Dry cleaners Dry cleaning tips
What do you need to know before getting your clothes dry cleaned?
Dab stains with a clean, white cloth
Dab the garment with a clean, damp, white cloth Never rub it or use a coloured cloth (the dyes can be more difficult to remove than a stain). Wetting the stain causes a water mark, which can be difficult to remove.
Act quickly Take stained items for cleaning as soon as possible. Old stains are harder to tackle. Make sure the cleaner knows where the stains are, what caused them and whether you have tried to remove them.
Clean matching parts together Clean both parts of a matching outfit together, as changes in colour and texture occur during dry cleaning.
Check the pockets Check these before you hand an item over for cleaning. Don't rely on the cleaner to find things such as coins, pens and tissues, which can all cause damage.
What you should do when you visit the dry cleaner
Point out stains Show the cleaner any stains and explain what they are. Our investigation shows that many dry cleaners inspect clothes while their customers are in the shop. But a significant proportion don't, so make sure they don't miss the stains that you need to be cleaned by pointing them out when you hand your clothes over.
Examine the clothes after cleaning Do this in the shop and ask for them to be cleaned again free of chrage if you’re unhappy. Only one of the 48 shops we visited identified any problems with the dry cleaning when it was picked up from the shop, so it's in your interest to check your clothes before taking them home.
Dispute resolution If you’re still unhappy with the service provided and the dry cleaner is a member of the Textile Services Association (TSA), you can use its customer advisory service to help get your problem resolved. Contact the TSA on 020 7843 9490, or email tsa@tsa-uk.org
What the dry cleaner should do with your clothes
Counter examination This should involve inspecting clothes while you are in the shop, asking questions about stains and checking the care label.
Pre-cleaning inspection This is a second inspection for stains that need treating and delicate areas (trims, accessories) which need protection.
Stain removal Most stains need to be treated before machine dry cleaning, which often permanently sets, rather than removes, untreated stains.
Soil pre-treatment Collar and cuff grime should be brushed with detergent before machine dry cleaning.
Machine dry cleaning Dry cleaning machines are like large washer-dryers, but they use liquid solvent, rather than water and detergent, to clean clothes.
Post-cleaning inspection All items should be inspected after cleaning as some stains, such as lemonade, can become apparent during the cleaning process.
Finishing and pressing Cleaners should finish clothes using steam on a professional garment finishing table.
Returning the garments Cleaners should offer customers the chance to inspect their clothes before leaving the shop and should explain any problems they experienced during the cleaning process.
