Taking care of your clothing can sometimes be a complicated task. Different kinds of garments call for different ways to store and clean, and dry-clean-only clothing are particularly demanding in care of use, storage and cleaning. If you’re not careful, you could end up damaging these garments beyond repair.
How to Take Care of Dry-Clean-Only Clothing
Dry-clean-only clothing ranges from elaborate dresses to something simple like a t-shirt or jeans. You probably have some in your closet right now. Manufacturers usually indicate this on the tag using symbols or simple instructions. Still, to have a better time making these clothes last longer, we recommend taking a couple of extra precautions.
Change Out of Dry-Clean-Only Clothes Right Away
You don’t need to dry clean these clothes after every wear, so it’s a good idea to change out of them immediately after use to minimize their chances of getting stained. Afterward, hang them up to avoid wrinkling the fabric and keep the clothes fresh and ready for the next use.
Dry Clean the Clothes Before Storing
After use, if you’re going to store the clothing for long periods, make sure you have them dry cleaned first. Your body’s natural oils and other things invisible to the naked eye left on your clothes can cause damage or stains when they’re stored for long periods of time. It’s better to be on the safe side if you want these clothes to last long.
Don’t Treat Stains Yourself
A stain is bound to happen sooner or later. If you do end up getting a stain on these clothes, don’t try to get it out yourself. Even if the stain is minor, it could just be the beginning of bigger problems. Your best bet is to take the item to a dry cleaner before any marks are set any further.
Avoid Washing Dry-Clean-Only Clothes
Always be careful not to wash dry-clean-only clothing. Even if you wash them in cold water, you could still damage the fabric and get it to lose its original quality after a few washes. If, for any reason, you feel you have no choice but to wash the clothing, the best thing you can do is hand wash the garment using a sponge and cool water and hang it up immediately to avoid wrinkles.
Do Not Keep Dry-Clean-Only Clothes in Plastic Bags
If your clothing comes back from the dry cleaners with plastic bags over them, take them out of the bags. Plastic can trap moisture over time that may end up damaging your clothes while in storage. If you’d like to store them in bags, purchase dry clean bags made of special fabric instead.
Make the Clothes (and the Look!) Last Longer
Dry-clean-only clothing requires a lot of care, but when you’re smart about how you store, clean and treat the clothes, you’ll be able to get the most value out of them. With these tips, you can make sure your clothes will keep their quality and last, allowing you to keep that look and outfit in your rotation for longer.
Goodfellow Cleaners has been serving Ottawa residents and businesses for over 25 years. If you’re in need of a Barrhaven-based laundromat that knows how to take care of your precious garments, take them to Goodfellow Cleaners and ensure your clothes get the proper cleaning they need!