|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dry cleaning is the use of solutions to remove soil and stains from fabric. It’s called “dry cleaning” because the solvents contain little or no water and do not penetrate the fibers as water does.
Dry cleaning solutions actually dissolve grease and oils and remove them from garments. Water can’t do this. Natural fibers such as wools, silks and cottons will often shrink, distort, and lose color when washed in water, but will dry clean beautifully. Synthetic fibers such as polyesters and rayon also respond well to dry cleaning. These fibers often retain oily stains after washing, but dry cleaning will remove these stains.
A dry cleaning machine looks much like a very large front loading washing machine. It produces a similar mechanical action to loosen embedded dirt. At the same time, the dry cleaning solution is filtered continuously to ensure its clarity.
Consumer Information on dry cleaning and clothing care:
For comprehensive consumer information about dry cleaning and clothing care, the Better Business Bureau has excellent information geared toward the consumer. This information can be accessed at this BBB link.
|
|
|
The Top Ten Ways You Can Help Us Care For Your Clothes
|
|
1. Have your clothes cleaned frequently. This actually prolongs their life… as soil and stains left too long are sometimes impossible to remove and will cause abrasion of the fabric and can wear out the fibers.
2. Discuss ANY stains with your dry cleaner. Be especially sure to point out light-colored or invisible spills such as from soft drinks or white wine. These stains contain sugar, which can caramelize and turn brown with the heat of drying unless flushed out before dry cleaning.
3. Bring your garments in for professional care as soon possible after staining occurs.
4. Avoid letting your garments come in contact with products containing alcohol such as perfumes, hair spray, colognes and lotions. When these products dry they are invisible and will leave spots after being cleaned. Always apply these products before getting dressed and allow them to dry.
5. Allow deodorants and antiperspirants to dry before dressing.
6.Protect your clothing from excessive perspiration. The chloride salts in perspiration can seriously weaken delicate fabrics and can also cause dyes to change colors.
7. Protect your clothing from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or strong artificial light. Bright colors, especially blues and greens tend to oxidize and fade.
8. Never iron stained or soiled clothing…this only sets the stain.
9. Do not store your clothing in plastic bags. Fabrics, especially natural ones like cotton and linen need to breathe. Keep the paper shoulder covers on clothing if your are storing them for the season. This will keep dust and damaging light off your garment.
10. If possible, try to have matching garments cleaned together. This applies to clothing as well as to household items such as bedspreads, pillow shams and draperies.
|
|
|
|
|
Here are some good tips on caring for your coat:
Keeps coats clean. Snow and wet conditions can threaten the life of your coat. Salt, sand and dirt should be gently removed as soon as possible.
Let coats breathe. Hang them with one to two inches between each hanger.
Never leave your coat in a car or trunk on a hot day - especially if it is wet. The combination of getting wet, being crumpled and exposure to excessive heat generally results in shrinkage, loss of shape and a musty smell.
Water repelling your coat can help keep dirt and soils at bay. It's important to have water repelling done after each cleaning. But remember, 'water repel' does not mean 'water resistant,' so don't stand under a waterspout in your favorite coat unless you like a streaked look.
Leather, suede and fur coats require special processes. Leave the cleaning of these items to your clothing care professional.
Most importantly, follow the care instructions on your coat's care label.
|
|
|
With the changing of the seasons comes the changing of your wardrobe. Following are some tips for storing garments:
Always clean your clothes before you store them, either by laundering or professionally dry cleaning. Many food and beverage stains as well as body oils left on the garment may oxidize over time and can leave a yellow or brown stain. Once these stains oxidize they are difficult if not impossible to remove. In addition, insects are attracted to these types of stains and can cause fabric damage.
Do not store your garments in plastic bags. Plastic prevents air circulation and may allow moisture to collect and mildew to form. Use the dust covers that come with your drycleaning orders to protect garments from dust.
