Dry Cleaning

Frequently asked questions

Q. Should I store my clean garments in the plastic bag they are returned in?

A. No, the bags are provided by the cleaner to protect the garments until you get them home. It is best to store garments uncovered or in fabric garment bags.

Q. Should I have all matching pieces cleaned together? 

A. Yes. If all pieces are cleaned together, any variations will be minimal. However, there are exceptions. Some two pieces are made as separates and different cleaning instructions may be found on each piece

Q. How does drycleaning work?

A. Despite its name, drycleaning is not totally dry. It involves the use of liquid chemicals called solvents that remove most stains from a variety of fabrics. Most drycleaners use perc as their primary solvent. Because the clothes are cleaned in a liquid solution that is mostly perc or some other solvent, with very little water if any, the term "drycleaning" is used to describe the process. There are some differences in the way drycleaners process clothes, but here is how it typically works: 

> Drycleaners usually treat spots by hand before placing garments in large machines. 

> Liquid solvents, detergents, and sometimes a small amount of water, are added to the machines. The machines then agitate clothes in a manner similar to your own washing machine to remove dirt, oil, and stains. 

> Once clean, the clothes are either dried in the same machine or transferred manually to a separate dryer, then pressed and shaped. 

> Used solvent is distilled so it can be purified. Distillation separates the solvent from waste residues such as detergents, dye, dirt, oil, so the solvent can be reused. In addition to distillation, most machines also use filters to clean used solvent. 

> After the purification process, filters which contain the solvent in very small amounts, and certain solvent residues, such as perc, must be managed and disposed of as hazardous waste. Drycleaners can send them to special facilities for recycling or incineration.

http://www.tsa-uk.org/dry-cleaning-services/customer-advice/

The care symbols

The care symbols give consumers and retailers information on how best to wash, dry or clean their clothes. Following the correct care labelling can help keep clothes in the best shape possible. And help reduce the number of customer complaints and returns. 

The symbols are owned by an International organisation called GINETEX, which is based in Paris, and the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) is their UK representative.