When doing dry cleaning, you use a chemical called perchloroethylene (perc, for short), a hazardous chemical that can end up in our waterways. That said, dry cleaners must take precautions to avoid accidents and workplace or home hazards. Remembering these tips will help!
What’s the Fabric?
Different fabrics will react differently to the same care treatments. That’s why it’s important to know what your fabric is made of before you start treating it. The care label is your fabric’s best friend, so get to know it well.
A few different fabrics require professional dry-cleaning to keep them looking their best. These include silk, wool, velvet, acetate, rayon, and taffeta.
Look at the Label
If a care label says “dry clean,” you may be able to do dry cleaning at home. To do this, check the fabric is colorfast before washing the item. You can test this by putting a small amount of water in a hidden spot. If you see any dye coming off, proceed with dry cleaning, as the colour can cause the fabric to run and damage.
Prep the Clothes
Before sending laundry to the dry cleaners, ensure the following:
- Familiarity with the kind of fabric.
- A completed patch test in an inconspicuous area.
- Follow the instructions on the label.
- There are no valuables in your pockets, and all your belongings are in good condition.
- Don’t put gum or makeup in the washing machine because it will ruin the clothes.
- Dry clean ties and suits together, so they don’t get mixed up with other clothes.
- The location of any stains with pins or tape is marked if you want to take your clothes to a professional cleaner. These will help the cleaner identify the stains and choose the best cleaning method.
It’s also a great idea to let the cleaner know about the stain’s origin, so they can avoid using any methods that might damage the fabric.
Say No to Cold
If you dry clean your clothes, make sure to use hot water. Cold water can damage clothes and make them more likely to shrink. Hot water will remove stains more effectively and won’t damage your clothes.
Use the Right Products
Dry-cleaning products can effectively remove stains, but you must ensure that you use them correctly. Read the product label slowly and follow its instructions to the letter. Otherwise, you could end up damaging your clothes.
The at-home dry-cleaning kits are an alternative to professional dry-cleaning. They are cheaper, but they are not as effective. The kits come with a standard dryer, and they work by steaming the clothing. Some of the kits work differently from others. Make sure to read the clothing care instructions that come with the kit.
Washing machines are now very efficient, so you don’t need to use much detergent. You can remove stains with heat and pre-treatment. Bleach only removes the colour of stains, not the stain itself. When using bleach, only use a small amount on the affected area and rinse it immediately.
Lastly
For best results, always get your clothes laundered at a dry cleaner. They have the expertise and equipment needed to clean various garments, pieces of clothing, and stains, like Goodfellow Cleaners! We dry clean regular and valued clothes from shorts and t-shirts to drapes, pillows, duvets, suits, and wedding gowns! Book now by visiting our website.