Avoid storing clothing where they can be exposed to potential problems such as the following:
Light Fading: Many dyes are sensitive to sunlight or artificial light and may fade in a relatively short time. Fading occurs on only one side of the fabric and only where the edge is exposed to the light source. Fading cannot be corrected. To prevent it do not store clothing in direct sunlight and make sure the closet light is turned off.
Fume Fading: Much like light fading, but it appears as a color change instead of color loss. Fume fading occurs when garments are exposed to by-products of combustion such as exhaust and heating fuels. Also like light fading, it cannot be reversed. To prevent fume fading do not store clothing near ducts, furnaces, chimneys or in garages.
Chose the correct method of storing:
Knitted garments should be folded, never hung. Fold as little as necessary and fold on seams if possible.
|
|
|
Have you ever been told that too much cleaning can reduce the life of your clothes? Claims have been made stating that agitation, heat and chemicals can have a negative effect on the life expectancy of clothes. The truth is cleaning can help prolong the life of your clothing.
Here are some facts:
Stains set with age – by cleaning your garments frequently, stains are much more likely to be removed. In addition, ground-in dirt and soil act like abrasives, or sandpaper, on your clothes and will cause rapid wear of fibers.Always clean your clothes before you store them, either by laundering or professionally dry cleaning. Many food and beverage stains as well as body oils left on the garment may oxidize over time and can leave a yellow or brown stain. Once these stains oxidize they are difficult if not impossible to remove. In addition, insects are attracted to these types of stains and can cause fabric damage.
Insects like stains – microscopic insects love to feed on your clothes. They are attracted to unattended stains and can cause damage to fibers. Frequent cleaning keeps clothes fresh and insect free.
We’re nice to your clothes – a person is more likely to wear out a garment with regular wearing before it will wear out from frequent cleaning.
Don’t Press It – some people think that pressing a garment is all that’s needed to make it look wearable again, but if you press an item before it is cleaned it is very likely that stains and other dirt, such as body oils, will be set permanently. A Fabricare article published by the International Fabricare Institute illustrates this point – “Picture a white T-shirt that you’ve worn four days in a row and then take an iron and iron the underarm areas. Is that T-shirt ready to be worn another four days in a row now?"
Proper care and regular cleaning of your clothes really does extend their life and keep you looking your best.
Another concern many customers have when it comes to their clothing is how long will their clothing last. Following are life-expectancy figures for some common garments. These figures are based on normal wear and cleaning. This information is provided by the International Fabricare Institute.
Dress shirts: 2-3 years
Blouses: 3 years
Dresses: 2-3 years
Formal Wear: 5 years
Sweaters: 3 years
Sport Coats: 3-4 years
Slacks: 2-3 years
|
|
|
When shopping for clothing, what’s the first thing you look for in a garment? Perhaps fashion or style – that brand name pair of jeans; usefulness – a pair of slacks that matches three of your shirts; or need – a new business or travel outfit. The next thing you probably look for is the price – is it affordable or not, are you getting quality for your money? Most people stop here when making their clothing purchase – but there’s one other important thing to consider – the care label.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that manufacturers attach a permanent label to garments that provides directions for their care. The Care Label Rule stipulates that the care label:
*must be easily found
*will not separate from the garment
*will remain legible during the garment’s life
*must warn against any part of the recommended care method that woulddamage any part of the garment or other garments being cleaned with it
*must warn when there is no method for cleaning a garment withoutdamaging it
A garment may be safely cleaned by several methods, but manufacturers are only required to list one method of safe care no matter how many other methods could also be safely used. The manufacturer is also not required to warn against other care procedures that may not be safe.
What this can do is make caring for your clothing seem very confusing. Following are some Care Labels that you might want to be watchful for:
Spot Clean Only - To spot clean a garment, the spotting solution is applied to the soiled area. Normal drycleaning flushes out the spotting solution along with the stain. To ‘spot clean only’ means that the solution cannot be flushed out – and often you are left with a ring around the stain. In addition, ‘spot clean only’ means that odors will never be cleaned out of the garment. Garments with this label are not serviceable and are meant for one time wearing. Unfortunately, this label often appears on more expensive items such as prom dresses and formals. Please be very skeptical when purchasing these garments.
