Lets be 'Clothes' Friends
Serving Sonoma Valley, CA 707-938-2327
FAQ
FAQ
Since 1957 | Same-Day Service | Pickup and Delivery Serving Sonoma Valley, CA
Since 1957Same-Day ServicePickup and Delivery Within 3 Miles
What Is Dry Cleaning?
Contradictory to its name, dry cleaning involves using liquid chemicals called solvents, such as perc, to remove a variety of stains from fabrics. Since these solvents clean clothing without the use of water, the process was coined "dry cleaning."
Does Dry Cleaning Shorten the Life of a Garment?
Dry cleaning actually extends the life of the garment, because this cleaning method is good for your clothing. Dry cleaning is especially good for fine fabrics because it removes stains, body salts, oils, and dust. When stains set in with age, dirt becomes embedded in the garment, causing fabrics to deteriorate faster. Insects such as moths are attracted to soiled clothing, causing further damage.
Should I have All Matching Pieces Dry Cleaned Together?
Yes. The color and sheen of your garments will always match when all pieces are cleaned together. Because it's difficult to determine what types of dye and what kind of sizing were used by the manufacturer, we encourage you to bring in matching sets of clothing, bedding, and drapery treatments to avoid the need for repair.
What Is Wet Cleaning?
Advancements in technology and garment care led to a machine-based process called "wet cleaning," which uses water as solvent instead of perc. Trained professionals use specialized machines and formulate detergents and additives to successfully perform wet cleaning. These programmable machines allow the cleaners to customize the settings based on the types of garments. Later, each item is machine or hand pressed.
What Causes Buttons to Break in the Laundry?
There are two main reasons for button breakage:
- With the way buttons are constructed, many cannot handle the heat involved in professional laundering. Often times, buttons are manufactured with little regard for the garment's care and cleaning needs
- Buttons age over time, so they will often become brittle and break from wear and tear
Off Broadway Cleaners replaces shirt buttons for FREE without being asked!
How Long Can I Expect a Shirt to Last?
On average, shirts have a life expectancy of about two years. Normal shirts should live through 35 to 40 washes, although that number can vary depending on the amount of blemishes that occur from everyday wear, the fiber content, and the laundering process.
Do You Charge Extra for Same-Day Service?
No, we do not charge extra for same-day service. However, some items require more time and energy to clean, so we do try to avoid "specials" when possible.
Why Did I Get a Note of Consent Returned With My Item?
Some stains cannot be removed without potentially pulling color or changing the look or texture of the garment. Because of this, we need permission to move forward so that we can do the best we can to eliminate the stain.
Common Cleaning Myths
- Club soda is water and CO2, which is known to shrink or warp clothes that are meant for dry cleaning
- Alcohol has sufficient stain removal properties, but if used improperly, it can change the colors of dyes and discolor fabrics. Many deodorants contain alcohol, which can cause discoloration in fabrics
- Milk, which is sometimes used as a home remedy to remove ink and blood, can create a much harder stain to remove
- Lemon juice is sometimes effective in removing rust stains but can also cause oxidation and discoloration that may not be noticeable at first but will turn yellow and brown over time
- Soap and water, the best formula for cleaning many clothes, will not work for "dry stains" such as glue, paint, makeup, oil, and nail polish. All of these stains can set in permanently if not properly dry cleaned
- While ice may work in rare cases for things like chewing gum, let us safely and easily dissolve the gum with the dry cleaning process so that you don't have to chip away at pieces of frozen gum
- Nail polish remover, known for removing makeup, contains acetone that will dissolve fabrics like acetate or rayon
- Hair spray is considered effective for ink stains, but it contains alcohol and other ingredients. It has properties that can be dangerous for many dyes and fabrics
- Saltwater can be used to remove wine stains, but this method can also set the stain. It's best to bring your wine-stained garment to a professional for cleaning
- Color-safe bleach can
remove color, damage dyes, and deteriorate fabrics
Tricks of the Trade
- Do not ever rub a spot while cleaning. Rubbing, especially using paper towels, chafes fabric and can add debris to the grain of the fabric. The best method is blotting a spill with a cloth and letting it dry. Fine garments should be taken to a dry cleaner immediately
- Handwashing can shrink your clothes the same way your washer can. Water temperature and proper equipment are important for maintaining the proper shape of your delicate clothes. Handwashing with soap can also set stains, which will make them harder for professionals to remove
- There are three main causes of shrinkage: heat, water, and mechanical action. The first time an item is cleaned, washed, or dry cleaned, shrinkage can occur. Shrinkage may occur regardless of whether the manufacturer preshrunk the item