Timeless Advice on Caring for Your Clothes

Timeless Advice on Caring for Your Clothes

It is impossible to keep all garments spot free. Here are some timeless tips to help keep your clothes looking like new.
 
Blot, never rub a stain
The first thing to do if you’ve spilled something on your clothing is to remove as much as possible of the spilled substance by blotting with absorbent towels. Paper towels are best, terrycloth towels are also effective and linen napkins are better than nothing – but they are not very absorbent. Blot by pressing a towel onto the spill area. Holding another towel under while pressing on top is the most effective technique. Most importantly, never rub. Rubbing a fabric can quickly cause damage to the color or texture of the rubbed area. Wash or dry clean the garment as soon as possible to prevent the stain from becoming set.
 
Tell us everything you know about the stain
Even if the stain is obvious, tell us anything you know about it including the staining substance, home stain removal attempts, and how long ago the stain occurred.
 
Don’t allow a stain to set in:
The sooner a garment is cleaned, the more likely the stain will be removed. Do not iron stained or soiled clothes; this will set stains and drive the soil deeper into the fabric. It is not recommended to try home remedies on dry clean-only garments.
 
Take note of invisible stains and tell us about them
Sometimes stains seem to disappear when they dry. If possible take note of any stains and point them out to us. We will then know to treat the “invisible” or lightly stained areas prior to cleaning. Watch out for stains from white wine, soft drinks, and sugary substances, as these tend to become “invisible.”
 
Never remove a care label
Care labels are permanently attached to garments for both you and us as your drycleaner. Even if you never plan on having your garment dry cleaned, the care label has valuable information that will be helpful to you. click here to decipher care labels.
 
Do not store your clothes in a plastic bag
The plastic bag we use to protect your garments should be removed when you get home. Garments should be stored in cool, dry places. Have items cleaned prior to storing them and do not keep them in places where there is excess heat or moisture, such as in attics or basements.
 
Prevent prolonged exposure to light
Many white garments are treated with optical brighteners that yellow when exposed to heat or light. Be sure not to leave these garments in direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time.
 
Have matching pieces cleaned together
Matching pieces in suits, skirts, shirts, and even drapes and bedspreads should be cleaned at the same time. Normal fading may occur whether through washing at home or dry cleaning.
 
Protect your clothing
Avoid contact with deodorant, perfume, and hair products, especially on silk items. The alcohol in some of these products can affect some dyes as well as cause stains. Body oils and perspiration can also create a permanent yellow discoloration. Whitening toothpaste, chlorinated pool water and household cleaners with bleach can also cause color loss. Tip: Use garment shields when possible.
 
Check for tears, rips and loose buttons
We will look over your garments for these flaws, but two sets of eyes are better than one. Tip: Save the extra buttons you get with new clothes in a specific spot in your home. It makes it easier to find them when you need them.
 
Thanks to the Dry Cleaning & Laundry Institute for their timeless advice. We’ve taken the liberty to add our wisdom to their list.