Steaming clothes is not the same as dry cleaning. Steaming kills germs and removes wrinkles. Dry cleaning uses chemicals to clean clothes that can’t be washed with water. Steaming refreshes clothes; dry cleaning deeply cleans them. Dry cleaning removes stains better than steaming. You can DIY dry cleaning using steam and Dryel. Steam, made at 212 F, kills flu virus on clothes. Check care tags to see the hottest water for washing. Steaming does not shrink clothes. Dry cleaning costs $300-$600 on average for a dress. Dry cleaning uses chemicals; dry wash does not.
Can Steaming Replace Dry Cleaning?
Yes! Steaming kills most germs and removes wrinkles from items that aren’t best suited to launder or dry clean. Steaming clothing is a great way to save money and keep your clothes looking their best.
Pricing can also vary slightly depending on the market you are in. But take care when using the appliance, because the steam can burn you. Steam is efficient, gentle and safe on most garments.
After tackling any stains, you can DIY the effect of dry cleaning by using steam, which brings a garment bag, moistened cloth, and the heat of your dryer to launder your delicates. Steaming is chemical-free, kills most germs, and removes odors.
However, a steamer can never remove deeply set-in stains. In this regard, dry cleaning is the only option for a complete cleanup.
Many carpet manufacturers recommend steam cleaning. For general maintenance, dry cleaning is quick; however, it is only a surface clean. For a deep clean, professional steam cleaning is best.
Steam cleaning lifts stains without releasing too much moisture into upholstery. The heat helps to remove any dirt or stains from fabric. This makes steam cleaning ideal for delicate fabrics or clothing with intricate designs.
Comparing Dry Cleaning and Steaming
Dry cleaning removes 99% of dirt, dust, and contaminants from clothes by suction. Steam cleaning uses high-pressure water to remove contaminants.
Dry cleaning is generally more expensive than steam cleaning. Unlike some dry cleaners, Legend Cleaners is a hazardous chemical-free dry cleaner.
Dry cleaning removes oily and greasy stains that water may not. Steaming is best for light stains and odor. The powerful steam kills bacteria in fabric.
Dry cleaning is more convenient than steam cleaning because it does not require water or special equipment. You can drop clothes off and pick them up cleaned and ironed.
Dry cleaning takes longer than steam cleaning because the dry cleaner has to press clothes to remove wrinkles after cleaning.
Dry cleaning uses less water and requires fewer supplies. With dry cleaning, carpets are ready for use almost immediately since there is no drying time.
Steam cleaning may cost more due to equipment and water usage. But it cleans dirt and kills bacteria and fungus in carpets.
Dry cleaning actually uses heat, not steam, to clean clothes. Most people think it uses steam.
Where does the dirt go when steam cleaning? It is broken down by the heat but remains in the area. You need to manually wipe or vacuum it.
Steam cleaning requires the carpet to be dry before stepping on it. This can take hours. Open windows and turn on heat to speed drying.
Dry cleaning is surface cleaning. It’s good for high-traffic areas needing fast dry times. Steam cleaning is best for a full clean. Most manufacturers recommend it.