The ever elusive dry cleaning. For those who don’t partake, dry cleaning can seem like the pinnacle of prestige, a mysterious status symbol for businessmen and Sunday besters. Many may find themselves wondering what happens to the clothes after they leave the front desk counter. Are they shipped of to a far away place to be blessed with good luck, good smell, unparalleled crispness? Do the employees secretly stuff your fine garments into an overstuffed spin cycle and hope for the best?
Most people think dry cleaning is just a fancier way to wash clothes. While yes, to the naked eye, it may seem so, in reality, dry cleaning is the only way to clean vintage, couture, designer and delicate clothing items.
Charleston Prestige’s dry cleaning services stand at the forefront of industry practices, with guaranteed customer satisfaction, green garment care practices, and free delivery and pickups.
The Science of Dry Cleaning: How It Protects What You Wear
Your burning questions are about to be answered and the truth about dry cleaning revealed. The truth is, dry cleaning is not, in fact, dry. Yes, it is water-free. But instead of water, dry cleaning uses a chemical solvent like perchloroethylene (perc) or a hydrocarbon solvent instead of water. The clothes are loaded into a large drum and cleaned with this chemical solvent. With a bit of gentle agitation, the solvent loosens dirt, oil and stains from the clothes, so that, once drained, your clothes come out fresh, clean and most importantly, undamaged.
Dry cleaning is primarily better for certain types of fabrics that can shrink fade or become damaged when exposed to water and agitation in a washing machine. Some of these fabrics include:
- Wool
- Cashmere
- Silk
- Rayon
- Suede
- Lace
- Velvet
Dry cleaning is also the preferred choice for structured pieces like suits, blazers and tailored garments that have interlinings or shoulderpads. These garments can easily become mishapen if they are washed or dried.
Home Washing vs. Dry Cleaning: What’s Really Costing You
The process may seem like a lot – gathering all your dirty shirts and pants, driving to your nearest, trusted dry cleaner, dropping off your clothes, paying for the clean, and then returning in a certain timeframe three days later to pickup your garments. Is this all really worth it? Candidly, no. But this isn’t what Charleston Prestige expects of their customers. We’re turning dry cleaning from a chore to a luxury. That is why we offer completely free pickup and delivery at all times of the day. We also offer same-day turnaround. Because truthfully, laundry is already too much of a chore.
So with free pick-up and delivery the only thing that stands in the way is the cost. Let’s break it down and see why washing your clothes at home is really costing you more!
If your custom suit, perfect for every business meeting and occasion, cost you $500, a single wash could cost you all of the money you spent on the suit. Its actually more cost effective to dry clean than replace your entire suit.
Washing your clothes at home can shrink, fade, or distort your favorite clothes, rendering them ruined.
Preserving Charleston’s Clothes, One Garment at a Time
At Charleston Prestige Cleaners, we believe that dry cleaning isn’t a luxury — it’s a responsibility. Whether it’s a tailored suit, a vintage silk blouse, or your favorite blazer, your clothes deserve more than a rinse-and-repeat cycle. They deserve expert care, attention to detail, and a commitment to preservation.
Dry cleaning is not an extra — it’s essential care for the clothes that matter. When you trust professionals who understand fabrics, structure, and finishing, you’re not just cleaning your clothes — you’re extending their life, protecting your investment, and ensuring every outfit feels like new.
