Sending your clothes to the dry cleaners is a convenient way to keep your garments in top condition, but many people make common mistakes that can result in poor service, damage to clothing, or unnecessary costs. By being aware of these errors, you can ensure that your clothes are treated properly and come back looking their best. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid when sending clothes to the dry cleaners.
1. Not Checking the Care Labels
One of the most important steps before sending clothes to the dry cleaners is checking the care label. The care label provides essential information on how a garment should be cleaned, and failing to follow these instructions can lead to damage. Some items may require hand washing, cold water, or gentle treatment, while others are designed specifically for dry cleaning. Ignoring these instructions could result in ruined fabrics, shrinkage, or fading.
Solution: Always check the care label on your garments and communicate these instructions to your dry cleaner. This will help them handle the fabric properly and avoid potential damage.
2. Not Pre-Treating Stains
If your clothes have stains, it’s essential to pre-treat them before sending them to the dry cleaners. Many people assume that dry cleaning will remove all stains, but this is not always the case. Some stains, like wine or grease, require special treatment before dry cleaning to ensure they are completely removed.
Solution: If possible, treat stains with an appropriate stain remover or inform your dry cleaner about the specific stains on your garments. This allows them to use the proper techniques to treat the stain before cleaning.
3. Sending Clothes That Don’t Need Dry Cleaning
Not all clothes need to be dry cleaned. In fact, sending garments that can be washed at home to the dry cleaners is an unnecessary expense. Many fabrics, such as cotton, polyester, and denim, can be machine washed or hand-washed with no damage to the fabric.
Solution: Save money by checking whether the clothes really need dry cleaning. Only send garments that specifically require dry cleaning, such as silk, wool, or delicate fabrics.
4. Not Communicating Special Requests
If your garment requires special care, such as a specific pressing style or the use of a particular cleaning product, it’s important to communicate this to your dry cleaner. Some clothes may need to be cleaned using non-toxic or eco-friendly chemicals, while others may need a more delicate approach to preserve their texture.
Solution: Always communicate any special requests or concerns with your dry cleaner. Let them know if the garment requires particular care, such as a gentle press or special treatment for a fabric.
5. Sending Clothes with Excessive Damage
If your clothing is already excessively damaged, sending it to the dry cleaners won’t fix the problem. Clothes with significant tears, holes, or worn-out areas may require repair before they are cleaned. Attempting to dry clean extremely damaged garments can lead to further damage or worsen the existing problems.
Solution: Take the time to inspect your clothing for any significant damage before sending it to the dry cleaners. If the garment is in need of repair, consider getting it fixed first or decide if it’s worth the cost of cleaning.
6. Not Sorting Clothes Properly
Sorting clothes before sending them to the dry cleaner is an important step to avoid any mishaps. Some clothes may require different cleaning methods or chemicals, and sending everything in one batch can result in damage. For example, dark-colored garments should be cleaned separately from light-colored ones to prevent color bleeding. Additionally, fabrics like leather and delicate silk should not be cleaned with heavy-duty materials like wool or denim.
Solution: Sort your clothes based on fabric type, color, and cleaning requirements. This will help the dry cleaner determine the best method for each garment and prevent any issues like color transfer or fabric damage.
7. Not Checking for Missing Items or Lost Buttons
Before sending your clothes to the dry cleaner, check for any missing items like buttons, zippers, or pockets. Dry cleaning often requires the removal or protection of these items to avoid damage during the cleaning process. If the cleaner doesn’t notice missing buttons, they may be lost in the cleaning process.
Solution: Always check your clothes for missing buttons, pockets, or other accessories before dropping them off. If any items are missing or damaged, inform the dry cleaner so they can take care of it during the cleaning process.
8. Failing to Inspect Clothes Upon Return
When you pick up your clothes from the dry cleaner, always inspect them to ensure they have been cleaned properly. Sometimes, items may still have visible stains or wrinkles after cleaning, and it’s essential to point these out to your cleaner before you leave.
Solution: Inspect your garments thoroughly upon pick-up. If you notice any issues, inform the dry cleaner immediately so they can address the problem.
In Conclusion
Sending clothes to the dry cleaner can help maintain their quality and longevity, but making a few simple mistakes can lead to unnecessary costs, damage to your clothing, or subpar cleaning results.
For reliable, high-quality dry cleaning services, Everyday Laundry offers expert care to keep your clothes looking their best.