johnkim575's Profile

For disclosure I am a dry cleaner.
Unless you are taking your clothes to a cleaner who has a very old machine you should not have any chemicals left in the fabric after dry cleaning. There are EPA rules concerning this.
Yes washing with water is the best solvent, but not for all fabrics, weaves, and finishes. Manufacturers put care labels on them so that you as the customer will have a product that will enjoy for its useful life. I guarantee you that a garment washed will fade and have a much shorter life than something that has been dry cleaned.
Some drapes are stretched at the factory and thus will shrink (relaxation shrinkage) because that tension is lost in the water/tumbling action of the cleaning process. Dry cleaners usually have professional equipment that can put the tension back in after cleaning to minimize any distortion.
Did you know the Federal trade commission has the care label rule to protect you? If you follow the care label and something goes wrong, you have recourse with the retailer/manufacturer. If you do not follow the care label and something happens, well then you are on your own.
Hope that has educated some of you:)