The official website for Renzacci UK Plc, Renzacci UK Logistics Limited and Renzacci UK Holdings Limited
With an array of different solvents and processes to choose from, this decision can seem confusing to any business owner with no industry knowledge. Renzacci UK will give you all the information you need using plain English and without the jargon.
Below we have set out the basic information with all the pros and cons of each method, but our sales team will be happy to explain in further detail and answer any questions you may have.
If you opt for a traditional solvent-based dry cleaning process, the main solvents used in this area are explained below.
Otherwise known in the industry as 'Perc', this is the most commonly-used solvent in the UK today. Over 95% of independent dry cleaners use this solvent. However, it’s important to note that Perc is under increased pressure with many European countries to phase it out for greener alternatives.
Pros | Cons |
Faster Cleaning Process | More statutory controls required to use and operate |
Ideal for heavily soiled fabrics and work-wear processing | Staff health and safety procedures required |
Excellent for every day general drycleaning | Annual license fee of approx. £130-£150 to use this solvent |
Less machine space required | Annual statutory machine service required |
Saves on spotting procedures | Additional costs of specialised waste disposal |
Lower start-up machine costs | Perc machines cannot be converted to use other solvents |
Cheaper solvent compared to alternatives to purchase |
Hydrocarbon is a solvent with excellent cleaning ability, but you should expect a 25% longer processing time as additional spotting is required.
Pros | Cons |
Gentle cleaning action | Machines larger and more expensive to purchase and run |
Machine is compatible with other alternative solvents like K4 | Staff health and safety procedures required |
Additional costs of specialised waste disposal | |
Annual statutory machine service required | |
Additional costs of specialised waste disposal | |
Annual license fee | |
More complicated machines to use | |
Longer cycle times compared to Perc | |
Higher energy usage |
What does it mean? Wet Cleaning has been around since the 90s, but it is not to be confused with laundry cleaning as there are some inherent differences. Our Wet Cleaning systems use water and specially-formulated detergents to clean traditional ‘dry clean only’ fabrics. So it does the same as Perc, Hydrocarbon and K4, but does not use solvents, only water and soaps.
Pros | Cons |
Environmentally sound as the system does not use solvents, only detergents that can be discharged through the normal drainage | Not 100% of all dryclean only items can be processed |
No waste collection requirements therefore no on-costs | |
No statutory controls to run the system | |
No licence required | |
Pleasant working environment for workers | |
Natural finish to fabrics | |
Wet cleaning machines can be used for standard laundry services including duvet and services washes | |
No annual statutory machine service required, although an annual service is recommended the time the service takes is much shorter. Therefore the cost is significantly reduced | |
Additional business opportunities/revenue streams, as items like leathers, suede, wedding dresses, trainers and Ugg boots can be processed successfully | |
Energy efficient on both water and electricity |
Laundry fabrics are fabrics that are not ‘dry clean only’ items, but still need to be cleaned. The difference between laundry and Wet Cleaning is mainly around the detergents that are used and the garments cleaned. Many dry cleaners offer a laundry service to their clients, with shirts and flat work (table clothes and sheeting) generating a significant revenue stream.
Pros | Cons |
Environmentally sound as the system does not use solvents, only detergents that can be discharged through the normal drainage | Dryclean only items cannot be processed using laundry equipment, unless using a Wet Cleaning system that can process both |
No waste collection requirements therefore no on-costs | |
No statutory controls to run the system | |
No licence required | |
No annual statutory machine service required although an annual service is recommended | |
Additional business opportunities/revenue streams for business to business ventures |
Pixie Green Dry Cleaning & Laundrette were keen to completely revamp their business and deliver a range of high quality services, including dry cleaning, Wet Cleaning, ironing, alterations and more, using only the best quality equipment.
Renzacci UK Plc, 9 Marlin Park, Central Way, Feltham, Middlesex, TW14 0AN, UK
Company Number 01042547 registered in England