Dry cleaning is a process that involves cleaning clothes and textiles without using water. Instead of water, solvents remove dirt, stains, and oils. Before dry cleaning, any noticeable stains are pre-treated with a specialized solution, detergent, or chemical to help loosen and remove heavy stains. After pre-treatment, the clothes are loaded into a dry cleaning machine. The machine starts, and the clothes are agitated in the solvent. The solvent dissolves and removes the dirt and stains before the machine’s filter system removes the dirt particles from the solvent

After the cleaning and agitation cycle, the drying cycle begins. During this phase, the solvent is drained from the drum, and heat is applied to evaporate any remaining solvent, leaving the clothes dry.

Not all dry cleaners use the same type of solvent, but perchloroethylene (perc) is the most commonly used solvent in the dry cleaning industry. However, we care about our customers and the environment at Dry Clean Express! That is why we choose to use a DF2000, a safer alternative to perc. According to expert studies, DF2000 is 1,000 times less hazardous to the aquatic environment, and overexposure risk to customers and workers is reduced by 350x compared to perc.

Whether your clothes need to be dry cleaned depends on the fabric and the care label instructions provided by the manufacturer. To determine the best care and cleaning methods, check the care label on your garment. The care label will provide instructions on how to clean your clothes. If it says “Dry Clean Only,” you should take your clothes to a dry cleaner. Also, consider the fabric that you are cleaning. Certain materials, such as silk, wool, cashmere, and delicate fabrics with embellishments, require special care and may need to be dry cleaned. Suits, tuxedos, and formal wear should always be dry cleaned to maintain shape, color, and fabric integrity. Lastly, if your clothes have stubborn stains that are difficult to remove with regular washing, you should take them to a dry cleaner.

If you are trying to decide whether to dry clean your clothes, bring your garment to our convenient locations, where a specialist can help you determine the best course of action and cleaning method.

Sometimes, spots not visible before dry cleaning can be caused by residues from previous cleanings that weren’t completely removed. These residues can be activated from interaction with new chemicals and heat during the dry cleaning process, causing them to become visible. These are commonly referred to as latent stains.

Additionally, if the operator does not correctly pre-treat the garment before cleaning, spots or stains may not be removed during the cleaning process, causing them to become more noticeable. Some fabrics or dyes may bleed or transfer color during the dry cleaning process, resulting in new spots or stains that were not present before. This is primarily attributed to low-quality dyes and fabrics used in manufacturing.

If the garment is not properly inspected before dry cleaning, small holes, tears, or other damage may only be noticed after cleaning. These damages are exacerbated in the cleaning process and become visibly apparent only after cleaning is finished. This damage can be attributed to various factors, including operator error, old, weak fabric, and environmental factors, which include humidity, temperature, exposure to sunlight, and even bugs!

You must inspect your clothes with your dry cleaner when you first drop off your garments. If there are any holes, tears, or stains, our clerks can clearly label and identify the defects to prevent worsening the damage during cleaning.

If you notice spots or stains on your clothes after dry cleaning that were not present before, it’s essential to bring them to the dry cleaner’s attention as soon as possible. Then, we can re-clean the garment or take other measures to address the issue.

If you spill something on your clothes, it’s essential to act quickly to prevent the stain from setting in. Start by blotting the stain using a clean, white cloth or paper towel to soak up the excess liquid. Do not rub the stain, as this can cause it to spread and further set in.

After blotting, hold the stained area under cold running water and rinse out as much of the stain as possible. If the stain is oil-based, use dish soap or laundry detergent to pre-treat the stain before rinsing. To pre-treat, apply a stain remover or laundry detergent directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes. Be sure to follow the instructions on the product label.

After pre-treating, wash the garment in the washing machine as soon as possible, using the appropriate temperature and cycle recommended on the care label. If the garment is not machine washable or the stain is stubborn, bring your garment to Dry Clean Express, where we can help pre-treat and dry clean your garments.

