If you have ever stood in front of your wardrobe holding a garment with a dry clean only label and wondered what that actually means, what it costs, whether you really need to do it or whether you could just wash it at home carefully this guide is for you.
We have been dry cleaning professionally in London for over 20 years. From our branches on Kensington Church Street and Marylebone Lane we have cleaned tens of thousands of garments for Londoners across the city suits and coats, silk blouses and cashmere jumpers, wedding dresses and school uniforms, curtains and duvets. We know this subject inside out and we want to share that knowledge as clearly and honestly as possible.
This is not a marketing piece. It is a genuine guide to dry cleaning what it is, how it works, when you need it, when you do not, and how to find a dry cleaner in London that will take proper care of your clothes.
What Is Dry Cleaning and How Does It Actually Work?
The name dry cleaning is slightly misleading. The process is not entirely dry. What makes it different from conventional washing is that it uses a liquid chemical solvent rather than water as the primary cleaning agent. Because water is what causes most fabric damage shrinkage, distortion, colour bleeding and fibre breakdown using a solvent instead allows professional cleaners to safely clean garments that would be damaged or destroyed by conventional washing.
The traditional solvent used in dry cleaning was perchloroethylene, commonly known as perc. Most reputable London dry cleaners have moved away from perc in recent years due to environmental concerns and have switched to safer alternatives including hydrocarbon solvents and wet cleaning methods.
At Burlingtons we use Miele WetCare machines alongside traditional dry cleaning methods. Our Miele WetCare system is an eco-friendly professional wet cleaning process not to be confused with home machine washing. It uses specialist machines, professional detergents and precisely controlled mechanical action to safely clean garments that cannot tolerate conventional washing, using 30 percent less water and 50 percent less energy than standard methods. It is particularly effective for cashmere, silk, wool and structured garments.
The actual process involves placing garments in a professional cleaning machine where they are immersed in solvent or treated with the wet cleaning process, agitated gently to loosen soiling, rinsed, dried in a controlled environment and then pressed and finished by trained staff using professional equipment.
The finishing the pressing and steaming of a garment after cleaning is what gives professionally dry cleaned clothes that look and feel that home washing cannot replicate. A suit pressed by a Hoffman steam press, a shirt finished on a Sankosha shirt press, a coat steamed and blocked to its correct shape these are results that no domestic iron can achieve.
What Does Dry Clean Only Actually Mean?
When a care label says dry clean only it means the garment’s fabric, construction, lining, dye, beading or embellishment cannot reliably withstand water, heat and mechanical agitation. It is not a vague suggestion or a conservative over-caution by the manufacturer. It is a specific instruction based on the properties of the materials used.
Garments most commonly labelled dry clean only include structured suits and jackets, which contain interfacing and canvas that distort when wet. Formal coats and lined outerwear. Silk, chiffon and satin garments where water causes spotting and fibre damage. Heavily beaded or embellished pieces where water and agitation would loosen or damage the decoration. Pleated garments where pleats are heat-set and cannot be recreated at home. Tailored trousers and skirts with a full lining. Velvet and other pile fabrics where water causes crushing and distortion.
If a garment says dry clean only and you wash it at home, you are taking a risk that the manufacturer has specifically warned you against. Sometimes nothing happens. Sometimes particularly with structured, lined or delicate garments the damage is immediate, severe and irreversible.
What Can and Cannot Be Dry Cleaned?
Almost any garment can be professionally dry cleaned. The more relevant question is which garments need to be dry cleaned rather than washed at home, and which can safely be washed at home with care.
Garments that should always be dry cleaned include structured suits and jackets, formal coats and lined outerwear, silk blouses and dresses, satin and chiffon garments, velvet clothing, heavily beaded or embellished pieces, pleated formal trousers and skirts, and tailored garments with full linings.
Garments that can usually be washed at home with care include cotton t-shirts and casual shirts, denim jeans and casual trousers, cotton underwear and socks, bed linen and towels, and most casual knitwear labelled as machine washable.
Garments where professional cleaning is strongly recommended even if not labelled dry clean only include fine wool and cashmere knitwear, merino wool garments, silk at higher price points, structured trousers that need pressing to maintain their line, formal shirts that need professional finishing, and any garment with a stain that has already been through one home wash cycle.