Do Not Dryclean – Often garments with this label contain dyes which are not colorfast in drycleaning solutions. This is normally not a problem unless you get a stain on the garment that will not come out in wetcleaning or washing. If the garment needs to be drycleaned in order to remove a spot, the color might be removed as well. You might also see this care label on a garment with beading, sequins or other trim. Decorations such as these might be dissolved in some drycleaning solutions. However, at the Your Valet locations that use the GreenEarth method of cleaning, beads and sequins clean beautifully and colors stay put!
Do not wash-Dryclean Only – This label, like the above one, will only cause a problem if a certain type of stain gets on the garment. Dryclean only garments such as wool, silks, rayon or angora are susceptible to shrinkage and distortion if washed in water. Wet-side stains such as foods, beverages, perspiration or water may be difficult to remove on these garments.
Dryclean – Exclusive of Trim – Care labels must include all components of the garment, including non-detachable linings, trim and other decorations. Any special considerations for such components should be contained in the instruction as a warning –i.e. “remove trim.” A detachable component, such as a zip-out lining
Should You Remove The Label?
It’s best if you don’t. Removing the label entails some risk as full information or warnings regarding proper care will no longer be available to you or your drycleaner. If the label is scratchy or uncomfortable, try snipping off the corners. If you must remove the care label, keep it handy so you can show it to your cleaner when you bring in the garment.
What If The Label Is Followed And Damage Occurs?
Remember, the care label instructions should apply to the entire garment. If you or your drycleaner followed the care instructions on the label and damage occurred you should return the garment to the store where you purchased it from and explain what happened. If the store will not resolve the problem, ask for the manufacturer’s name and contact them either by mail or via the internet. Often, your drycleaner can assist you with this. It is also important to know that while sometimes damage can occur on the first cleaning, it can also occur on the third, fifth, or tenth. The garment should withstand the cleaning method regardless of its age.
For an extensive explanation on care labels and related topics visit the FTC’s section on “Textile, Wool, Fur and Apparel Matters” at
http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/textilejump.htm
For an explanation of the ASTM Care Label Symbols, click here
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1996/12/label.pdf
|
|
|
Whether you are accessorizing a room, or matching a bedroom set, draperies can be a stylish addition to your home. Drapes, however, can be a costly investment and if you make or purchase your draperies, there is some important information to consider when buying, maintaining and cleaning your draperies.
Buying Your Drapes
When shopping for drapes, or drapery material, know what you are looking for. Ask about the fabric’s colorfastness and if it’s pre-shrunk. Find out if the drapes are sun-resistant and what their overall resistance to light is. Lined drapes, though more expensive will last longer than unlined drapes. Finally, ask about the suggested care process. A variety of draperies are combined with insulating backings or linings. Again ask about any separate care processes as sometimes these coatings can react adversely in both drycleaning and washing.
Maintaining Your Drapes
The Fair Claims Guide issued by the International Fabricare Institute (IFI) states that the life expectancy for lined drapes is five years, for unlined drapes it is four years and for sheers it is only three years. So many factors contribute to the life expectancy of your draperies that it is important to clean them frequently. IFI suggests cleaning them at least once a year and that vacuuming them between cleanings will help you get the most from your draperies.
Cleaning Your Drapes
This brings us to the most important thing that you can understand about your drapes….their “Invisible Enemies!” Though it may sound silly, draperies have a number of environmental conditions in the household that can cause problems. The sun can weaken, fade and streak the draperies. Sometimes this is not noticeable until after the soil in the drapes has been removed. Also, the weakened fabric may shred when exposed to the agitation of cleaning. If your drapes are exposed to water or condensation, water stains may become apparent after cleaning. Gases, fumes, open fireplace, wood stoves and tobacco smoke can all contribute to a yellowing of the fabric. Finally, as we discussed in the ‘Buying’ section, if your drapes have not been pre-shrunk, you can expect some shrinkage. Sometimes the drape shrinks more than the lining, causing a puckering effect.
