cleaning agent was. Dating back to medieval times, people actually used urine as a cleaning agent to dissolve grease and loosen dirt. It’s safe to say the evolution of cleaning products has served the dry cleaning industry well.
Dry Cleaning Was Discovered by Accident
The modern-day dry cleaning process was discovered when a maid accidentally spilled turpentine from a lamp onto a tablecloth. When the turpentine dried, revealing the stains had been removed, Jean Bapiste Jolly used this premise to build early dry cleaning technology.
Thomas Jennings Had the Earliest Known Dry Cleaning Patent
While Jean Baptiste Jolly was known as “the father of dry cleaning,” it was actually a New Yorker named Thomas Jennings that filed the first dry cleaning-related patent in 1821.
Dry Cleaning is a $63.2 Billion Industry in the U.S.
Since 2019, the dry cleaning industry has grown from a $61 billion business to $63.2 billion. In fact, more than 5,000 dry cleaning shops are currently in business throughout the United States.
Dry Cleaning Technology is Very Advanced
Dry cleaning technology has come a long way since the 1800s. Today, professional dry cleaners use a variety of equipment – from air vacuums to high-efficiency machines – to clean faster and more efficiently than ever before.
It’s Actually Not a Dry Process
Despite the misleading name, dry cleaning uses liquid chemical solvents to remove stains and clean clothing. It’s called “dry cleaning” because no water is used throughout the actual cleaning process.
Don’t Call a Dry Cleaner a “Clothes Care Specialist”
Dry cleaners actually specialize more in textile care than the cleaning of clothes. Essentially, they’re experts in the fabrics that your clothes are made of and know what it takes to properly remove stains and soil.
Dry Cleaners and Laundromats are Not the Same
Again, a dry cleaner specializes in textile care through the use of a waterless process. Laundromats allow you to wash and dry clothes within their facilities with everyday household machines. While the two types of facilities involve cleaning clothes, the processes and end results are very different, and dry cleaning requires a specialist’s care.
Dry Cleaners Can Clean More Than Just Clothes
Drapes and curtains, upholstery, furniture, bedsheets, and other materials can all be adequately cleaned by a dry cleaner.
Dry Cleaning Has a Lot to Do with Presentation
Following cleaning, a good dry cleaner always dries and presents the garment to the customer wrinkle-free. The air vacuum, invented by Rema Dri-Vac, is one piece of equipment to help facilitate this flawless presentation. For the most advanced dry cleaning equipment, choose the machines from Rema Dri Vac. Our third-generation business promises high-quality equipment and seamless customer service for your convenience. To learn more about our products, contact our expert team.