Frequently Asked Questions
For some of your more frequently asked questions, we have some answers! Please select a category from the list below to view the questions/answers for that category. If you ever have a question that you don't see here, do not hesitate to give us a call!
How do you remove smoke or mildew odors?
Odors from smoke or mildew are usually difficult to remove. This is because these odors can often become trapped in textiles, making them impossible to remove by normal cleaning techniques. Most of these odors, however, can be removed by your dry cleaner through the use of ozone generators. Ozone generators work by passing dry air through a high frequency electrical field. The contact between ozone and the odors embedded in the textiles causes oxidation to reoccur, resulting in elimination of the odors and release of oxygen. This service can be costly. However, if the garment is valuable or if you have experienced a disaster such as a fire or flood, you may find it well worth the money.
How do you clean electric blankets?
Before caring for your electic blanket, first read the care instructions that came with the blanket. Usually these can be found on a permanent label, on a temporary hang tag, or on the packaging. If in doubt about how to care for your blanket, consult your professional cleaner. Unless otherwise stated on the care instructions, electric blankets should be machine washed on a gentle cycle and line dried. Do not put your blanket in the dryer. Since the blankets are hung to dry, ironing should not be necessary. Drycleaning is not a good option. Electric blankets are made with electrical wires that are covered with plastic casing. These casings may be solvent-soluble, and when the blanket is drycleaned, they may dissolve and expose the wires. Often you may not be able to see the wires, but when the blanket is later plugged into an electrical outlet, serious problems—a short circuit or even fire—can result.
How do you remove tree sap from carpet?
A real Christmas tree is a beauty to behold. But taking them down can be a real mess and the sap can get into your carpet. There are a variety of stain removal products on the market for removing tree sap. Most are generally available in the cleaning supplies section of your local grocery or hardware store. Before using any stain removal treatment, it is important that you test them in an inconspicuous area for colorfastness. Also, try mixing one-quarter (1/4) teaspoon of mild dishwashing detergent with one cup of lukewarm water. (Caution: Never use a stronger concentration.) Apply a small amount of the solution to a white cloth and blot. Rinse the area by blotting with a towel and cold water until the detergent residue is completely removed. After rinsing, blot the area with a dry towel. Never use laundry detergent or automatic dishwashing detergent because they contain optical brighteners or bleaching agents that may damage the fiber or color. If the stain remains, you can also try mixing two tablespoons of household ammonia with one cup of water and blot. If the stain persists after this process, it may become necessary for you to seek advice from a carpet cleaning professional.
How do you clean pillows?
The filling in bed pillows can be down, foam rubber, foam chips, polyester fiberfill, and kapok. The safest method to clean a pillow is based on the type of filling. If the filling in the pillow is fiberfill it is usually best to launder or remove the filling and replace the ticking. Foam chips can harden with time and begin to crumble. It is probably best not to clean these types of pillows. Down-filled pillows are cleaned using a pillow machine. The down is removed from the ticking and placed directly into the pillow machine. The down is sometimes deodorized with ozone or sanitized with ultra-violet light. The feathers are then blown from the pillow machine into a new ticking and additional feathers may be added to fill out the pillow, if necessary. Washing down pillows can present several problems. The fabric ticking may be too fragile to handle the agitation of washing and tumble drying or so soiled it would be best to replace it. Often the ticking is sized with water soluble sizings. These sizings help hold the down in the ticking. If the sizing is removed in washing, feathers may leak out.
Odors from smoke or mildew are usually difficult to remove. This is because these odors can often become trapped in textiles, making them impossible to remove by normal cleaning techniques. Most of these odors, however, can be removed by your dry cleaner through the use of ozone generators. Ozone generators work by passing dry air through a high frequency electrical field. The contact between ozone and the odors embedded in the textiles causes oxidation to reoccur, resulting in elimination of the odors and release of oxygen. This service can be costly. However, if the garment is valuable or if you have experienced a disaster such as a fire or flood, you may find it well worth the money.
How do you clean electric blankets?
