A: Professional cleaning is a lot more than one process. We employ a number of techniques to give your garments that "like new" appearance. Professional cleaning can be broken down into three general categories –dry cleaning, wet cleaning, and laundering.
A: Dry cleaning uses fluids to remove soil and stains from fabric. In fact, the term "dry cleaning" is misleading; it is called dry cleaning because the fluid contains no water and does not penetrate the fibers as water does. Most machines today wash and dry the garments in the one continuous process known as “dry to dry”.
A: It’s the term used by professionals for washing clothing in water. Like in the dry cleaning process, wet cleaning starts with the pretreatment of spots and stains using special cleaning agents. We use specially formulated detergents from Sanitone® and gentler agitation for delicate fabrics. Wet cleaning is the most effective method to remove water-based stains.
A: Special detergents, additives, and finishes set commercial laundry apart from home laundering. Starch, if requested, is added during the wash cycle, so the entire garment receives the treatment. The garments are still damp when pressed. Shirts are put on a series of presses that dry the garment during the process, which gives the crisper finish.
A: On the contrary, frequent cleaning prolongs the life of a garment. Not only do stains set with age, making the garment not wearable, but ground-in dirt and soil act as an abrasive, like sandpaper, causing rapid wear of fibers. Also, insects are attracted to soiled clothes and will cause further damage.
A: Not necessarily. The Care Label Rule states that only one suitable method of care must be on the label. Cleaners usually follow the care instructions, unless otherwise requested. If you want your washable items dry cleaned, the cleaner may ask you to sign a damage waiver.
A: No. Special procedures and additives are used on leathers to help retain their color and texture. Sometimes suede and leather are dyed to replace color loss. It is not always possible to replace or match the colors.
A: No. The dry cleaning process is carefully controlled by professional cleaners. Excessive shrinkage is usually caused by improper preshrinking by the manufacturer.
A: Club soda is usually the first thing people reach for and it is often a mistake! Club soda is effective on some drink spills and assorted food stains but it can also “set” stains, spread them and make their future removal difficult. You’re better off doing nothing to the stain.
A: I spilled spaghetti sauce on my blouse during lunch and I had to go back to work, what should I do? When you put water on a napkin and rub the stain, you rough up the fabric, dull the dye and break hundreds of fibers. If the blouse is washable, then use a little water to dilute the stain and then stop! If the blouse can only be dry cleaned, then blot it with a dry napkin and try to leave it alone and take it to be cleaned as soon as possible.