There are very few garments that cannot be dry cleaned at all. Leather and suede require specialist leather cleaning rather than standard dry cleaning solvent. Some rubber and PVC items cannot tolerate the solvent. At Burlingtons we will always tell you honestly if a garment needs a different approach leather shoes and bags for example go through our specialist leather cleaning process rather than the standard dry cleaning machine.
How Much Does Dry Cleaning Cost in London?
This is one of the most searched questions on the topic and one that very few dry cleaning guides answer directly. Dry cleaning prices in London vary between providers and are not regulated, so there is a wide range across the market.
At Burlingtons our prices for the most common garments are as follows.
A two-piece suit is cleaned and pressed from £18. A jacket or blazer from £12. Trousers from £8.50. A formal dress from £14. A coat or overcoat from £16. A silk blouse from £10. A cashmere jumper from £12. A shirt cleaned and pressed from £4.50. A duvet cleaned from £22. A wedding dress from £85.
These are starting prices the final price depends on the garment’s size, fabric, level of soiling and any specific requirements. We always confirm the price before proceeding with any garment.
For a full price list visit burlingtonsdrycleaning.co.uk/price.
London dry cleaning prices are generally higher than in other parts of the country, reflecting the cost of operating in the city. However the price difference between a good quality dry cleaner and a budget option in London is not as large as many people assume and the difference in results and care can be significant.
How Long Does Dry Cleaning Take in London?
Standard dry cleaning turnaround at Burlingtons is two to three working days. This is typical for most quality dry cleaners in London.
If you need a garment more urgently we offer a same-day service for items dropped in before 9am, and a next-day service for items dropped in before 1pm at both our Kensington and Marylebone branches. Call ahead to confirm availability as same-day and next-day services are subject to capacity.
For wedding dresses, heavily stained garments and specialist restoration work, turnaround time may be longer we will always give you a clear timeframe before we begin.
If you use our free collection and delivery service, collection and return typically takes two to three working days from the collection date.
How Does Dry Cleaning Collection and Delivery Work in London?
Free collection and delivery is one of the most practical aspects of using Burlingtons for Londoners who are time-poor or who do not live or work close to one of our branches.
The process is straightforward. You book a collection online or by calling us on 020 7938 2988 for Kensington or 020 7935 6306 for Marylebone. You choose a collection time that suits you. Our driver collects your garments from your home or office. We clean and press everything professionally and return it to you next day or within your agreed timeframe.
We collect from Kensington W8, Notting Hill W11, Holland Park W11, Bayswater W2, South Kensington SW7, Earl’s Court SW5, Knightsbridge SW1X, Chelsea SW3, Marylebone W1U, Mayfair W1K, Baker Street NW1, Oxford Street W1, Regent’s Park NW1, Fitzrovia W1T, Paddington W2, St John’s Wood NW8 and all surrounding postcodes.
The minimum order for free collection is £20. There are no hidden charges or delivery fees. What you see on our price list is what you pay.
What Happens if a Garment Is Damaged During Dry Cleaning?
This is a question we are often asked and one that deserves a direct honest answer.
Reputable dry cleaners carry insurance for garments in their care. At Burlingtons every garment is assessed before cleaning and any existing damage, wear or delicate features are noted. If there is any question about whether a garment can safely withstand the cleaning process, we will tell you before we touch it.
In the very rare cases where something unexpected occurs during cleaning, we deal with it on a personal level. We contact the customer immediately, explain what happened honestly and work to find a fair resolution. We have been serving the Kensington and Marylebone communities for over 20 years. Our reputation is built on trust and we take it seriously.
What customers should know is that reputable dry cleaners will not accept liability for damage caused by pre-existing wear or weakness in a garment that was not visible before cleaning, or for damage to garments that were not correctly labelled by the manufacturer. If a dye runs because the manufacturer’s dye was not colourfast, that is not a result of incorrect cleaning.
The best way to protect yourself as a customer is to use a dry cleaner with a clear track record, to declare any existing damage or concerns when you drop items in, and to check garments carefully when you collect them before leaving the premises.