After washing your garments, ensure the stain has been fully removed. If it is still visible, repeat the above steps until the stain is gone. You can move on to drying if the stain is no longer visible. Opt for air drying if possible. Machine drying exposes the fabric to high heat, which can weaken your fabric and seal in the stain if it is not fully removed.

It’s important to remember that different stains require different treatment methods, so it’s always a good idea to refer to a stain removal guide or consult a professional cleaner for specific advice on removing a particular stain. If you have any stubborn stains, visit one of our many conveniently located stores to speak to one of our representatives who can help!

Preventing dark clothes from fading can be a challenge, but there are some steps you can take to help keep your dark clothes looking vibrant. Start by washing dark garments inside out. This can help reduce the amount of friction that occurs during the wash cycle, which can cause fading and pilling.

Next, use a gentle detergent designed for dark clothes, or use a detergent free of brighteners and bleaching agents. Also, choose cold water cycles instead of hot water, which can cause the dye in dark clothes to fade faster. An added benefit of cold water cycles is energy and cost savings. Most new detergents are specially formulated to work best in cold water, helping you save your clothes and electricity!

Don’t overload the washing machine when washing at home, which can cause excessive friction and lead to fading. Instead, opt for air drying during the drying cycle and keep clothes out of direct sunlight.

By following these tips and taking proper care of your dark clothes, you can help keep them looking vibrant and prevent them from fading prematurely. If you need any help, feel free to stop by one of our conveniently located stores or call us. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are here to help you!

First off, we need to be clear about what pilling really is. Pilling is the formation of small balls, fuzz, or lint on the surface of fabrics. It can be caused by various factors, including friction, abrasion, and the type of fabric. To reduce pilling, choose high-quality fabrics which tend to be more durable and resistant to pilling. Natural fabrics with long fibers, such as genuine Egyptian cotton or wool, tend to have longer fibers that are less prone to pilling.

Like preventing fading, turning your clothes inside out before washing can help reduce friction and abrasion that can cause pilling. Also, choosing a more gentle cycle can reduce the friction and abrasion that causes pilling. In addition, most high-quality detergents today are specially formulated to release dirt, debris, and stains with less effort and damage to your clothes.

Also, be sure to keep your clothes dry, which can cause them to become brittle and contribute to pilling. As fabrics become more brittle and dry, they are more susceptible to pilling and tearing. Remove your clothes from the dryer while still slightly damp, and hang them to finish drying.

Lastly, avoid wearing clothing that may come into contact with abrasive surfaces or high-friction surfaces, such as rough denim or wool, which can contribute to pilling. Likewise, avoid wearing these materials in areas that come into contact with other fabrics, such as under a jacket.

Whether throwing on that white, long-sleeve shirt for a big presentation or donning your favorite sports team’s white uniform, keeping your white clothes bright and vibrant can be a challenge. Still, at Dry Clean Express, we make it easy for you with convenient locations and free pick-up and delivery.

If you’re up for a challenge, here are some tips for keeping your white clothes clean and crisp. Start by sorting your laundry and separating whites, bright, and dark colors before washing to prevent color bleeding. Next, be sure to pick a suitable detergent. There are many detergents out there, so pick one that is designed for your type of laundry and gentle enough for your clothes. Some detergents may contain bleach or other brightening agents that can help keep whites white.

When starting your wash, choose cold water over hot water, which can cause some colors to fade or bleed. This will also preserve the color of your darker clothes. And don’t worry, modern detergents are specially formulated to wash clothes just as effectively in cold water, helping you save energy and your garments!

After washing, avoid over-drying, as this can cause some fabrics to become brittle and lead to fading or discoloration. Instead, it’s best to remove your clothes from the dryer while still slightly damp and hang them to dry. When hang drying, avoid direct sunlight, which can cause colors to fade.

By following these tips and taking proper care of your clothes, you can help keep your whites white and your bright colors bright. If you are looking for a convenient and reliable alternative, bring your clothes to Dry Clean Express, where we can take the guesswork and hard work off your hands.