What is dry cleaning?

 

Dry cleaning is a cleansing process that uses a solvent to clean clothing. Solvent is run through the garment and then extracted along with dislodged oils, food, dust, and other unwanted dirt particles. Since soap & water are not used in the process, it's called “dry” cleaning. The dry cleaning process starts when you drop your clothing off; first it's tagged and then sorted by whether it needs to be dry cleaned, laundered, pressed, or altered. After the drop-off stains are pre-treated (note – it's very important you point out stains and label what the stain is so that it is treated properly) and the clothing is loaded into large machines where they sit in baskets and rotate in solvent – the solvent is then drained using centrifugal force (shirts and other cotton garments are more often simply laundered with water and soap – it's less expensive and does the job without damaging the fabric). A good cleaning facility will then inspect clothing for any remaining soiled spots and post-treat if necessary. Next the clothing is lightly steamed, pressed, and ironed where applicable.

 

 

What is (knit) blocking?

 

Blocking (knit blocking) is the process of applying moisture (usually steam) and even pressure to change the size or shape without altering the item but rather by redistributing the knit weave. Blocking can be done after a garment is created or to maintain its appearance

 

 

I brought my clothes in for cleaning and they now have spots that were not there

before. What happened?

 

Among dry cleaner's worst enemies are "invisible stains" like spray from a grapefruit or apple, hair spray or perfume. It is normally these types of stains that consumers see on freshly cleaned garments, making them protest, "That wasn't there when I gave it to you!" "Invisible" stains such as fruit juice; hairspray or cologne can reveal themselves when exposed to heat during processing. These stains cannot be removed by dry cleaning alone, a specialized treatment is necessary. If you are aware of such a stain on one of your garments, please inform your technician so they may remove the potential discoloration before the stain sets.

 

 

I'm ready to store my out-of-season garments. Do I need to clean them prior to

storing?

 

It is extremely important to have your garments cleaned prior to placing them in storage. Even if clothing appears to be clean, invisible stains and debris such as perfume, body oil, food stains, etc. can discolor and ruin fabric.

 

Does dry-cleaning shrink clothes?

 

No, not if the dry cleaning process has been carefully controlled. We have the latest in dry-cleaning equipment in each of our operations. They are all computer controlled with specific programs for each different garment and fabric type. Our dry cleaning technicians have been fully trained and have years of experience in handling even the most problematic and difficult fabrics and garments. You can have confidence when you leave your clothes in our care.

 

 

What causes a “puckering” and excess fabric in shirt collars and cuffs?

 

This is caused by excessive shrinkage of the interfacing within the collar and cuffs. The manufacturer must select an interfacing, which is compatible with the shirt fabric.

 

It seems most of my blouses and dresses are either rayon or silk. Should they be

dry cleaned or washed?

 

Both silk and rayon fibers clean very well. However once the fiber has been woven into fabric and it is dyed and treated with various sizing, it becomes a whole different ballgame. It is important that the care label instruction on the garment be followed. This is where we, as your professional drycleaner, are best in making that decision. We are the drycleaner you can trust!

 

Why did the beads on my silk sweater lose color when I had it cleaned?

 

The dyes used to color beads, buttons, and sequins, do not always perform the same way as the dyes used in the fabric of a garment. Some dyes are not resistant to dry cleaning fluid. General fading, dulling of the finish or even entire color loss can occur. Worse yet, in some cases, the color transfers from the trim and permanently stains the garment. The Care Label Rule clearly states that the care instructions must apply to all component parts of the garment, including any attached decorative trim. Do not hesitate to return this garment to the retailer for an adjustment. The retailer should likewise return it to the manufacturer.

 

A dress of mine was dry cleaned and after cleaning, the shoulders were a lighter

shade than the rest of the dress, what happened?

 

The dyes on acetate and other blends of fabric are sensitive to the effects of nitrogen oxide gas found in the air. These gases are formed when air comes in contact with a heated surface, such as a furnace in the home. The gases collect on the fabric as it is stored in a closet. This type of color change may not be noticed until the garment has undergone the cleaning process. Unfortunately, this color change cannot be reversed.

 

When a care label describes a cleaning process which includes “except for trim,”

how should the garment be cleaned?

 

Unless the care label describes what must be done with trim, the label does not meet the legal requirements for garment care labels and should not be purchased, or if purchased and worn should be returned to the retailer. At times trim can be removed, for additional cost, and then reassembled. We might ask you for a release recognizing possible problems in cleaning.

 

What can be done to minimize pilling?

 

Pilling of a fabric occurs when groups of short or broken fibers on the surface of the fabric become tangled together in a tiny ball called a pill. Pilling results from rubbing (abrasion) of the fabric during normal wear and use. While pilling cannot be eliminated it can be minimized by proper handling during washing of the fabric/garment. Before laundering, turn the garment inside and out. Use a slower agitation and a shorter wash cycle. And, remove the garment from the dryer as soon as it is dry. To remove any pills on fabric, pull the fabric taut over a curved surface and carefully cut off the pill with scissors or shave the fabric surface with a safety razor. There are also battery operated pill removers, which shave the pills much like an electric razor. However, it's important to understand that once you remove the pills, they can come back. So you may find that you'll have to remove pills from time to time to keep your garment looking fresh and new. If you don't feel you are able to perform this process at home, bring the sweater us.