The Reason You Should Remove Plastic Packaging from Dry-Cleaned Clothes and Store Them Unwrapped.

As chilly weather sets in, we're gearing up for winter by donning warm clothes. Many people opt for dry cleaning services to keep their clothes in pristine condition. But do you know how to store your clothes after getting them dry cleaned? In particular, it's crucial to understand why keeping dry-cleaned clothes wrapped in plastic is not a good idea. What could be the reasons behind this?

 

For a healthy lifestyle, paying attention to clothing care is just as crucial. Be cautious not to store dry-cleaned clothes in the plastic they came in.

 

Dry cleaning is a method that effectively maintains cleanliness and delicately handles fabrics without causing damage to special materials or designs. However, after the dry-cleaning process, clothes are often handed back to customers wrapped in plastic. Storing clothes in the same plastic is to be avoided, and the reason lies in the chemicals used during the dry-cleaning process, specifically trichloroethylene (TCE) and formaldehyde (HCHO), which may linger on the clothes.

 

During the heat drying process in dry cleaning, TCE may volatilize and adhere to the clothes. Exposure to high concentrations of TCE is known to increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. According to research by the neurology department at the University of Rochester Medical Center in the United States, individuals residing or working in environments with high TCE levels are more than five times more likely to develop Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that TCE infiltrates the brain and destroys dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, raising the risk of Parkinson's disease.

 

Additionally, the distinctive oily smell emanating from dry-cleaned clothes may be attributed to formaldehyde. Classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), formaldehyde, when exposed for extended periods, can lead to allergies, eczema, asthma, and bronchitis.

 

Therefore, upon receiving dry-cleaned clothes from the laundry, it is essential to remove the plastic immediately and allow the clothes to air out for 3-4 hours. If you have a balcony, opening the windows and exposing the clothes to sunlight is advisable, as the volatile organic compound TCE rapidly moves into the air when exposed to sunlight and increased temperatures, effectively eliminating any remaining compounds on the clothes.

 

For a healthy lifestyle, paying attention to clothing care is just as crucial. Be cautious not to store dry-cleaned clothes in the plastic they came in. Removing the plastic and allowing the clothes to ventilate in a well-ventilated space for some time after picking them up from the dry cleaner is beneficial for both the clothes and your health.