Dry cleaning can feel like a mystery if you’ve never used it before. Unlike tossing clothes into your washing machine at home, this service involves specialized care, equipment, and solvents to clean garments that don’t hold up well to water or agitation. For new customers, a few helpful tips can make the experience easier, more efficient, and better for your clothes.
Read the Labels Before Dropping Off
Before you bring your clothing in, take a quick look at the care tags. Garments labeled “dry clean only” usually need professional attention to maintain their shape, color, or structure. However, labels that say “dry clean recommended” or “hand wash” may still do well with a regular wash, depending on the fabric. When in doubt, ask your dry cleaner for guidance.
Be Honest About Stains
The sooner you let your dry cleaner know about stains, the better the results. Be clear about what caused the stain—whether it was wine, oil, ink, or makeup. Different stains require different treatments. Don’t try to treat it yourself before dropping it off, as household remedies can set the stain or make it harder to remove.
Don’t Store Clothes in the Plastic Bags
Once your dry-cleaned clothes come home, remove the plastic covering. These bags are designed for transport, not long-term storage. Leaving them on can trap moisture and odors, leading to mildew or discoloration over time. Use breathable garment bags or cotton covers instead.
Point Out Delicate Features
Buttons, beading, embroidery, and linings all need extra attention. A good dry cleaning provider will inspect items before cleaning, but pointing out fragile features helps ensure nothing is missed. If a piece is especially sentimental or rare, mention it during drop-off for extra care.
Learn the Difference Between Pressing and Cleaning
Dry cleaning doesn’t always mean a full wash. Sometimes, garments are pressed without being cleaned. If you need both, be sure to say so. Likewise, if you just want a refresh without a full clean, your cleaner may be able to accommodate that.
Choose a Reliable Provider
Not all dry cleaners operate the same way. Look for one that uses fabric-safe methods, modern equipment, and offers transparent service. Laundry Care Express, for example, handles dry cleaning in a controlled environment using advanced solvents and gentle cycles. Unlike laundromats or gig-based services, our team has years of hands-on experience and a strong focus on garment integrity and customer preferences.
Schedule with Flexibility
Today’s dry cleaning services are designed to fit into your life, not the other way around. With Laundry Care Express, you can schedule pickups and deliveries around your routine, set your cleaning preferences online, and enjoy next-business-day turnaround. It’s a simple, stress-free way to keep your wardrobe looking sharp.