If you have a stain in a garment be sure to point it out to the dry cleaner and tell what caused it. Different treatments are necessary for different kinds of stains. Don't wait! Time is also a factor in stain removal. Have it treated before it sets!
Read those labels!!! The FTC requires that most garments have a label showing at least one safe cleaning method.
Clean Suits and multiple piece ensembles all at the same time. On occasion there may be slight color changes during cleaning and the pieces will still match.
Always check your pockets! While your dry cleaning staff normally checks pockets, missing something in the pocket can be a disaster. A piece of candy left in a pocket could ruin a garment. A cigarette lighter left in a jacket could cause a spark and ignite chemicals used in the process!
Never rub a paper towel or napkins on a spot, if you have to use paper just blot the spot. Paper will get into the fabric and get imbedded in the fabric and never come out.
When using cologne or perfume - always spray your body - not your clothes. Alcohol contained in fragrances, hairspray and other toiletries can leave yellowish stains in garments that are invisible until after they are dry cleaned or even take out the color altogether!
Never leave your clothes in your car for days before taking them to the cleaner. Heat and ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause your garments to fade and will weaken fabric fibers.
Keep in mind that there is often an element of "buyer beware" with trims, ornaments, beads, sequins and buttons requardless of care label recommendations. They may even need to be removed or wrapped before cleaning.
If have your clothes made or sew your own, there may not be a care label. Be certain all components of a handmade garment are safe to be dry cleaned before taking it to the cleaners.
If shoulder pads are loose, they will probably come off during dry cleaning and could be lost forever. If they can easily be removed take them out and leave them at home. If they are soft or flimsy, secure them with safety pins to prevent bunching up or losing shape during cleaning.
Be very careful of garments containing angora or lambs wool. They tend to shrink.