What Is the Difference Between Dry Cleaning and Laundry Service?
These are two distinct services and the difference matters for both the result and the price.
Dry cleaning uses chemical solvents and specialist professional equipment to clean garments that cannot be washed with water. The process is more expensive per item and takes more time. It is appropriate for structured, formal, delicate or dry clean only garments.
A laundry service sometimes called a service wash uses water, professional-grade detergents and commercial washing machines to clean everyday garments. The result is a properly washed and professionally finished item returned to you clean, pressed and ready to wear. It is more cost-effective for everyday items like shirts, t-shirts, casual trousers, bed linen and towels.
At Burlingtons we offer both services at both our Kensington and Marylebone branches. Our shirt service is particularly popular with London professionals shirts are collected, washed on Primus washers, finished on our Sankosha shirt press and returned hung, folded or boxed as preferred. Many of our customers use the laundry service for everyday items and dry cleaning for their formal wear, sending both together in the same collection.
How to Choose a Dry Cleaner in London
London has hundreds of dry cleaners ranging from large national chains to small independent shops. The quality and care varies significantly. Here is what to look for.
Look for a dry cleaner that is transparent about its cleaning methods. A good dry cleaner will tell you what process they use and why it is appropriate for your garment. Vague answers about chemicals or methods are a red flag.
Look for clear pricing available before you hand over your garments. Reputable dry cleaners do not hide their prices or give you a quote only after cleaning.
Look for staff who inspect and assess garments before accepting them. A dry cleaner who takes your garment without looking at it carefully has not noted existing damage and cannot be held accountable for pre-existing issues.
Look for evidence of proper equipment professional pressing equipment produces a finish that is visually distinct from home ironing. If the finished garments look no better than what you could do at home, the dry cleaner is not using professional finishing equipment.
Look for a clear returns policy and evidence of how they handle complaints. Reviews on Google are a useful guide look specifically for how the business responds to negative reviews.
Ask where the cleaning is done. Some dry cleaning shops are collection points only the actual cleaning is done at a central facility elsewhere. This is not necessarily a problem but it is worth knowing because it affects turnaround time and accountability.
How Often Should You Dry Clean Your Clothes?
This is one of the most common questions we receive and the honest answer is less often than most people think.
Over-dry-cleaning damages fabric fibres over time the cleaning process, however careful, does place some mechanical and chemical stress on garments. The goal should be to clean garments when they need it, not on a rigid schedule regardless of whether they are soiled.
For suits worn regularly in a London office environment, two to three dry cleans per year is appropriate. Between dry cleans, hang the suit after wearing, use a clothes brush to remove surface dust and air it overnight before putting it back in the wardrobe. Steam lightly if it needs refreshing.
For formal coats worn through a London winter, one to two cleans per year one at the start of winter and one before storing for summer is sufficient for most people.
For silk blouses, clean when soiled or when you notice an odour. Do not clean after every single wear if the garment has not been in contact with perspiration or food.
For cashmere and fine knitwear, once or twice per season depending on how frequently you wear it. Air between wears by laying flat or hanging briefly in a ventilated space.
For shirts worn against the skin, clean after every wear this applies whether you use our laundry service or wash at home.
Dry Cleaning in London What Makes It Different From the Rest of the UK
London presents specific dry cleaning challenges that do not exist to the same degree anywhere else in the country.
The weather is the first factor. London’s damp cold winters mean woollen coats, cashmere knitwear and suede boots get heavy regular use and are exposed to more moisture, salt and rain than in warmer or drier parts of the UK. Salt tide marks on leather and suede, rain damage on structured garments and mildew on stored items are all more common in London than elsewhere.
The lifestyle is the second factor. London professional life involves formal wear suits, structured jackets, tailored trousers being worn and put under pressure daily. Client meetings, evening events, networking, travel. Garments that in other parts of the country might only be worn occasionally are worn weekly in London and need professional care to maintain their appearance.
