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Frequently Asked Question
Is dry cleaning actually dry?
Dry cleaning is not dry; it’s wet. Instead of water, a blend of chemical solvents is used to clean. The solvents work better than water, removing stains without ruining the fabric.
Why must I sign a release for some items?
Garments that are delicate, fancy, suede, leather or have noticeable damage, and household items require a release of liability simply due to the increased potential risk for damage during the cleaning process. Care labels provided on garments only cover the base fabric, not the trim (beads, sequence, lace, embroidery, etc.) that is added after the construction of the garment. Care labels on leather and household items also do not protect the consumer.
White wine spilled on the jacket of my best suit. it doesn't show because i immediately mopped it up. should i worry about a spot?
You should note any spills on fabrics before the garment is cleaned professionally. For example, if not pre-spotted, sugar residue will darken (caramelize) when the heat is applied at pressing.
The more information you can provide, the better your suit will look after cleaning and pressing.
I have 100% cotton shirt with stains in the armpits. i do perspire but i also use antiperspirant. what is causing the sweat rings?
The cellulose in all-cotton fabrics is prone to weakening by the chemicals found in antiperspirants. Also, sweat itself can damage clothes
Why do spots sometimes show up after dry cleaning that weren't visible before?
One of the dry cleaner’s worst enemies is the “invisible stain” like spray from grapefruit, hair spray or perfume. These stains surface after dry cleaning and become very visible after processing. It is the heat associated with the dry cleaning cycle or pressing that makes the stains visible.
Dry cleaning itself will not remove these and depending on the material, some can be removed by a technician. Some may never be removed. If you know of any such invisible stains, please point them out so that we may pre-treat the stain before dry cleaning.
What is the best way to remove stains?
One of the dry cleaner’s worst enemies is the “invisible stain” like spray from grapefruit, hair spray or perfume. These stains surface after dry cleaning and become very visible after processing. It is the heat associated with the dry cleaning cycle or pressing that makes the stains visible.
Dry cleaning itself will not remove these and depending on the material, some can be removed by a technician. Some may never be removed. If you know of any such invisible stains, please point them out so that we may pre-treat the stain before dry cleaning.
Does club soda remove stains?
Club soda may set stains and should be avoided. Do not rub the stain with water or even club soda. Simply bring the stained clothing to us as soon as possible.
How can you ensure easy stain removal?
Get the garment to your dry cleaner as quickly as possible. Be sure to explain specifically the cause of the stain. Dry cleaners use different methods to fight different strains and knowing the specifics will help achieve optimal results. Spot removal is not guaranteed but we will always do our best!
Why do some dyes change color?
When exposed to solutions containing alcohol, some dyes bleed or change color. Hair sprays, deodorants, and perfumes must be allowed to dry before dressing. Remove spills (blot, don’t rub) from beverages as soon as possible. Some dyes especially blues and greens on silk are sensitive to alkalis. Many facial soaps, shampoos, detergents, and even toothpaste alkaline can cause color loss or change. Many times, these changes will not show up until after the dry cleaning process is complete. Many bright colors used on these fabrics can fade from exposure to sunlight and artificial light. Store garments in closets away from any lights or windows.
Does frequent dry cleaning shorten the life of a garment?
On the contrary, frequent cleaning prolongs the life of a garment. Not only do stains set with age, making the garment unwearable, but ground-in dirt and soil act as an abrasive, like sandpaper, causing rapid wear of fibers. Also, insects are attracted to soiled clothes and will cause additional damage.
What causes yellowing and/or fabric damage?
Exposure to heat or the passage of time can cause stains from food, beverages, and other oily substances to oxidize and turn yellow or brown. Once stains become yellow or brown, they are much more difficult to treat and often cannot be removed. Some fabrics react negatively to common chemicals such as antiperspirant, perfume, and aftershave.
Applying these common chemicals before you dress can help avoid fabric breakdown or discoloration, but over some time, damage can take place. Repeated contact to perspiration will eventually lead to permanent yellowing that is commonly seen on shirts and blouses.
Which fabrics are recommended for dry cleaning?
Wool, silk, and acetate fabrics are most appropriate for dry cleaning. Also, any fabrics trimmed in suede or leather. Pieces embellished with fancy beading, pearls, rhinestones or sequins, fine “designer” knit suits, and most sweaters—are great candidates too.
Does the dry cleaning process and chemicals cause undue wear on my clothes?
No. Dry cleaning can extend the life of your clothing. Food and beverage spills or tiny crumbs can attract insects and cause damage unless the garment is dry cleaned. Colors will change as well if the original dye lot is not colorfast or also be noticed if matching pieces are cleaned with different solvents.
My new shirt has a care label that says "dry clean only". it doesn't give further care instructions. can i launder this at home?
We believe it is best to follow the garment manufacturer’s suggestion and dry cleaning would probably yield the best results.
What causes buttons to break on laundered shirts?
Many buttons are constructed of materials that cannot handle the heat involved in professional shirt pressing. Buttons do break on occasion and we attempt to replace every one before it is returned to you.
To dry clean or launder - what does the care label mean?
Federal laws require that all clothing manufacturers provide proper cleaning instructions attached by a care label. The labels are intended to provide information about the fabric from which the garment is made and special care instructions and how to clean it.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, check, Visa, Master Card. We also offer monthly automatic credit payments for our regular customers directly from their account.
What if my order has an item missing?
We can confidently say that with our years of experience, Victoria Cleaners has never had an issue with any missing item. Our cleaning process is monitored by professionals who seek the highest level of value provided to our customers.
What if i am on vacation on my pick-up or delivery date?
You can talk to our customer service people or contact your route salesman and reschedule delivery. Alternatively, you can always come to our plant and pick the garments up when you return.