Before caring for your electic blanket, first read the care instructions that came with the blanket. Usually these can be found on a permanent label, on a temporary hang tag, or on the packaging. If in doubt about how to care for your blanket, consult your professional cleaner. Unless otherwise stated on the care instructions, electric blankets should be machine washed on a gentle cycle and line dried. Do not put your blanket in the dryer. Since the blankets are hung to dry, ironing should not be necessary. Drycleaning is not a good option. Electric blankets are made with electrical wires that are covered with plastic casing. These casings may be solvent-soluble, and when the blanket is drycleaned, they may dissolve and expose the wires. Often you may not be able to see the wires, but when the blanket is later plugged into an electrical outlet, serious problems—a short circuit or even fire—can result.
How do you remove tree sap from carpet?
A real Christmas tree is a beauty to behold. But taking them down can be a real mess and the sap can get into your carpet. There are a variety of stain removal products on the market for removing tree sap. Most are generally available in the cleaning supplies section of your local grocery or hardware store. Before using any stain removal treatment, it is important that you test them in an inconspicuous area for colorfastness. Also, try mixing one-quarter (1/4) teaspoon of mild dishwashing detergent with one cup of lukewarm water. (Caution: Never use a stronger concentration.) Apply a small amount of the solution to a white cloth and blot. Rinse the area by blotting with a towel and cold water until the detergent residue is completely removed. After rinsing, blot the area with a dry towel. Never use laundry detergent or automatic dishwashing detergent because they contain optical brighteners or bleaching agents that may damage the fiber or color. If the stain remains, you can also try mixing two tablespoons of household ammonia with one cup of water and blot. If the stain persists after this process, it may become necessary for you to seek advice from a carpet cleaning professional.
How do you clean pillows?
The filling in bed pillows can be down, foam rubber, foam chips, polyester fiberfill, and kapok. The safest method to clean a pillow is based on the type of filling. If the filling in the pillow is fiberfill it is usually best to launder or remove the filling and replace the ticking. Foam chips can harden with time and begin to crumble. It is probably best not to clean these types of pillows. Down-filled pillows are cleaned using a pillow machine. The down is removed from the ticking and placed directly into the pillow machine. The down is sometimes deodorized with ozone or sanitized with ultra-violet light. The feathers are then blown from the pillow machine into a new ticking and additional feathers may be added to fill out the pillow, if necessary. Washing down pillows can present several problems. The fabric ticking may be too fragile to handle the agitation of washing and tumble drying or so soiled it would be best to replace it. Often the ticking is sized with water soluble sizings. These sizings help hold the down in the ticking. If the sizing is removed in washing, feathers may leak out.
I left my pants hanging in the sun and they faded. Why?
Exposure to light may cause color change on fabrics. The change can occur from direct or indirect artificial lighting or sunlight. The color changes to a lighter color, though some shades of blue and green tend to turn a darker color. Some colors are very sensitive to light and fade faster than others. Color changes can occur on any fabric, with silk being the most sensitive. Light fading can be prevented by storing articles in a dark closet or by covering the garments before storing. Do not leave clothes hanging outside or under artificial light, even for a short time. In addition, clothes should not be left in a car where they can be damaged by sunlight.
Can a cleaner dye my garment a darker color to cover some stains that would not completely come out?
There are still a few cleaners who will try to re-dye a garment. There are many different issues that will affect how successful this process will be. The fiber content of the garment, stains, and finishes will all influence the final results. Furthermore, dyeing a garment a darker color will usually not cover up color loss. Dyes cannot recognize that more color is needed in one area over another, and the result could be a garment with uneven color. Moreover, different fibers require the use of different types of dyes. If a dye does not have affinity for the fabric in question, it will result in uneven color. Finally, the color of the garment may also play a role in what the final color will be, which may not meet your expectations.
Can a drycleaner prevent dye bleeding or fading of a fabric?
No. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to thoroughly test the dyes to make sure they are colorfast to both solvent and/or water.
Is it safe to wetclean a garment with “Dryclean Only” care instructions?
When determining if a garment can be safely wetcleaned, the cleaner will look at the fiber content, fabric construction, colorfastness, trims, and other components such as interfacings and linings.
