Opening a Dry Cleaning Business? Don’t Choose the Machine Before Understanding the Chemical System

The objective is not to find a chemical that works with the machine after purchase. It is to build a compatible garment-care process from the beginning.

What Types of Chemicals Does a Professional Garment-Care Business Need?

There is no universal set of professional dry cleaning chemicals that every new store should purchase.

Requirements depend on the machine, approved solvent system, garments being processed, stains encountered and the procedures used by the business.

Instead of thinking in terms of a fixed chemical list, understand the main roles chemicals can play in the process.

Machine-approved solvent system

The solvent system is central to the cleaning process. The specific solvent used must be compatible with and approved for the particular equipment.

A startup should therefore confirm compatibility before purchasing either the machine or its related consumables.

Detergents and additives

Depending on the approved process, suitable dry cleaning detergent or other supporting products may be used as part of professional garment processing.

Their use and dosage should follow the requirements of the chemical supplier and equipment/process being used rather than a universal formula.

Spotting chemicals