The spelling of the word "drycleaning" may initially seem confusing, but it is actually quite simple once broken down. The word is made up of two separate words - "dry" and "cleaning." The "y" in "dry" represents the /aɪ/ sound, while the "e" in "cleaning" represents the /iː/ sound. When combined, the two words create the word "drycleaning," which is pronounced as /draɪˈkliː.nɪŋ/. This process of combining two words into one is known as compounding, and is common in English language.
Drycleaning is a specialized cleaning process used to remove dirt, stains, and odors from delicate fabrics and textiles without using water. It involves the use of a solvent, typically perchloroethylene (commonly known as “perc”) or less frequently hydrocarbon solvents, that dissolves oils, grease, and other substances that regular washing cannot effectively remove. The term "dry" refers to the absence of water, as this cleaning method does not involve immersing the clothing in liquid.
The process begins with the pre-treatment of stains and spots, which are individually and meticulously addressed before the garment is immersed in the solvent. The garment is loaded into a machine known as a drycleaning machine or drum, where the solvent is continuously circulated to ensure thorough cleaning. Once the cleaning cycle is complete, the garment is then extracted to remove excess solvent and is carefully dried using warm air. After this, the clothing may undergo professional pressing or ironing to restore its shape and give it a crisp appearance.
Drycleaning is commonly recommended for delicate fabrics such as silk, wool, cashmere, rayon, and garments with intricate designs or embellishments that may be damaged by regular washing. It is also often chosen for items that are difficult to wash at home, such as suits, dresses, coats, formal wear, and special occasion garments. Drycleaning not only cleans the clothing effectively, but it also helps to prolong its life by preventing shrinkage, color fading, and distortion that can occur with other cleaning methods.
Overall, drycleaning is a trusted and effective method for maintaining the cleanliness, quality, and longevity of delicate and high-end garments, allowing them to look their best and last longer.
The word "drycleaning" is a compound word comprising "dry" and "cleaning".
The term "dry" originates from the Old English word "dryge", which means "free from moisture" or "to dry". This term eventually evolved into "dry" in Middle English.
The word "cleaning" traces back to the Old English verb "clǣnsian", which means "to cleanse" or "to make clean". This word is related to the Old High German word "klenian" and the Old Norse word "klensa".
The process of drycleaning, as we know it today, originated in the mid-19th century. It involved using chemicals and solvents, rather than water, to clean fabrics and remove stains. The term "drycleaning" was coined to describe this process, highlighting the absence of water in the cleaning method.