The cost of wardrobes is the third factor. In Kensington, Marylebone and the surrounding areas, wardrobes tend to include significant investment pieces quality suits, designer garments, luxury knitwear, fine silk. The cost of replacing a damaged garment in this context is significant. Professional dry cleaning is not an expense it is an investment in protecting what you already own.
Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaning in London
Environmental awareness around dry cleaning has increased significantly in recent years and rightly so. Traditional dry cleaning solvents, particularly perchloroethylene, have well-documented environmental and health concerns. Responsible dry cleaners have moved away from these solvents and adopted cleaner alternatives.
At Burlingtons we use Miele WetCare professional wet cleaning as our primary method for delicate garments. This system uses biodegradable detergents, no harsh chemical solvents and significantly less water and energy than both traditional dry cleaning and standard home washing. It is the most environmentally responsible professional cleaning method currently available and produces results that are genuinely superior to traditional dry cleaning for most garment types.
When choosing a dry cleaner in London, ask about their cleaning methods and solvents. A transparent, responsible dry cleaner will be happy to explain exactly what they use and why.
For most everyday garments cotton t-shirts, casual trousers, underwear, bed linen home washing is perfectly appropriate when done correctly at the right temperature. For structured suits and jackets, formal coats, silk, satin, cashmere, velvet and any garment labelled dry clean only, professional dry cleaning is necessary to maintain the garment’s structure, appearance and longevity. Attempting to home wash these items risks permanent damage that is far more expensive than the dry cleaning cost.
Check the care label first. A circle symbol means dry clean only. Beyond that, use common sense about the garment’s construction. If it is structured with interfacing, if it is fully lined, if it is made from silk, cashmere, velvet or satin, if it has fixed pleats or heavy embellishment dry clean. If it is casual cotton or machine-washable knitwear — home wash at the correct temperature and cycle.
Professional dry cleaning and stain treatment can remove most stains, particularly when garments are brought to us promptly before the stain has been set by heat or a previous wash cycle. Some stains — particularly those that have been through a tumble dryer, very old stains and certain dyes that have transferred onto fabric cannot be fully removed even with professional treatment. We will always tell you honestly before we begin whether we believe a stain can be removed and to what degree.
Traditional dry cleaning solvents are not appropriate for all materials leather, suede, and some rubberised fabrics require different specialist processes. At Burlingtons we assess every garment individually and use the most appropriate cleaning method for its specific fabric and construction. Our Miele WetCare system is used for delicate fabrics that would benefit from wet cleaning rather than solvent cleaning.
Tell them about any specific stains what the stain is, how old it is and whether it has already been through a wash. Point out any areas of existing damage, wear or delicacy such as loose buttons, delicate embellishments or areas where the fabric is thin. If you have a preference for how the garment is pressed or finished hung, folded, boxed let them know. The more information you give, the better the outcome.
Remove the plastic protective cover as soon as you get home leaving garments sealed in plastic long-term prevents fabrics from breathing and can trap moisture, leading to mildew and yellow staining over time. Hang structured garments on proper shaped hangers. Fold knitwear rather than hanging hanging wet or heavy knits stretches the shoulders. Store in a cool, dry, dark wardrobe away from direct sunlight which fades colours.
A faint chemical smell immediately after dry cleaning is normal and will dissipate within a few hours when the garment is aired. If the smell is very strong or persists for more than a day, it may indicate that the solvent was not fully removed during the finishing process. Air the garment thoroughly in a ventilated space. If the smell persists, contact your dry cleaner.
Home dry cleaning kits sold in supermarkets such as Dryel are not true dry cleaning. They are essentially a steam-based freshening treatment that can remove light odours and very minor surface soiling. They cannot remove stains, they cannot clean heavily soiled garments and they cannot provide the pressed finish of professional cleaning. They are useful for refreshing a garment between professional cleans but they are not a replacement for professional dry cleaning.
Look for dry cleaners with a clear track record evidenced by genuine Google reviews. Read how they respond to both positive and negative reviews — the response to negative reviews tells you a great deal about how a business handles problems. Ask about their cleaning methods, look for transparent pricing and choose a dry cleaner who takes time to inspect and assess your garments when you hand them over. A dry cleaner who accepts your items without looking at them carefully is not giving your clothes the attention they deserve.
