I've heard a lot about using this method over dry cleaning to clean dry clean only items, but I really don't understand how it works. Does anyone on here have an idea of how it works?
Wet Cleaning...
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launderess
Well-known member
Basically systems use an ordinary front loading washing machine and tumble dryer, but they must have controls and or programming to allow for control of water level, temp, wash action, time, etc (washer), and remaining moisture level (dryer). Some special finishing equipment is required as well if one is going to be doing woolens such as trousers, jackets and such.
In a nutshell, items are "laundered" in water containing a high concentration of special detergents that besides being able to clean with minimal agitation, contain chemcials to keep textile fibers from swelling, block dyes from bleeding/runnng, keep any dyes and such suspended in water and prevent them from getting onto other laundry and so forth.
Laundry is washed for a short cycle time (about 5 to 8 mins), then spun, then rinsed for a short time in the same low water level, but instead of a detergent, a softening agent is added which does much of the above, but leaves a protective film that will be activated upon contact with heat.
Items are spun after the rinse, then put into the dryer until a certian moisture content is reached. Yes, even wool and woolens, but not for along period of time and if the proper chemicals are used there is little risk of shrinking. Things are then taken out of the dryer and finished.
Finishing can be anything from blocking dry for sweaters, to using tension presses for trousers and jackets.
All and all wet cleaning seems to work well for things like cashmere and other sweaters,some silk blouses and perhaps a few other things marked "dry clean only", or "hand wash", or "professionally clean"
When Consumer Reports tested various methods of "organic" dry cleaning, including wet cleaning, the later was found to be great for sweaters and some silks, however lined and heavily constructed items like jackets, pants and such had problems such as shrinking, felting, and so forth.
You can find out more about wetcleaning here:
Click on "Back Issues" and then search the archives.
http://www.natclo.com/
In a nutshell, items are "laundered" in water containing a high concentration of special detergents that besides being able to clean with minimal agitation, contain chemcials to keep textile fibers from swelling, block dyes from bleeding/runnng, keep any dyes and such suspended in water and prevent them from getting onto other laundry and so forth.
Laundry is washed for a short cycle time (about 5 to 8 mins), then spun, then rinsed for a short time in the same low water level, but instead of a detergent, a softening agent is added which does much of the above, but leaves a protective film that will be activated upon contact with heat.
Items are spun after the rinse, then put into the dryer until a certian moisture content is reached. Yes, even wool and woolens, but not for along period of time and if the proper chemicals are used there is little risk of shrinking. Things are then taken out of the dryer and finished.
Finishing can be anything from blocking dry for sweaters, to using tension presses for trousers and jackets.
All and all wet cleaning seems to work well for things like cashmere and other sweaters,some silk blouses and perhaps a few other things marked "dry clean only", or "hand wash", or "professionally clean"
When Consumer Reports tested various methods of "organic" dry cleaning, including wet cleaning, the later was found to be great for sweaters and some silks, however lined and heavily constructed items like jackets, pants and such had problems such as shrinking, felting, and so forth.
You can find out more about wetcleaning here:
Click on "Back Issues" and then search the archives.
http://www.natclo.com/
I've never heard of it before but a few months ago my winter coat with hood, sort of a thick nylon canvas with a plaid material interior was looking sorta dull and dingy. I didn't want to spend money dry cleaning it as per the label and figured heck it's always gotten wet in the snow and dried fine in the house.. So I stuck it in the washer on delicate and let it air dry for a day. Came out great
Launderess almost 100 %
a few add ons..
Almost every thing does shrink but it is up to the presser to block the items back out to proper size. Pressing takes longer and fewer garments per hour can be expected even by top pressers. As a general rule the wash tub is only run on a very slow rpm to edge shrinkage, temperatures are watched closely, wet cleaning is really nothing more than water washing. but with closer control.
a few add ons..
Almost every thing does shrink but it is up to the presser to block the items back out to proper size. Pressing takes longer and fewer garments per hour can be expected even by top pressers. As a general rule the wash tub is only run on a very slow rpm to edge shrinkage, temperatures are watched closely, wet cleaning is really nothing more than water washing. but with closer control.
launderess
Well-known member
Have found my cashmeres not to shrink if one does the thing right. Wouldn't submit anything lined or detailed constructed to wet cleaning unless the care label gave exact directions.
By the by, you can always tell when a dry cleaner has charged his solution with too much water, items come back shrunk.
By the by, you can always tell when a dry cleaner has charged his solution with too much water, items come back shrunk.
I guess your W1215 has a low water level woolens/handwash cycle as euro mieles have. It is the "household version" of their professional wetcleaning cycles (check on www.wetcleaning.com)
Wascator/e'lux Lagoon sys (following link) operates with the Jetsystem. Miele hasn't it as the Zanussi Jetsys patent is owned by elux
http://www.electrolux-wascator.com/node596.asp
Wascator/e'lux Lagoon sys (following link) operates with the Jetsystem. Miele hasn't it as the Zanussi Jetsys patent is owned by elux
http://www.electrolux-wascator.com/node596.asp
Launderess
There are too many Drycleaners (or claim to be) that dont even know what a "charged system " is much less know how to maintain the solvent clean and in the correct % range for good Drycleaning. That is one reason Sanitone and Martinizing and Royaltone and a few others made sure their drycleaners were "Certified" Sanitone had a week long course for us and there was NOTHING that was not covered, from quality pressing to upkeeping on the still. And maintaining quality solvent for quality work. Wish it was still that way. Sanitone and Martinizing also did regular checks to see if standards were being met.. and if they found they were not they would pull their name. Not so anymore now it is all about money and NOT quality work. In this area now Quality Laundry and Drycleaning work is almost a thing of the past. And only a few Certified Master Drycleaners are left. Most of us now are dead or just too old, Yes I AM the last of a dying breed known for Quality. NOT money!
There are too many Drycleaners (or claim to be) that dont even know what a "charged system " is much less know how to maintain the solvent clean and in the correct % range for good Drycleaning. That is one reason Sanitone and Martinizing and Royaltone and a few others made sure their drycleaners were "Certified" Sanitone had a week long course for us and there was NOTHING that was not covered, from quality pressing to upkeeping on the still. And maintaining quality solvent for quality work. Wish it was still that way. Sanitone and Martinizing also did regular checks to see if standards were being met.. and if they found they were not they would pull their name. Not so anymore now it is all about money and NOT quality work. In this area now Quality Laundry and Drycleaning work is almost a thing of the past. And only a few Certified Master Drycleaners are left. Most of us now are dead or just too old, Yes I AM the last of a dying breed known for Quality. NOT money!
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