As you sort your wardrobe getting ready for cleaning, you notice your clothes aren't the same in terms of fabric types, usage frequency, and care requirements, leaving you this question in mind: Should you clean it yourself or hire a professional?
If this sounds familiar, it’s time to get clear on which clothes need professional care. By identifying the specific needs of each garment, you can confidently make the right choice for their care. Interested in knowing the answer to this question? Read on!
1 | Check the Care Label on Each Garment
Care labels tell you exactly how to clean, dry, and care for your garments to maintain their quality. You know you need a professional cleaning service when you know what to look for.
Decode Laundry Symbols
Laundry symbols on care labels are your garment’s way of telling you what it needs. Here’s how to make sense of them:
1. Dry Cleaning Symbol (a circle):
- A plain circle means dry cleaning is recommended for the garment.
- A circle with a letter inside indicates the type of solvent the dry cleaner should use.
- A crossed-out circle means the item should not be dry cleaned.
2. Washing Symbol (a tub of water):
- If the symbol has a hand, it’s a sign for hand washing only.
- A tub with a number indicates the maximum water temperature the fabric can handle.
3. Bleach Symbol (a triangle):
- An empty triangle means bleach can be used, while a crossed-out triangle warns against it.
- A triangle with two lines indicates only non-chlorine bleach should be used.
Pay Attention to Fabric Recommendations
- Silk, wool, and cashmere often come with "Dry Clean Only" instructions to protect their texture and structure.
- Linen garments may specify professional cleaning to prevent excessive wrinkling or shrinkage.
- Rayon and polyester blends sometimes require low-heat drying or special solvents for cleaning.
- Leather and suede garments usually include specific instructions to avoid using water-based cleaning methods.
2 | Assess the Fabric Type
Understanding your garment's fabric not only helps you avoid costly mistakes but also ensures your favorite pieces look their best and last longer. Here's a look at how to assess different fabric types and the care they require.
Cotton
- Generally durable and machine-washable but can shrink if washed in water.
- Delicate cotton blends, like those found in dress shirts, may benefit from professional pressing and finishing.
Wool
Requires cold water and gentle handling to avoid shrinkage or felting.
Items like wool suits or coats are best handled by dry cleaning to maintain shape and texture.
Linen
- Breathable but prone to wrinkling and shrinkage in hot water.
- Professional cleaning is recommended for structured linen garments or items with embroidery.
Silk
- Extremely delicate and prone to water stains, silk requires special care.
- Dry cleaning preserves silk’s softness and sheen while preventing damage from detergents or heat.
Polyester
- Usually machine-washable, but avoid high temperatures to prevent damage.
- Professional cleaning may be necessary for blended garments or items with embellishments.
Nylon
- Machine-washable but can lose its shape under high heat.
- Dry cleaning helps maintain the integrity of nylon garments with delicate structures.
Rayon
- A semi-synthetic fabric that mimics silk or cotton but is far more delicate.
- Rayon often requires dry cleaning to prevent shrinkage, color bleeding, or distortion.
3 | Identify the Garment’s Purpose or Value
Understanding the purpose and significance of each item helps you decide if it’s worth investing in professional care or if regular home laundry will suffice. Here's a breakdown to help you decide.
Everyday Wear and Functional Clothing
For clothes you wear regularly and can easily replace, home laundry is often sufficient. However, there are exceptions:
- T-shirts and Casual Shirts: Typically fine for machine washing, but high quality cotton shirts may benefit from occasional professional pressing to maintain their look. If the item is stained, professional cleaning can prevent damage from improper treatment.
- Jeans and Casual Pants: Durable enough for machine washing, but dry cleaning may help retain dark washes or prevent shrinkage in premium denim.
- Sweatshirts and Activewear: Usually safe for home laundry, but items with specialty fabrics (like moisture-wicking materials) may require low-heat drying or specific care.
Workwear and Professional Attire
Clothes you wear to work, especially those requiring a polished appearance, often need professional care to maintain their quality.
- Suits and Blazers: Structured garments lose their shape in a washing machine. Dry cleaning keeps the fabric crisp and professional looking. Regular pressing and finishing services enhance the garment’s appearance.
- Dress Shirts and Trousers: While some shirts can be laundered at home, professional cleaning and pressing create a sharp, wrinkle-free finish. Trousers made of wool or delicate blends benefit from dry cleaning to avoid shrinkage or fading.
- Uniforms: Military, medical, and service uniforms require specific cleaning to maintain their colors and structure, especially if they include embellishments or patches.
Special Occasion and Formalwear
Clothing designed for big events or celebrations often holds significant value and needs specialized care.
- Wedding Dresses and Gowns: Intricate designs, delicate fabrics, and sentimental value make professional cleaning and preservation essential. Services like wedding dress cleaning and preservation protect these garments for years to come.
