Beads and Sequins

Some trims, like beads or sequins, are made from plastics that dissolve in the traditional dry cleaning process. We have an alternative cleaning solution in place of the solvent commonly employed by the industry. This solution is less aggressive on textiles and trims. For your garment to be processed safely, this is the method we would use.

 

Bridal gowns

Proper care of the wedding gown is often forgotten after the wedding. For best results, the gown should be processed as soon as possible. Stains will set with time, and hanging in a wardrobe can eventually cause oxidation.

 

Home Spotting & Colour Loss

We regularly receive garments with colour damage from our customers that have attempted to remove a stain by rubbing. We would not recommend home spotting, as damage to the fabric may occur, especially on fabrics such as cotton, linen and silk. Once the colour is gone, it can be difficult to correct. In some cases, colour loss is not as evident until after the cleaning process as the rubbing loosens the colour pigmentation in the fabric. If the spill needs to be treated on the spot, be careful. Sometimes emergency touch-ups will set a spot, making it impossible to remove

 

Discolouration

Some garments become discoloured under the arm area. Once the colour is gone, normally nothing can return it to its original appearance. Perspiration and/or deodorants usually cause underarm discolouration. Underarm shields can help provide protection, and it also may help to apply deodorant several minutes before dressing.

 

Elastane/Spandex/Lycra etc

Fabrics that contain elastic type products have a shorter lifespan. From time to time, poorly manufactured fabrics will not withstand the cleaning process and can cause the elastic to protrude out of the fabric within the first few cleans giving it a furry appearance. In many instances, this elastic breakdown can occur prior to cleaning, just from wearing the garment.

All elastic “relaxes” during the dry cleaning and washing process, but good quality elastic will last through many cleans. If the elastic on any garment lasts for a very short time it would be considered a fabric fault not the designers fault and it should be returned to the point of sale.

 

Ink

We would not recommend home spotting for ink stains as some products can set the stain, making it more difficult for us to remove the ink. Our success rate will vary depending on the type of ink and the amount of ink absorbed into the fabric.

Insects

Clean clothes are the first step to preventing moth and other insect damage. Insects can damage clothes either directly or indirectly. Direct damage is caused by a group of insects feeding directly on a fabric. Indirect damage is caused when insects feed on spilled food or perspiration on the fabric. Moths attack the garment directly, especially wool and wool blends. Often the damage is not apparent until the garment is washed or cleaned.  

 

Invisible Stains

Be extra careful when something spills on your outfit and dries invisibly. Sometimes later that night or the next day you might think, “oh, good, it didn’t stain.” Remember where the stain was on your garment and tell your professional drycleaner. In most cases, we can spot the area and still get the residue out before it becomes more of a problem. Quite often invisible stains will re-appear after the dry cleaning process. Once visible we can attempt to remove the stain. By not having your garment dry cleaned, the invisible stain may also re-appear in time as colour loss/discolouration or yellow/brown stain which would be difficult to remove.

 

Storage

Don’t store your garments for long periods of time in the plastic or poly bags you get from the cleaners. This covering is to keep the garments clean while at the shop and for the ride home, but the plastic does not “breathe.” Moisture can build up in the bag and damage fabric. For long-term storage, it’s better to place your clothes in paper bags or folded in boxes. When storing out-of-season items, make sure they are freshly washed or dry cleaned. Stains will set with age, and any food particles will attract insects — the insect damage will show up at the first washing or cleaning. Also, it’s a good idea to store all garments out of light (natural or artificial), which can fade colours. One last tip: anything knit should be folded, not hung, as knit garments may stretch out

 

Suits

It is important always to process both pieces of a light-coloured outfit together. Slight colour changes can occur for several reasons, including a change in optical brighteners. If the garments are dark, the same changes may not be noticeable. The exception is suede or leather, in which case any matching items should be processed at the same time.

 

Sunlight

The sun can be damaging to the dyes on many items in a short period of time. Even hanging in a car window for as little as one day can make a difference on some garments. Remember to store all garments out of natural or artificial light

 

Tablecloths

Customers sometimes ask us if treating tablecloth stains at home makes it easier for us. Normally, the best thing to do is to let the professionals do their job. Even wax is no problem for the professional cleaner. Bringing the item in as soon as possible does help, as time will set stains. Washing household items at home can have disappointing results. The commercial cleaning and finishing equipment is designed to give you a professional result.

Wax

Wax in itself is not a problem for your professional drycleaner. The cleaning solvent we use will dissolve wax. If the wax was coloured, the dye might be a problem.

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