By now most of us seen or considered a home dry cleaning kit. As consumers tighten their belt and work on rebuilding their balance sheet, home dry cleaning kits become appealing. There are several brands currently available at local supermarkets:
Product: Dryel
Manufacturer: Procter & Gamble
Description • Dryer bag and dryer-activated cloth
• Stain removal solution and absorbent pads
• Instructions
Product: FreshCare
Manufacturer: Clorox
Description: • Dryer bag and dryer-activated cloth
• Stain removal solution and absorbent pads
• Instructions
Product: Dry Cleaner’s Secret
Manufacturer: Dry, Inc.
Description: • Dryer-activated cloths that are also
used for stain removal
• Instructions
Product: Custom Cleaner
Manufacturer: Dial/Henkel LLC
Description: • Dryer bag
• Dryer-activated cloths that are also
used for stain removal
• Instructions
The above kits claim to have the ability to remove stains, odors and some claim to be a complete replacement for a dry cleaner. In 2000, DLI (Dry Cleaners & Laundry Institute) conducted a variety of cleaning tests with the products above derived with interesting results. Similar results were published by Consumer Reports.
- In tests conducted using ketchup, lipstick and soiled cuffs stains. Products failed to completely remove stains and further failed in every test done on ground-in soil.
- In some cases the stain removal solutions caused rings or chafing (white discoloration) in which could no be removed or reversed.
- Products yield to a poor finish and look as opposed to the crisp and tailored appearance produced by dry cleaners.
Although home dry cleaning kits may be a cheaper approach to freshening your garments, its inability to effectively remove stains, soil and restore fabrics, precludes it from being a substitute for a professional dry cleaner.