Because of the many problems that can be encountered when cleaning draperies, most drycleaners will ask you to sign a release before cleaning. But, with the proper care in buying, maintaining and cleaning you can get the most out of your drapery purchase.
Information provided by the International Fabricare Institute and the BBB.
|
|
|
CARING FOR YOUR HOUSEHOLDS
Your bedroom households serve many functions: bedspreads, comforters and blankets keep you warm in the winter months, duvets, shams and dust ruffles add decoration and handmade or antique quilts have a sentimental feeling. Unfortunately, these bedroom favorites are not covered by the Care Label Rule, and as a result, consumers may find caring for them difficult.
The first step in caring for your households is knowing what to look for when you purchase them:
*Read all care instructions prior to purchase. Care instructions may be found on a temporary label, a hang tag, or on the packaging. After purchase, if the labels are on the packaging or are removed because they are scratchy or unsightly, it is best to keep them in your linen closet or laundry area.
*If possible, make sure a bedspread has been preshrunk. Shrinkage of two or three percent can easily occur after cleaning if the fabric was not properly stabilized during manufacturing. This may cause the spread to not fit properly or appear much too small.
*Make sure down or fiber-filled bedspreads and comforters are well-quilted. A comforter with poor construction and insufficient quilting can cause the down to shift, lose shape, or become matted. Preferably, quilting stitches should run both vertically and horizontally with quilting lines about eight to 10 inches apart. Finally, check the strength of the stitching.
*Check the content label to see what type of batting the bedspread uses. Some bedspreads and comforters contain wool batting, which can shrink and distort if machine washed.
The next step in caring for your household is knowing what kinds of problems can occur with cleaning:
*Many bedspreads and comforters contain a special glazed finish called chintz to give them a special sheen and luster. Unfortunately, many of these finishes have a limited durability to cleaning procedures. Once removed, the bedspread fabric may take on a dull, chalky appearance and become susceptible to pilling (the formation of small balls on the fabric surface). This is why it’s important to keep and follow the care instructions carefully.
*Another problem you may experience is distortion of the filling due to the presence of heat-sensitive fibers. Bedspreads and comforters containing these types of fibers will often show noticeable puckering or shrinkage after acceptable drycleaning, washing or drying procedures.
*Comforters and bedspreads may sometimes experience fading during acceptable care procedures. This type of fading occurs when the dyes or pigments applied during manufacturing are not colorfast to drycleaning or washing procedures. Your cleaner may be able to determine whether an item is susceptible to color loss by conducting colorfastness testing.
*Comforters and bedspreads may also experience shrinkage after a care process. Shrinkage can result if the item was not preshrunk during manufacturing, or if the item contains wool batting or heat-sensitive fibers.
The last step involves caring for your households properly:
*Again, follow the care instructions carefully.
*Tailored and quilted bedspreads, as well as comforters that are too large for home machine washing, should be taken to your professional cleaner.
*Clean or launder all matching or coordinated items (pillow shams, dust ruffles, curtains) together to ensure that any color loss or sheen loss will be uniform.
*Before cleaning, inspect the comforter for cuts, tears, or weak areas. A quilted article becomes quite heavy when immersed in solvent or water and, during cleaning, these small rips, tears, and holes can enlarge.
*Clean spots and stains quickly to prevent permanent damage to the textile and color.
*Remember that light exposure, atmospheric conditions, and time alone can affect dyes and cleaning performance.
*Duvets or zip-on covers can be purchased to help protect down comforters. These covers can easily be removed for regular cleaning and slipped back on.
*Blankets should be cleaned before storing away for the spring. Soiled blankets placed in storage attract insects and stains can set and weaken fabrics
*If in doubt about cleaning a comforter, check with your professional cleaner. Through adequate testing and expert cleaning procedures, your cleaner can prevent many of the problems mentioned.
