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SoftWash

A better clean, in a better way. Wet cleaning uses only water and biodegradable detergents rather than the carcinogenic solvents used in traditional ‘dry cleaning’…yuk!

Our machines have been adapted to achieve fourth generation wet cleaning capability. This means that the equipment we use is able to process both wet and dry clean-only items as well as standard laundry. Our process therefore results in a huge increase in efficiency and quality and you get items back cleaner, faster and with significantly less impact on the environment.

Dry cleaning causes many health issues ranging from respiratory failure to cancer. It can also have adverse effects on the human nervous system, causing headaches, movement difficulties and memory loss. These effects are caused by the use of PERC (perchloroethylene), a colourless solvent derived from petroleum fractionation. To help limit any potential health risks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ruled that dry cleaners must phase out dry cleaning machines that use PERC by December 21, 2020. Time for the Cyprus to follow!

What are the benefits of wet cleaning?

  • A superior natural way of cleaning fabrics
  • No harsh chemicals such as chlorine or phosphates are used protecting both your garments and you
  • Uses water and mild biodegradable detergents instead of polluting chemicals such as PERC, so no toxic waste is produced
  • Leaves a fresh natural scent instead of a chemical odour
  • Removes organic stains better than dry cleaning
  • Turn around time is half that of dry cleaning
  • There are minimal epidermal issues and the process is hypoallergenic and more suitable for sensitive skin
  • Gentle drum rotation with water showering means less felting, matting, friction and overall material damage

Whats safe to be wet cleaned?

  • Delicate fabrics* such as handwoven or embroidered
  • Items with glued sequins, small beads and embellishments
  • Silk, hemp, flax, viscose and rayon
  • Suit Trousers and Jackets
  • Wool/Cashmere 
  • Curtains, both lined and non-lined
  • Wedding Dresses*
  • Outdoor Jackets and coats
  • Puffer jackets with down fillings
  • Shirts of any material
  • Dresses and ball Gowns
  • Fabric Shoes and Trainers

*The only exception is some instances of heavy weight Satin, including Duchess Satin. If unsure, our team of experts are on hand to inspect your garments.

HOW DOES WET CLEANING LAUNDRY WORK?

 

STEP 1

 

STEP 2

 

STEP 3

 

STEP 4

Items are sorted into textile, colour, weight and soiling categories. Spotting stain removers are added for stains that may need a bit of extra help to remove e.g make-up. High pressure air and water with a vacuum pump are used to push and pull stains out of fabrics with minimal energy use.
Wet clean cycles are then selected that correspond with the material and treatment required. Most cycles are run at dynamic temperatures.
Our machines initially coat items in a layer of dirt-repelling molecules that prevent stains from re-depositing on the items during processing. A mixture of slow mechanical action, soaking and a shower pump inside the drum gently remove dirt and stains before a final rinse and conditioning.
The garments are then dried using specialised computer programs that analyse the water content of the garment dynamically. The temperature decreases as the cycle progresses to prevent shrinking. After items are dried they are finished by hand using a former that uses steam to remove all creases and relax the fibres into position.