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What is dry cleaning?
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| Drycleaning uses solvent instead of water to remove soils and stains from fabric in specially designed machines. In fact, the term "drycleaning" is misleading. It is called drycleaning because the solvent contains little or no water and does not penetrate the fibers as water does. Among the advantages of drycleaning is its ability to dissolve greases and oils in a way that water cannot. The drycleaning process begins with the pre-treatment of spots and stains using special cleaning agents. The garments are then loaded into a machine resembling an oversized front-loading washer. It produces similar mechanical action to loosen embedded dirt. Throughout the cleaning process, the solvent is filtered or distilled to ensure its clarity. The garments are dried in the same machine and should have no residual solvent odor after cleaning.
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Does frequent drycleaning shorten the life of a garment?
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To the contrary, frequent cleaning prolongs the life of a garment. Not only do stains set with age, making the garment unwearable, 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.
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When a garment's label says "washable," does this mean it cannot be drycleaned?
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| 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 drycleaned, the cleaner may ask you to sign a waiver. |
What is the Care Label Rule?
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| The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires manufacturers to attach a permanent label to textile garments that provides directions for their care. According to the 1972 Care Label Rule and its 1984 amendment, manufacturers and importers must list at least one method of safe care for a garment. The Rule covers all textile clothing except footwear, gloves, hats, suede and leather, and household items, such as linens. The Care Label Rule stipulates that the care label is easily found, will not separate from the garment, will remain legible during the garment's useful life, and all parts of the garment must be able to withstand the recommended care procedure. The label must warn about any part of the recommended care method that would harm the garment or other garments being laundered or drycleaned with it. It also must warn when there is no method for cleaning a garment without damaging it. |
May I remove the care label?
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| It is not recommended. Garments are required to have a care label attached at the time of purchase so that you can take care instructions into consideration when you buy an item. Removing the care label entails some risk, as full information or warnings regarding proper care will no longer be available to you or your cleaner. |
The care label on my dress says "dryclean only, exclusive of beads and trim". What does this mean?
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| The care label is intended to give both the consumer and the drycleaner guidance on how to care for the item properly. If a label says "dryclean," this should mean that all components of the garment including the outer shell, lining, buttons, interfacing, fusing material, and trim will be colorfast and will not be altered during cleaning. If a care label excludes components of a garment from being cleaned, you should avoid purchasing the garment. |
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HOW
YOU CAN HELP
Here are some tips that can help you get the most
from your drycleaning dollar.
1.
Bring a garment in for professional cleaning as soon
as possible after staining occurs. Stains and soil
left too long can be impossible to remove and will
shorten the life of your garment.
2.
Discuss any stains with your cleaner. Be especially
sure to point out light colored or invisible spills,
such as those from soft drinks, fruit juices, or white
wine.
3.
Allow perfumes, lotions, deodorants, antiperspirants,
and other toiletries to dry before you get dressed
since these products can contain ingredients that
affect some dyes.
4.
Protect your garments from excessive perspiration,
especially silks, because it can cause many dyes to
discolor.
5.
Have matching pieces cleaned together so that any
color loss will be uniform and pieces will still match.
6.
Protect your garments from prolonged exposure to direct
sunlight or strong artificial light. Keep in mind
that even indoor lighting can affect some dyes.
7.
Don't press stained or soiled clothes. The heat may
set some stains.
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Dry Cleaning Services - Open 7am-6pm Seven Days a Week!
Coin Laundry - Open 7am-10pm Seven Days a Week!
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Copyright
© Infobahn Outfitters, Portions Copyright Apollo Cleaning Center
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