Caring for hand-made and antique items:
Handmade quilts need to be treated with great care. If the fabrics were not prewashed before the quilt was made, all colors should be checked for colorfastness. Gently rub a wet cloth over a small area in each section of the quilt. You will see if any of color comes off. Since quilts are made up of many pieces of cloth, it is necessary to test all sections. Some dyes will run in water and mild detergent, while others will run in drycleaning solvents. If you decide washing is safe for all colors and fabrics in the quilt, fill a tub with water and mild detergent. Gently work the detergent and water into the quilt. Drain the water and fill with fresh water rinsing thoroughly until the water is clear.
If there is any question about the condition of the fabric and its ability to be cleaned, don’t take a chance. Hang the quilt out to air dry instead.
Antique quilts should be cleaned by someone experienced in dealing with older textiles. How a quilt will withstand cleaning depends on its construction, fiber content, past treatments, and storage. Some older quilts may contain worn fabrics, making them very fragile. They may also contain a wool filling that will shrink when exposed to heat, strong detergents, and agitation. Some may contain fabrics that have never been cleaned, such as the older chintz applique quilts, in order to maintain their shiny finish and color. In some cases, only light vacuuming can be used to clean them. Consult an expert before doing any type of cleaning.
Proper storage of hand made quilts helps keep them safe for future generations to enjoy. Quilts should be stored in a clean, cool, dark area free of drastic temperature and humidity changes. This rules out the attic or basement. Fold or roll the quilt onto a cardboard cylinder covered with acid free tissue paper. Wrap in acid free tissue or sheets or pillow cases that have been washed many times with no bleach or detergents containing bleach. The quilt should be refolded several times a year to prevent permanent creases and splits in the fabric.
Caring for your pillows:
If your pillows are synthetic filled, you can wash and dry them. The thickness and density of pillows means that you will need extra rinse and dry cycles. If you have natural filled pillows, like down or feathers, they should be sent to the drycleaner where the ticking is removed and the feathers sanitized.
Pillows are best protected from dust and dirt with a pillow protector and pillowcase. When proper care is taken, it is recommend to clean pillows at least once a year. Freshening up your pillows by airing them out on a dry, sunny day is also a good idea.
|
|
|
Leather and Suede coats are expensive investments and they can be costly to clean. Professional leather and suede retailers recommend cleaning coats every two years. In between cleanings there are some things you can do to care for your items:
1. If lightly soiled – for leathers, remove salt deposits and other stains from your leather jacket as soon as possible. Wipe the leather with a damp sponge and allow the jacket to air dry. For suede, use a dry towel only and brush the suede in one direction.
2. If coat becomes wet – allow to air dry in a temperate-neutral area away from heat or fans.
3. Storing leather and suede items – first, remove plastic covers. Keep in an area away from heat and sunlight.
When you have your leather or suede item cleaned, there are some important basic facts that you should understand about the leather cleaning process and its effects on your garments:
1. You should expect some change in color, texture, finish and pliability from the original – it is unavoidable.
2. Some shrinkage should be expected during cleaning as animal skins have a natural tendency to draw up due to gradual drying. The typical amount of shrinkage is 1-2% - for this reason, avoid purchasing tight fitting garments made from leather or suede. Often, after wearing the garment, it will relax and stretch.
3. Manufacturers of leather and suede items will use between 6 to 7 different animal skins in making a coat. This will cause color and texture variations – even when new.
4. Manufacturers have several tricks of the trade when making a coat. First, they use fillers to mask scars or wrinkles that are inherent in animal skins. These fillers are often removed in cleaning and the imperfections will be more noticeable. Also, when dying a skin, manufacturers often don’t rinse the item as many times as they should. Cleaning can be this ‘final rinse’ and the color may change.
5. Since we are dealing with ‘skin’, some spots and stains cannot be completely removed without damage to the coat. Protein based stains such as blood, food, wine as well as ink permeate the skin of the coat more easily.
6. Once a leather or suede is spotted, soiled or possibly faded, it will not look brand new after cleaning.
|
|
Call or email us with clothing concerns or questions.
We’re here to help!
|
|
|
|
|
