For decades, “dry cleaning” has been the default for many of the clothes we wear to work and special events—suits, blazers, dresses, wool coats, and delicate fabrics that need extra care. And for a long time, most people never asked how dry cleaning works. You dropped items off, picked them up, and accepted the familiar “dry-cleaned” scent as normal.
But garment care is evolving—and it should.
The solvent question (even in “green” dry cleaning)
In recent years, many cleaners have worked to move away from perc (perchloroethylene), a traditional dry-cleaning solvent. That shift matters. However, what’s less understood is that a lot of “green” dry cleaning still relies on hydrocarbon solvents—petroleum-based cleaning agents designed to replace perc.
For some businesses, that’s considered progress. But it’s still solvent-based garment care, and it can still leave a noticeable odor, require extra airing-out time, and raise questions about workplace exposure and customer comfort.
Why we decided to fully transition
At LABADA, we made a clear decision: we fully transitioned our shops to Professional Wet Cleaning.
Not as a marketing trend, and not as a small add-on service—but as a complete shift in how we care for garments. The reason is simple: we believe great cleaning results shouldn’t depend on petroleum-based solvents.
What is Professional Wet Cleaning?
Professional Wet Cleaning is a modern, water-based cleaning process that uses specialized equipment, careful temperature control, and garment-specific detergents to clean delicate and “dry clean” items safely.
It’s not the same as home washing. Wet cleaning is designed to protect the structure, texture, and finish of fabrics that need professional-level handling—while avoiding traditional dry-cleaning solvents.
What customers notice most
When you remove solvent-based processes from the equation, a few practical things tend to stand out:
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Fresh means truly fresh: garments come back clean and breathable, not perfumed-over
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Comfort improves: especially for workwear worn close to the skin
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Less “air it out” time: fewer lingering odors after pickup
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A more modern approach: focused on results and fabric care, not tradition
Why this matters for business owners
If you wear “dry clean” items regularly, you’re likely wearing them for long hours—meetings, client visits, events, travel. Clothing that smells strongly of solvent or heavy fragrance isn’t just annoying; it can be distracting.
And if you manage a team—uniforms, linens, staff garments—your cleaning choices also influence the environment your people work in and what your customers experience.
Efficiency is important. But in our view, it shouldn’t come at the cost of comfort or safety.
A simple takeaway
If you’ve ever picked up a garment and thought, “I need to hang this up before I can wear it,” that’s a sign to explore a different approach.
At LABADA, our goal is straightforward: high-performance garment care that feels clean, smells clean, and wears comfortably—without relying on traditional dry-cleaning solvents.
If you have questions about how wet cleaning works for suits, dresses, wool, silk, or uniforms, we’re always happy to help.