10 Quick Solutions for Common Dry-Cleaning Problems

Common problems with dry-cleaning include items that are returned dirty, items that are not returned at all, and lost items. I always check out the best dry cleaners near me to ensure the best services. Also, it is important to check and always follow the recommendations of your particular cleaning company for the best results. You can do a few things to help prevent dry-cleaning problems when you take your clothes to the dry cleaner. 

Write a list of clothes in the bag.

When you drop off your clothes, make sure you have a written list of what is in each bag and a note about any unique characteristics for each piece of clothing. The more information you provide about your clothing, the better the cleaners will distinguish between similar articles of clothing. This is especially helpful for jackets with zippers, buttons, and other details that could be confused with other pieces of clothing.

Treating Stains

If you have an ink or paint stain on your garment, place a piece of tissue over the stain, and then put it in a container filled with warm water for about 10 minutes. Remove the garment from the container and blot any excess water with a towel. Then take a solution of 2 tablespoons of salt dissolved in one cup of warm water, and put the garment back into this solution for five minutes.

Rinse the garment thoroughly with clean water and then soak it in lukewarm water mixed with 1/2 cup of vinegar. If there is still ink or paint on the fabric after soaking in this solution, rub a small amount of liquid dishwashing soap onto the area and let it sit for 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with clean water. The same can be used to rub out a stain while sofa cleaning.

Use Plastic Bags for Wet Clothes

Wet clothes should be placed in a plastic bag, so they don't soak through your other clothes, especially if they will be stored for a few days before being cleaned. The cleaner can then separate the wet items and take them to the back to remove any excess moisture before hanging them up to dry. This also allows you to store your damp garments in the closet without staining or ruining anything else.

If you have many wet items, consider using a garbage bag inside another garbage bag — make sure that you tie off the inner bag so water doesn't leak out. If you don't have any plastic bags, newspapers, or paper towels, work well to soak up excess water from your garments. Just remember to place layers of newspaper between clothing items and place your wet clothes in a well-ventilated area away from heaters or air conditioners.

Manage wrinkles

Wrinkles are the bane of dry cleaners everywhere. Perspiration and static cling are the two main culprits behind wrinkles, but many fabric-specific reasons can cause wrinkles. For example, a sweater may be wrinkled because it's been folded instead of hung on a hanger. The solution: If you're picking up an item and you know you have to wear it right away, try to get it back into your closet so the wrinkles don't set in. If you're dropping off an item and you have time before you have to squeeze it into your schedule, hang it overnight on a hanger. 

Get rid of clothing odor

Chemicals or dyes can cause clothing to smell when they contact each other or with moisture from sweat or rain. The solution is to remove the garment from its plastic bag immediately after the dry-cleaning has been done. Waterproof clothes should be removed from protective plastic covers immediately after cleaning. And allow any newly cleaned item to air out.

Check your order when you pick up your clothes

If you find a problem with your order, don't just accept it. Be proactive and ask for a fix. The best way to prevent this is by checking your order before you leave the store. If there's something wrong with it, immediately bring it to the manager's attention. That way, they can fix it or give you credit on your account for any damages.

If you find a problem after picking up your clothes, contact the dry cleaners as soon as possible. Most businesses will give you free cleaning on the spot if you find any problems with your clothes when they're in their possession. This will allow them to check the quality of their work and make sure everything is done correctly. If they refuse, take your business elsewhere next time around.

'Coldwater wash' running color

If you notice that your blouse or slacks are suddenly discolored, it might be because of a detergent or soap you recently used at home. Most dry cleaners use a "cold water wash" process, which means that they use room temperature water to clean your clothes. When using a detergent, use warm water, and remember to rinse the garment thoroughly before drying. For delicate fabrics, dry-cleaning solvents can be used. 

Un-stick troubled zippers or buttons.

Zippers can sometimes get caught up in the fabric of your garments and get stuck. You should always ask for help when trying to unstick a zipper, as you may accidentally damage it if you try too hard. Buttons also tend to get caught in the dry-cleaning machine and can sometimes break as a result.

Check on discoloration

Discoloration is a common problem that occurs while dry-cleaning. An individual should wash with Woolite or soap to remove excess residue from the cleaning process to solve this problem. Also, if you have discoloration due to sweat, apply sodium bicarbonate directly on the spots and let them soak for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.

Stains on new clothing 

New clothing is still prone to getting stains, especially in children's clothing that is heavily decorated with glitter, sequins, etc. The best way to prevent this from happening is to have your children avoid wearing these kinds of clothes during the first few times they wear them until they become accustomed to having them cleaned by professionals at a reliable dry cleaner's shop.

The only way to make sure your dry-cleaning is done correctly is by looking for a reliable, trustworthy cleaner that knows what they are doing. Nicelocal.com has the best services in New York, which is worth looking into. If you want peace of mind, look for a company that has been in business for years and has plenty of satisfied customers.