- Tuxedos and Eveningwear: Formal suits, tuxedos, and dresses often include fabrics and linings that can only be cleaned professionally. Proper care ensures the garments look flawless for future events.
- Cocktail and Party Dresses: Sequins, beads, and embellishments require delicate handling, making dry cleaning the safest option.
Sentimental or Irreplaceable Garments
Some clothes carry an emotional or monetary value that makes professional care non-negotiable.
- Heirlooms: Vintage garments passed down through generations are often fragile and need expert attention to avoid deterioration. Dry cleaning preserves these special items for future generations.
- Customized or Designer Pieces: High-end garments with intricate designs or unique materials are best cleaned professionally to avoid damage. Tailored suits or bespoke dresses require proper handling to maintain their fit and finish.
- Keepsakes: Items like baby clothes or sports jerseys may hold sentimental value and benefit from careful cleaning to preserve their condition.
Seasonal and Specialty Items
Clothing you don’t wear year round often needs professional care before storage or after extended use.
- Winter Coats and Jackets: Wool, down, or fur coats require dry cleaning to remove dirt and odors before being stored. Professional cleaning prevents moth damage and maintains insulation quality.
- Swimwear and Summer Dresses: Chlorine exposure and saltwater can weaken fabrics, and professional cleaning helps restore them for the next season.
- Holiday Attire: Specialty garments worn during holidays may include delicate fabrics or embellishments that require professional cleaning.
4 | Examine for Stains or Odors
Taking the time to inspect your clothes for stains or odors can help you decide whether to rely on your trusty washing machine or seek professional care. Here’s how to thoroughly assess your garments and make the best cleaning decisions for each situation.
Identify the Type of Stain
- Oil-based Stains: Common in food or grease spills, these stains are tough to remove with regular detergent and water. Dry cleaning solvents are specifically designed to break down oil and grease without damaging fabrics.
- Protein Stains: Stains from blood, sweat, or dairy can set quickly, especially in heat. Professional pretreatment ensures these stains are effectively removed without discoloration.
- Tannin Stains: Coffee, tea, and wine stains often need specialized treatment to prevent them from seeping deeper into the fabric. DIY attempts with bleach or improper methods can worsen these stains, making professional cleaning a safer choice.
- Dirt and Grime: Everyday dirt may seem harmless but can cause lasting discoloration on light fabrics if not addressed properly. Dry cleaning lifts dirt without grinding it into the fibers, preserving your garment’s appearance.
Check for Lingering Odors
Sometimes, it’s not just stains but also smells that signal the need for professional cleaning.
- Sweat and Body Odors: Over time, sweat can embed itself in fabrics, leaving behind stubborn smells regular washing can’t eliminate. Professional cleaners use methods like steam cleaning and odor-neutralizing solvents to freshen your garments.
- Smoke: Whether from cigarettes or a fire, smoke odors cling to fabrics and are difficult to remove with home methods. Professional cleaning not only removes the odor but also ensures the fabric isn’t weakened in the process.
- Food Smells: Spilled coffee, greasy food, or even strong spices can leave a lasting smell on clothes. Dry cleaning breaks down odor-causing particles, leaving your garments fresh and clean.
- Mustiness: Clothes stored for long periods can develop a musty odor, especially in humid conditions. Professional cleaning eliminates mildew and prevents further damage.
Assess the Stain’s Age
The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove. Here’s what to consider:
- Fresh Stains: If treated quickly, many fresh stains can be removed at home with appropriate care. For delicate fabrics or items with multiple stains, it’s safer to let a professional cleaner handle them.
- Set-in Stains: Older stains are harder to lift and may require advanced techniques like spot treatment or solvent soaking. Professional cleaning ensures aggressive treatments don’t harm the garment.
- Invisible Stains: Some stains, like oil or clear liquids, might not show up immediately but darken over time. Dry cleaning catches these before they become permanent.
Bring Your Garments and Home Essentials to Al Phillips the Cleaner for Premium Care!
Doubtful about how to clean your delicate items? Stop second-guessing and let Al Phillips the Cleaner handle them for you! Whether it’s a treasured gown, your favorite suit, or everyday items needing a refresh, our dry cleaning service provides top notch care unmatched in the Las Vegas, Nevada area.
With over 50 years of experience, we’ve perfected the art of professional dry cleaning, not only for clothes but also for home textiles (e.g., comforters, linens, blankets, table linens, etc.). Serving the Las Vegas area with nine convenient locations, we offer unmatched flexibility, including dry cleaning pickup and delivery for your busy lifestyle.
And for those last-minute needs, we’re open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with same-day service available at select locations. Call our customer service team at 706-480-2724 or visit our website today!
