dry-clean
B1formal/informal (context-dependent)
Definition
Meaning
to clean clothes or fabrics using chemical solvents instead of water
to professionally clean items using non-aqueous methods; metaphorically, to sanitize or purify without conventional washing
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies professional service; rarely used for home methods. Often associated with delicate or expensive garments.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical; 'dry cleaner's' is common in both for the establishment.
Connotations
Associated with care, expense, and professionalism.
Frequency
Slightly more common in urban contexts where such services are readily available.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + [object][verb] + [object] + [adverbial]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “dry-clean only (care label)”
- “good enough to dry-clean”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Dry-cleaning services saw a 15% increase in revenue.
Academic
The preservation method involved dry-cleaning the historical textiles.
Everyday
I need to dry-clean my suit before the wedding.
Technical
Perchloroethylene is commonly used to dry-clean industrial fabrics.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The tailor advised me to dry-clean the velvet waistcoat.
- We dry-clean the office drapes quarterly.
American English
- You should dry-clean that silk blouse.
- They dry-cleaned the antique lace tablecloth.
adverb
British English
- The coat was cleaned dry-clean only.
- Handle dry-clean carefully to avoid shrinkage.
American English
- The dress is labeled dry-clean only.
- Clean it dry-clean to preserve the beading.
adjective
British English
- The dry-clean process is gentler on delicate fibres.
- Look for the dry-clean symbol on the label.
American English
- She prefers dry-clean methods for her suits.
- The dry-clean service offers same-day pickup.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My jacket says 'dry-clean'.
- I take my shirts to dry-clean.
- You must dry-clean this wool sweater to avoid damage.
- The dry-clean shop is closed on Sundays.
- Having the wedding dress dry-cleaned preserved its intricate embroidery.
- Modern dry-clean techniques use eco-friendly solvents.
- The museum conservator opted to dry-clean the tapestry rather than risk aqueous methods.
- Regulations govern the disposal of dry-clean chemicals.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DRY-CLEAN = Does Really Yield Clean Look, Expertly And Neatly.
Conceptual Metaphor
CARE IS PURIFICATION WITHOUT DAMAGE
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid literal translation 'сухая чистка' in formal contexts; use 'химчистка'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'dry-clean' for ordinary washing
- Incorrect: 'I dry-cleaned my jeans at home.'
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of dry-cleaning?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally no; dry-cleaning requires specialised equipment and solvents, so it's done professionally.
Traditional methods use chemicals like perchloroethylene, but many cleaners now offer 'green' alternatives.
It means the garment should only be cleaned using professional dry-cleaning methods, not water-based washing.
Only when visibly soiled or after several wears; over-cleaning can damage fabrics.