Most of us have experienced it: you pick up a suit, blazer, dress, or wool coat from the cleaners and it comes with that familiar “freshly dry-cleaned” scent. For years, many people (including us) assumed that smell was proof something was extra clean.
But here’s the reality: that “dry-cleaned” odor often isn’t a cleanliness signal at all. It can be a mix of residual cleaning solvents and added fragrances designed to mask or replace odors.
Why some dry cleaning has a chemical smell
Traditional dry cleaning has often relied on chemical solvents—commonly perchloroethylene (perc) and, in other systems, hydrocarbon solvents. Even when clothing looks spotless, small amounts of solvent can remain in fabric. Some of these compounds are categorized as VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which is one reason garments may smell strong right after cleaning—and why some people prefer to hang clothing up to air out before wearing it.
To be clear: not every item cleaned with a solvent will smell, and not every cleaner operates the same way. But if you’ve ever noticed a sharp or “chemical” scent after pickup, it’s not just your imagination.
Our goal: clothing that smells like… nothing
When we think of “fresh,” we don’t think of perfume or chemical notes. We think of fabric that feels clean, comfortable, and ready to wear immediately.
That’s one of the reasons we made a big decision: we fully converted our shops to professional wet cleaning technology.
What is professional wet cleaning?
Wet cleaning is a modern, professional cleaning method that uses water-based processes, specialized detergents, and carefully controlled equipment to clean delicate garments safely—without relying on traditional dry-cleaning solvents.
It’s not the same as washing at home. Professional wet cleaning is designed to protect the structure, texture, and finish of garments that are traditionally labeled “dry clean,” while still delivering the level of care you expect from a cleaner.
Why we converted completely
We converted fully to wet cleaning because it aligns with what we believe “clean” should feel like for our customers:
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Less lingering odor: garments come back truly fresh, not masked by fragrance
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Comfort you notice: especially for workwear worn close to the skin
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Gentle, fabric-conscious care: the process is controlled and garment-specific
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A modern approach: focused on results, not just tradition
If you wear dry-clean-only items, here’s a simple tip
After cleaning, pay attention to how your clothing feels and smells. If you notice you’re airing things out before wearing them, it might be time to explore a different cleaning approach.
At LABADA, our aim is simple: clean clothing that’s ready to wear—without the chemical “hangover.”
If you have questions about how wet cleaning works for specific items (suits, dresses, wool, silk, uniforms), we’re always happy to help.