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Does frequent dry cleaning shorten the life of a garment?
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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.
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What causes yellowing and/or fabric damage?
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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 a period of time damage can take place. Repeated contact to perspiration will eventually lead to permanent yellowing that is commonly seen on shirts and blouses.
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Which fabrics are recommended for dry cleaning?
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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.
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Does the dry cleaning process and chemicals cause undue wear on my clothes?
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No. Dry cleaning can extend the life of your clothing. Food and beverage spills or tiny crumbs can attract insects and cause damage unless 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.
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My new shirt has a care label that says" Dry Clean Only". It doesn’t give further care instructions. The fabric content label says it’s made of rayon and nylon. I can launder this at home, right?
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We believe it is best to follow the garment manufacturer’s suggestion and dry cleaning would probably yield the best results.
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I have a professional suit jacket and slacks in summer white linen. I took the slacks to the cleaners but not the jacket. Now the two pieces are different colors of white!
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Today’s "summer" whites may contain fluorescent brighteners that can be damaged by prolonged natural sunlight. If you own matching sets of clothing such as suits, sweater sets, or dresses with matching jackets, always have them cleaned at the same time, whether or not they appear to be soiled. Dyes and fabrics finishes will change over time and with repeated wearing. To keep your matching sets looking as new as possible and clean them together.
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