Luxury Cleaners Dry Cleaning FAQ’s
Why use a specialist?
If you have expensive clothes it makes sense to have them cared for by a company that has experience in dealing with them. We clean designer clothes and household items all day long, we understand that your Gucci needs to look its best — some cleaners may not! By using a specialist you ensure your clothes receive the best possible care. There are plenty of areas where cleaners can cut costs: using old machinery, using cheaper solvents and soaps – we don’t make these compromises. The ultimate benefit of this is that your clothes receive the best possible care. The greatest skill in dry cleaning revolves around stain removal. While a specialist can’t guarantee the removal of all stains, experience teaches them what techniques to use and how far they should go in terms of stain removal. It’s a fine balance between results and safety and by using a specialist you get the best reward.
What is Dry Cleaning?
Dry cleaning uses fluids to remove soils and stains from fabrics. Among the advantages of dry cleaning is its ability to dissolve grease and oils in a way that water cannot. Natural fibers such as wools and silks dry clean beautifully, but can shrink, distort, and lose color when washed in water. Synthetic fibers like polyester also respond well to dry cleaning, whereas they can retain oily stains after washing. Dry cleaning helps to return garments to a “like-new” condition using precautions to prevent shrinkage, loss of color, and change of texture or finish. Dry cleaning can extend the life of your wardrobe, and your knowledge about dry cleaning can bring you more value for your clothing dollar. Dry cleaning does NOT reduce the life of your clothing.
What new fabrics should be dry cleaned?
Most “better” fabrics should be dry cleaned. Designers are readily using 4-ply polyester, organza, chiffon, taffeta, acetate, linen and linen blends and, of course, silk and satin. Any fabrics trimmed in suede or leather or fur, any fabric with feathers, fancy beading, pearls, rhinestones or glittery/shiny decorations such as sequins and mirrors, fine “designer” knit suits and, nearly all sweaters (because they need to be blocked).
Should I store my clean garments in the plastic bag they are returned in?
Only if you will be wearing them this season. Those plastic bags are not advised for storing the garments for more than a season. Plastic bags inhibit the fabric from breathing and can promote the formation of mildew and cause fume fading. Fume fading will yellow whites and discolor colored garments. We recommend storing garments in cloth garment bags which are breathable and will provide some protection to insect and moth damage.
Why should I get my wedding gown cleaned and preserved?
You’ve invested in a special garment to be worn on a special day. If not cared for, it will become yellowed and damaged with the passing years. Hidden stains like perspiration, champagne or sugar will usually yellow in less than five years if not removed. And improper storage can be as damaging as doing nothing. Someday, your daughter or granddaughter will probably wonder where it is. Give your gown proper care now and your gown can be her gown in the future!