Types of Dry Cleaning Equipment

Dry cleaning is the process of cleaning clothes without the use of water. Dry cleaning uses a solvent called Perc instead of water or detergent. There are several unique pieces of equipment that are used in the dry cleaning process.

Spotting Board

Before any clothes are dry cleaned, they are thoroughly searched for stains. If any stains are found, they are treated with a stain-removing chemical before being dry cleaned. A spotting board resembles an iron boarding. There is a small storage area where different stain removing chemicals are kept. It also features a small spotting gun that can be used to blow steam and air through the stain to try to remove it if it did not come out during the dry cleaning process. 

Dry Cleaning Machine

A dry cleaning machine is the main piece of equipment used to clean clothes. The dry cleaning machine resembles a large commercial size washing machine. The machine is computerized and features a digital display unit to operate the machine. The clothes are put inside the machine and the Perc is added automatically from a tank located on the machine. The dry cleaning machine also contains a separator tank that is used to catch the dirty Perc. The dry cleaning machine cleans and then dries the clothes all in one process.

Pressing Machine

The pressing machine resembles an ironing board with a retractable lid. The pressing machine features a foot pedal which operates a vacuum which helps hold the piece of clothing in place. There is also a small handle that when pressed closes the retractable lid and sends steam to the item of clothing being pressed.

The Suzy

The suzy is a machine that is shaped like a dress form with a foot pedal. It is used to steam the wrinkles out of dresses, blouses and jackets. A garment is placed on the suzy with any zippers or buttons closed and then the sleeve forming handles are inserted into the sleeves. Next steam is blown through the garment to remove the wrinkles.