Dry Cleaning in Lebanon: Suits, Dresses, and Delicate Fabrics

True dry cleaning uses a chemical solvent — historically perchloroethylene (perc), now increasingly hydrocarbon or silicone-based — rather than water. It cleans wool suits, silk dresses, and delicate trims without shrinkage or distortion.

What needs dry cleaning

• Wool, cashmere, and tailored suits
• Silk dresses and ties
• Heavily structured garments (blazers, coats)
• Beaded, embroidered, or sequined pieces
• Some "dry clean only" linings and trims even when the outer fabric is washable

What you can usually skip

• Modern cotton shirts (a proper laundry service is often better)
• Most polyester blends
• Knit T-shirts

Choosing a cleaner

• Ask whether they actually dry clean on-site or send out — turnaround and consistency vary.
• Smell the shop. A strong chemical odour can indicate poor ventilation or aged solvent.
• Check for hand-finishing — pressing is half the visible result.
• Get a written tag with delivery date and stain notes.

Tips

• Point out stains and tell the cleaner what they are — coffee, oil, wine, ink — to choose the right pre-treatment.
• Don't over-clean. Frequent dry cleaning shortens garment life. Steam and spot-clean between cleanings.