Six truths about dry cleaning

1. Club soda is not a cure-all stain remover.

Successful stain removal depends largely on the nature of the stain, the type of fabric, and colorfastness. Home remedies more often makes the situation worse, not better. If you must do something – never rub a stain. Blot the stained area. This may help remove some of the staining substance while avoiding damage to the fabric. Bring a stained garment to us as soon as possible to prevent the stain from setting. We are trained and equipped to deal with stains, and if anyone can safely remove them, we can.

2. There is such a thing as an ‘Invisible’ Stain.

Some stains caused by beverages, food, or oily substances may not be visible after they dry. But later, with exposure to heat or simply the passage of time, a yellow or brown stain will appear. This is the end result of oxidation or caramelization of sweetening agents. It is the same process that makes a peeled apple turn brown after exposure to air.

Please point out spills such as those from, fruit juice, soft drinks, other beverages and food stains that may not be visible after they are blotted or allowed to dry. ‘Invisible stains’ require special attention. If we don’t know about it we can’t fix it, so let us know if you spilled something.

3. It’s not ok to put a garment away without being cleaned.

Every year we see garments that weren’t “dirty when I put it away for the summer,” only to be taken out in the fall full of holes and stains.

The smallest unseen food crumb, body oil, perspiration, or other spillage invites insect damage even in the cleanest of homes.

4. Care labels are not always correct.

Most manufacturers never test garments (they are not required to) before the required care label is attached. The U. S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) only requires that a manufacturer have a ‘reasonable basis’ for their care instructions. Sometimes it’s right and sometimes it’s wrong. We always attempt to alert our customer to a potential cleaning problem beforehand.

5. Always clean all matching pieces of a garment or home furnishings at the same time.

We understand that only the pants or skirt was soiled and the jacket was still ‘clean.’ Or, just the bedspread was dirty. The rest of the bed set did not need cleaning.

However, we strongly suggest that all matching or coordinating items are cleaned at the same time. This way any color changes, however minimal, will be uniform.

6. We’re not casual about casual wear.

Sure, you may be able to wash your casual clothing at home, but time spent doing that along with the most hated household chore – ironing – only takes away time from family and other pursuits.

We have the skills and equipment to make your clothes look and feel their best by creating a finish and cleanliness that simply cannot be duplicated with home care.