Having your clothing properly cleaned and pressed might seem like no big deal, but it wasn’t so long ago that dry cleaning was a new and exciting invention. The process has undergone quite a few changes. Over the years it’s become the convenient, sanitary service it is today.

Below are five highlights of the history of dry cleaning: 

• First Recorded Use in 1690: The first recorded use of anything that closely resembles the dry cleaning processes of today was in 1690 when mineral spirits were used to clean spots and oil stains off of clothing. A far cry from the heavy machinery used today, but the results were similar. 
• Dry Cleaning in France: One of the very first commercial dry cleaning businesses opened its doors in Paris during the 1840s. The firm Jolly-Belin was a pioneer of the European dry cleaning movement, using spirits of turpentine to rinse clothes, then hanging them to dry. 
• First Steam Press in 1903: Due to the fire risk associated with flammable solvents used by many dry cleaning companies, commercial enterprises were in dire need of a solution. In 1903 they saw those needs realized with the invention of the first commercial steam press.
• First Coin-Operated Machine: Fast forward to 1960, when appliance magnate Whirlpool Corporation® introduced the first-ever coin-operated dry cleaning machine. This allowed people to go to establishments and use the equipment there to do their laundry, making it more accessible than ever before. 
• Record Numbers in the 2000s: In the early 2000s, there was a surge in the number of commercial dry cleaning facilities operating in the United States, making it the most popular and profitable form of cleaning in the country. With access to new technology and more efficient machinery, the industry continues to grow here and abroad. 

Whether sanitizing your clothes or pressing your sheets, dry cleaning has a wide range of applications. Learn more about the process and other services through Powell Cleaners in Delaware County, OH. With two locations in Powell and one in Dublin, they’re a convenient stop for alterations and laundry services. Call them at (614) 792-1118 or visit them online for more information.