Does frequent drycleaning shorten the life of a garment?
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.
Exposure to light may cause color change on fabrics. The change can occur from direct or indirect artificial lighting or sunlight. The color changes to a lighter color, though some shades of blue and green tend to turn a darker color. Some colors are very sensitive to light and fade faster than others. Color changes can occur on any fabric, with silk being the most sensitive. Light fading can be prevented by storing articles in a dark closet or by covering the garments before storing. Do not leave clothes hanging outside or under artificial light, even for a short time. In addition, clothes should not be left in a car where they can be damaged by sunlight.
Can a cleaner dye my garment a darker color to cover some stains that would not completely come out?
There are still a few cleaners who will try to re-dye a garment. There are many different issues that will affect how successful this process will be. The fiber content of the garment, stains, and finishes will all influence the final results. Furthermore, dyeing a garment a darker color will usually not cover up color loss. Dyes cannot recognize that more color is needed in one area over another, and the result could be a garment with uneven color. Moreover, different fibers require the use of different types of dyes. If a dye does not have affinity for the fabric in question, it will result in uneven color. Finally, the color of the garment may also play a role in what the final color will be, which may not meet your expectations.
Can a drycleaner prevent dye bleeding or fading of a fabric?
No. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to thoroughly test the dyes to make sure they are colorfast to both solvent and/or water.
Is it safe to wetclean a garment with “Dryclean Only” care instructions?
When determining if a garment can be safely wetcleaned, the cleaner will look at the fiber content, fabric construction, colorfastness, trims, and other components such as interfacings and linings.
Does frequent drycleaning shorten the life of a garment?
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.
I wear my rainwear year-round and am not sure how I should clean it. Does it need cleaning since it's waterproof?
Rainwear has become a staple of American sportswear. Before selecting a raincoat, it is important to examine the fabric content to see if it will serve your wardrobe needs. Raincoats today are made of many different types of fabric and often have been treated with special water-repellent finishes. The greatest concern affecting rainwear is that people wait too long before cleaning, thinking the water repellent finishes will prevent soiling. Consequently, dirt is more likely to become embedded into the fabric, making treatment more difficult. Cleaners will often pre-treat rainwear before commencing the cleaning process to prevent stains and soil from becoming set. Also, as rainwear ages, its water repellent finishes may break down. Most dry cleaners have special procedures for re-treating rainwear that has lost its finish. Finally, to extend the life of your rainwear, never store it when it is still wet; instead, brush off excess water and allow it to dry.
I've heard about white garments turning yellow. What causes that and what can I do to prevent it?
Today, almost all white fabrics have been treated with an optical brightener by the manufacturer to intensify their white appearance. Some of these brighteners are unstable and will yellow from age, heat, and light (both natural and artificial). To minimize this potential for yellowing, never place white garments in direct sunlight or artificial light while being stored. Once these brighteners break down and the garment yellows, it is usually permanent. Caution: don't place white garments in the sun to dry or "freshen" because yellowing will occur at an even faster rate when wet.
I brought a pair of tan pants to the cleaners and when I got them back they were green. What happened to my pants?
Very often, two or more colors are combined to give a fabric a desired shade. These tan colored items usually contain wash labels. If the items are washed according to the care instructions they do not lose or change color. If they are dry cleaned, a component of the dye is removed exposing a green color. This may be a progressive condition that only appears after several cleanings.
What is cracked ice and how do you care for it?
A popular type of decorative trim often used on garments is glued-on glitter—often called “cracked ice.” Cracked ice is often used in decorative designs or to give fabrics an added shine. Sometimes the glitter may be applied with an adhesive that will soften in water, so hand-washing may result in a loss of the glitter pattern. It is best to take garments with this type of decorative trim to your cleaner for professional cleaning. Cleaners have the ability to test the trim and adhesives to make sure that they will not be removed by recommended care procedures. However, some garments with this type of decorative trim may not be able to be cleaned by any method without damage.
Why are my clothes not as clean as they should be after washing?
