Methods
What is professional wet cleaning, and what does EU Ecolabel mean?
A short, practical overview of professional wet cleaning as a method, protection of delicate textiles and what EU Ecolabel covers.
Published
What is professional wet cleaning?
Professional wet cleaning is a professionally controlled treatment with water. It is not ordinary machine washing: temperature, mechanical action, time and dosage are controlled in programmes developed for professional textile care, and special products are used for the purpose. The treatment takes place in our own production in Roskilde, where we also finish and inspect the textile before it is handed back.
How do you protect delicate textiles?
Delicate fibres such as wool, silk and viscose react to water, heat and mechanical action. That is why we use products developed for the purpose — including SEITZ products with EU Ecolabel, which are used for professional washing and professional wet cleaning of delicate fibres. In addition, there is low mechanical action, controlled temperature, precise dosage and a drying and finishing process that suits the material.
What does EU Ecolabel (the EU Flower) mean?
EU Ecolabel (the EU Flower) is the EU’s official ecolabel. You can compare it with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, which is the official Nordic ecolabel. The labels are not identical, but both are based on documented environmental requirements. For washing and cleaning products, EU Ecolabel sets requirements for ingredients, dosage, packaging and environmental impact, among other things. Products with the label must also meet performance requirements. We use products from SEITZ, among others, including products with EU Ecolabel, for washing and professional wet cleaning. An ecolabel is not in itself a guarantee of allergy-free or fragrance-free treatment. If you have a known allergy, fragrance sensitivity or particular sensitivity, tell us before the treatment, and we can tell you which products are relevant for the job.
Why do we use several treatment methods?
We have dry cleaning, washing and professional wet cleaning in our own production, and the three methods are professional options side by side. Some textiles are best served by dry cleaning, others by washing, and others again by professional wet cleaning. The advantage of having all three in-house is that the choice can be made based on the textile rather than on what equipment is available. In the professional wet cleaning process we work with low-temperature programmes and precise dosage.
The method is always chosen based on the textile
The right method always depends on the fibre, construction, lining and details, the type and age of the stains, and the care label. If you are in doubt, you are welcome to ask us — feel free to tell us what the stain is and how old it is. Read more about the methods on the dry cleaning and washing page, see how we work on the environment and responsibility page, or find more articles under Knowledge and advice.