Despite
its name, drycleaning isn't entirely a dry process. Liquid chemicals called
solvents, like perc, remove a variety of stains from fabrics. These solvents
are what clean the clothes without the use of water, which is how the term
drycleaning came about.
Does drycleaning shorten the life of a garment?
The
opposite is true. Drycleaning will actually prolong the life of the
garment.
This cleaning method is good for your clothes, especially fine fabrics
because
it removes stains, body salts, oils and even dust. Stains usually set
with age,
causing embedded dirt in the garment that deteriorate fabrics faster.
Insects,
like moths, are also attracted to soiled clothes causing further damage.
Should I have all matching pieces drycleaned together?
Yes, the
color and sheen will always match when all pieces are cleaned together.
It's
hard to determine what types of dye and what kind of sizing the
manufacturer
uses, so it's better to play it safe. It is also recommended to bring in
matching sets of bedding and drapery treatments. What is Wet Cleaning?
Recent
advances in technology and garment care have resulted in a machine-based
process called "wetcleaning" which uses water as a solvent, instead
of the use of perc. Trained professionals using specialized machines and
formulated detergents and additives are the only ones who can perform wet
cleaning successfully. These programmable machines allow cleaners to customize
settings for cleaning different garments and then each item is machine or hand
pressed.
What causes buttons to break in the laundry?
There are
two main reasons for breakage. One is the way buttons are constructed; many do
not handle the heat involved in professional laundering. They are often
manufactured with little concern for the garment's care and cleaning needs.
Another cause for breakage is that buttons age over time. They will often
become brittle and break merely from wear and tear. Off Broadway Cleaners will replace
shirt buttons for free, without being asked.
How long can I expect a shirt to last?
On
average, a shirt has a life expectancy of about two years. In other words, the
normal shirt should live through 35 to 50 washings which varies depending on
the amount of blemishes from everyday wear, the fiber content, the type of
fabric and the laundering process.
Do you charge extra for same day service?
No, we do
not charge extra but some items require more time and energy to clean, so we
try to avoid "specials" if at all possible.
Why did I get a note for consent returned with my
garment?
Some
stains cannot be removed without the potential for pulling color or changing
the look or texture of the garment. Therefore, we need permission in moving
forward to do the best that we can to eliminate the stain.
Common Dry Cleaning Myths:
Club Soda is water and CO2, which can shrink or warp
clothes that are meant for drycleaning.
Alcohol has decent stain removal properties but if used
improperly, it can alter dyes and discolor fabrics. Many deodorants
contain alcohol and can cause discoloration in fabrics.
Milk, which has been used to remove ink and blood, is a
much harder stain to remove.
Lemon juice has been occasionally effective in removing
rust stains but can cause oxidation and discoloration that may not be
noticeable at first but turns yellow and brown over time.
Soap and water, the best recipe for cleaning many
clothes, doesn't work for "dry stains" such as glue, paint,
make-up, oil and nail polish which will set permanently if not drycleaned.
Ice may work in rare cases for things like chewing gum
but gum dissolves safely and easily in the drycleaning process instead of
you having to chip away at pieces of frozen gum.
Nail polish remover, known for removing make-up, contains
acetone that dissolves fabrics like acetate or rayon.
Hairspray considered effective with ink stains,
contains alcohol and other ingredients with properties that can be
dangerous to many dyes and fabrics.
Salt water has been used to remove wine stains but this
can often set the stain.
Color safe bleach can still remove color, damage dyes
and deteriorate fabrics.
Tricks of the Trade:
Don't ever rub a spot. Rubbing
chafes fabric, especially with the use of paper towels, which can get into the
grain of the fabric. Your best bet is to blot a spill with a cloth and let it
dry. Fine garments should be taken to a dry cleaner immediately.
Hand washing can shrink your clothes
just as your washer can. Water temperature and proper equipment are crucial in
maintaining proper shape for your dedicates. Hand washing with soap can also
set stains, making it harder to remove by professionals.
There are three main causes of shrinkage: Heat,
water and mechanical action. The first time an item is cleaned, washed or dry
cleaned, shrinkage can occur, whether the manufacturer pre-shrunk the item or
not.