Failing to sort properly, overloading the washer, not pre-treating stains and soils, or not using enough detergent can all result in poor cleaning. To improve cleaning performance, follow these simple tips:
Plastic bags are provided by the cleaner to protect the garment until you get it home and then removed. It is best to store garments uncovered or in fabric garment bags.
Does dry cleaning shrink clothes?
Usually not; the dry cleaning process is carefully controlled by professional cleaners.
Are suede and leather cleaned the same way as other fabrics?
No. Special procedures and additives are used on leathers to help retain their color and texture. Sometimes suede and leather are re-dyed to replace color loss. It is not always possible to replace or match the colors.
When a garment's label says “washable,” does this mean it cannot be dry cleaned?
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 dry cleaned, the cleaner may ask you to sign a waiver.
Can jewelry damage garments during wear?
Undoubtedly, YES! Buttons, baubles, and timepieces can damage beautiful satins, chenilles, or soft wool. The damage can usually be found along necklines or sleeve cuffs where a necklace or watch has been worn.
Rainwear has become a staple of American sportswear. Before selecting a raincoat, it is important to examine the fabric content to see if it will serve your wardrobe needs. Raincoats today are made of many different types of fabric and often have been treated with special water-repellent finishes. The greatest concern affecting rainwear is that people wait too long before cleaning, thinking the water repellent finishes will prevent soiling. Consequently, dirt is more likely to become embedded into the fabric, making treatment more difficult. Cleaners will often pre-treat rainwear before commencing the cleaning process to prevent stains and soil from becoming set. Also, as rainwear ages, its water repellent finishes may break down. Most dry cleaners have special procedures for re-treating rainwear that has lost its finish. Finally, to extend the life of your rainwear, never store it when it is still wet; instead, brush off excess water and allow it to dry.
I've heard about white garments turning yellow. What causes that and what can I do to prevent it?
Today, almost all white fabrics have been treated with an optical brightener by the manufacturer to intensify their white appearance. Some of these brighteners are unstable and will yellow from age, heat, and light (both natural and artificial). To minimize this potential for yellowing, never place white garments in direct sunlight or artificial light while being stored. Once these brighteners break down and the garment yellows, it is usually permanent. Caution: don't place white garments in the sun to dry or "freshen" because yellowing will occur at an even faster rate when wet.
I brought a pair of tan pants to the cleaners and when I got them back they were green. What happened to my pants?
Very often, two or more colors are combined to give a fabric a desired shade. These tan colored items usually contain wash labels. If the items are washed according to the care instructions they do not lose or change color. If they are dry cleaned, a component of the dye is removed exposing a green color. This may be a progressive condition that only appears after several cleanings.
What is cracked ice and how do you care for it?
A popular type of decorative trim often used on garments is glued-on glitter—often called “cracked ice.” Cracked ice is often used in decorative designs or to give fabrics an added shine. Sometimes the glitter may be applied with an adhesive that will soften in water, so hand-washing may result in a loss of the glitter pattern. It is best to take garments with this type of decorative trim to your cleaner for professional cleaning. Cleaners have the ability to test the trim and adhesives to make sure that they will not be removed by recommended care procedures. However, some garments with this type of decorative trim may not be able to be cleaned by any method without damage.
Why are my clothes not as clean as they should be after washing?
Failing to sort properly, overloading the washer, not pre-treating stains and soils, or not using enough detergent can all result in poor cleaning. To improve cleaning performance, follow these simple tips:
- Soak soiled and stained items in cold water prior to the wash cycle.
- Use the double wash feature (if available) to clean heavily soiled items without having to pre-treat stained areas.
- Choose the correct detergent. Granular detergents are best for hard water conditions, while liquid detergents dissolve better in cold water conditions.
- Use extra detergent for heavily soiled clothes, extra large loads, or hard water.
- If the care label does not contain special instructions regarding water temperature, use hot water (whenever possible). Hot water is best for most white fabrics and heavily soiled, colored fabrics. Warm water works well for cleaning most other clothes, while cold water is recommended only for very lightly soiled or brightly colored garments.
