Essential Buyer's Guide: How To Choose A Wet Cleaning SystemEssential Buyer's Guide: How To Choose A Wet Cleaning System

If you're reading this guide, you've likely already accepted the inevitable: the era of solvent-based dry cleaning is ending. You understand the liabilities of toxic dry cleaning chemicals - PERC, hydrocarbon, and other volatile organic compound solvents. You've seen the rising costs of hazardous waste disposal and felt the burden of regulatory compliance. You're ready to make the switch to professional wet cleaning.

The next step is the most crucial: selecting the right equipment. Not all wet cleaning systems are created equal. Investing in a low-quality or incomplete system can result in the same problems you're trying to escape - damaged garments, poor finish, and lost customers.

This guide moves beyond the "why" and focuses on the "how." It details the essential criteria you must use when choosing your next garment care system, ensuring you invest in a solution that's truly professional, profitable, and future-proof.

Defining the Investment: Precision Over Power

The Misconception: "It's Just a Washer and Dryer"

The biggest mistake a buyer can make is equating professional wet cleaning with a domestic or standard commercial laundry setup. A standard commercial washer and dryer lack the fine-tuned controls necessary to clean the delicate, expensive fibres - like silk and wool - that were traditionally reserved for chemical dry cleaning.

Professional wet cleaning is defined by precision engineering. It's a sophisticated, highly automated process that must maintain meticulous control over every step to guarantee the safety of 99.9% of "Dry Clean Only" items. If you're thinking of wet cleaning as just "washing with water," you've already misunderstood what you're buying.

The Key Metric: Total Cost of Ownership

Your investment shouldn't be judged solely on the capital purchase price. A reliable wet cleaning system drastically reduces your Total Cost of Ownership by eliminating the high, recurring costs associated with solvent use:

• Zero Hazardous Waste - Eliminates costly specialist removal fees for toxic still residues
• Zero Permits - Removes the need for Local Authority Permits and annual solvent tracking fees
• Lower Consumables - Replaces expensive, volatile solvents with low-cost, biodegradable detergents
• Lower Running Costs – minimal amount of electrical, water and detergent consumption

When you're comparing equipment prices, make sure you're factoring in what you're not paying for anymore.

Four Essential Criteria for Machine Selection

When evaluating systems, insist on these four non-negotiable criteria to ensure you're purchasing a truly professional solution.

Criteria 1: Micro-Processor Precision and Control

The ability to safely clean delicate fabrics hinges on machine intelligence. A superior wet cleaning system must control four key variables with expert accuracy:

The Buyer's Benchmark - Insist on a system, like the Electrolux Lagoon® Advanced Care, that features built-in programming and automation to manage these four variables, making the process repeatable and safe for every garment.

Criteria 2: Integrated Drying Technology

Shrinkage is often caused during the drying phase by excessive heat, aggressive tumbling, and improper moisture removal. A professional system must handle this process with finesse.

• Humidity Sensing - The dryer must feature advanced sensors that monitor the internal humidity and stop the cycle immediately when the garment reaches the ideal moisture level. This prevents over-drying, which stiffens the fabric and causes permanent shrinkage.
• Temperature Control - The dryer must operate at lower, controlled temperatures to prevent heat damage, preserving the garment's texture and softness.
• Gentle Tumble Action - The drum design and motion must be engineered to minimise physical stress on the fibres while maximising airflow.

The Buyer's Benchmark - Your system must include specialised drying units that work in tandem with the washer, ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining the superior garment feel achieved in the wash cycle.

Criteria 3: Professional Finishing Equipment

The difference between laundered and professionally finished clothing comes down to tensioning and pressing. Without specialised finishing equipment, even the cleanest garments won't look professional enough for commercial customers.

• Tensioning - Finishing equipment must use tension during steaming and drying to maintain the garment's original, sharp shape and size, which is essential after any water-based cleaning.
• Versatility - The equipment must be capable of handling a variety of items, from crisp shirts and structured jackets to delicate knitwear and complicated uniforms.

The Buyer's Benchmark - Ensure your system supplier integrates best-in-class finishing equipment (such as Pony) with the washer/dryer unit. This guarantees you have the proper tools to achieve a beautifully finished garment every time, ready for rapid customer turnaround.

Criteria 4: Process Certification and Validation

Since wet cleaning is a relatively new standard, independent verification is essential to guarantee your investment's capabilities.

• Non-Toxic Certification - The entire system must be certified as non-toxic and environmentally friendly, protecting your staff and eliminating your environmental liability.
• Fabric Safety Proof - Look for systems that have been rigorously tested and verified by major manufacturers to handle the full range of textiles that are designated "Dry Clean Only."

The Buyer's Benchmark - Choose the system that's trusted by the industry leader. The Electrolux Lagoon® system is a globally recognised, certified non-toxic alternative, reducing your reliance on chemical cleaning to almost zero.

Beyond the Machine: The Value of Your Supplier

A successful transition from dry cleaning to wet cleaning isn't simply plugging in new machines. It requires a complete overhaul of your process, training, and maintenance protocols. The wet cleaning supplier you choose is as critical as the equipment itself.

Expertise and Track Record

When evaluating potential suppliers, prioritise proven experience in the wet cleaning niche, not just general laundry sales.

• Installation Volume - Choose the supplier with the most real-world installation experience. Wavepoint Group is the most experienced supplier in the UK, having installed more wet cleaning systems than any other dealer.
• Manufacturer Recognition - Look for official endorsements. Wavepoint Group has been awarded the title of Electrolux Professional's No.1 Wet Cleaning Dealer in the UK.

Training and Support

Wet cleaning is a craft. Without expert guidance, you risk damaging high-value garments and eroding confidence in the new process.

• Specialist Training - Insist that your supplier provides specialised, in-house technical training. Wavepoint maintains an in-house Master Lagooner for all your training needs - one of only four professionals in the UK - ensuring your team is immediately proficient.
• Ongoing Consultation - The supplier must provide continuous support to help you develop specific programmes for new fabrics and troubleshoot complex stains.

Investing in Your Future-Proof Business

The decision to transition from dry cleaning is a strategic one, based on safety, profitability, and compliance. By focusing your equipment research on precision control, integrated finishing, and the verified expertise of your supplier, you ensure your investment is sound.

Wavepoint Group is ready to guide you through every step. Start your journey to a greener, more efficient future today.

Call us at 020 8579 2661 or email mail@wavepointgroup.co.uk