Plastic bags are provided by the cleaner to protect the garment until you get it home and then removed. It is best to store garments uncovered or in fabric garment bags.
Does dry cleaning shrink clothes?
Usually not; the dry cleaning process is carefully controlled by professional cleaners.
Are suede and leather cleaned the same way as other fabrics?
No. Special procedures and additives are used on leathers to help retain their color and texture. Sometimes suede and leather are re-dyed to replace color loss. It is not always possible to replace or match the colors.
When a garment's label says “washable,” does this mean it cannot be dry cleaned?
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 dry cleaned, the cleaner may ask you to sign a waiver.
Can jewelry damage garments during wear?
Undoubtedly, YES! Buttons, baubles, and timepieces can damage beautiful satins, chenilles, or soft wool. The damage can usually be found along necklines or sleeve cuffs where a necklace or watch has been worn.
I removed an adhesive nametag from my leather jacket and it left a sticky stain. What can I do to get rid of the stain?
Adhesive name tags can leave a dark spot after removal. Depending on the type of leather and the chemicals used on the name tag adhesive, a professional leather cleaner can determine the likelihood of stain removal. In general, do not use sticky name tags on leather garments in order to avoid such stains.
How do I remove salt rings?
Salt is not soluble in dry cleaning and can only be removed by water. To remove salt rings, your dry cleaner can generally flush the affected areas with steam or water. It is best to leave this procedure to your dry cleaner since certain precautions, such as testing for colorfastness, must be taken. Once the salt has been removed from the fabric, the original color may return.
How do you remove deodorant and antiperspirant residue?
Many people do not realize that prolonged contact with deodorants and antiperspirants may cause permanent damage. The most frequent damage is caused by overuse of these products or infrequent cleanings. To prevent chemical damage, do not overuse the product and allow it to dry before dressing. Wear dress shields with silk garments. To remove residue on washable garments, wash as soon as possible after wear in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Soaking in a detergent containing enzymes or an enzyme presoak may be necessary. If the stain remains, try using three percent hydrogen peroxide or chlorine bleach, according to fiber type or care label instructions. Before using, test for colorfastness by applying to an unexposed area and let stand for five minutes. If the color is affected, do not use this method.
What causes button dye stains?
Button dye stains are caused when dyes on a colored button bleed during cleaning or pressing, creating discoloration on the adjacent fabric. Some dyes used on buttons are soluble in dry cleaning solvents due to being improperly set during manufacturing. In most cases, the dyes on buttons do survive the dry cleaning process.
Adhesive name tags can leave a dark spot after removal. Depending on the type of leather and the chemicals used on the name tag adhesive, a professional leather cleaner can determine the likelihood of stain removal. In general, do not use sticky name tags on leather garments in order to avoid such stains.
How do I remove salt rings?
Salt is not soluble in dry cleaning and can only be removed by water. To remove salt rings, your dry cleaner can generally flush the affected areas with steam or water. It is best to leave this procedure to your dry cleaner since certain precautions, such as testing for colorfastness, must be taken. Once the salt has been removed from the fabric, the original color may return.
How do you remove deodorant and antiperspirant residue?
Many people do not realize that prolonged contact with deodorants and antiperspirants may cause permanent damage. The most frequent damage is caused by overuse of these products or infrequent cleanings. To prevent chemical damage, do not overuse the product and allow it to dry before dressing. Wear dress shields with silk garments. To remove residue on washable garments, wash as soon as possible after wear in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Soaking in a detergent containing enzymes or an enzyme presoak may be necessary. If the stain remains, try using three percent hydrogen peroxide or chlorine bleach, according to fiber type or care label instructions. Before using, test for colorfastness by applying to an unexposed area and let stand for five minutes. If the color is affected, do not use this method.
What causes button dye stains?
Button dye stains are caused when dyes on a colored button bleed during cleaning or pressing, creating discoloration on the adjacent fabric. Some dyes used on buttons are soluble in dry cleaning solvents due to being improperly set during manufacturing. In most cases, the dyes on buttons do survive the dry cleaning process.
Give us a call at 630.232.7490 for all your dry cleaning needs...or you can send us an email.
