Taking an extra step to protect your clothing on a regular basis can help you get the most out of your dry cleaning dollar. Here are some tips that can help you save money and preserve your clothing so it can last longer.

• When bringing your garments into our professional cleaners, be sure to point out any spills or spots that are hard to see. This way we can make sure we use the proper technique when cleaning your garment. Discuss ANY stains with your dry cleaner. Be especially sure to point out light colored or invisible spills such as from soft drinks or white wine. These stains contain sugar which can caramelize and turn brown with the heat of drying unless flushed before dry cleaning. These types of spills if not cleaned will become visible with age. Stains that are left sitting on the clothing too long can be almost impossible to completely remove later. Stains are divided into two major categories: solvent-soluble stains and water-soluble stains. Different stains require different treatments and our staff is highly trained to administer the best solution.


• Everyday products that you use can also lead to staining and soiling of your clothing. Before wearing your clothing, allow any lotions, perfumes or any other toiletries to dry. Some of these products contain ingredients that have an adverse effect on the dyes in your clothing. Avoid letting your garments come in contact with products containing alcohol such as perfumes, hair spray, colognes and lotions. When these products come in contact with garments they can damage fabrics and dyes. After cleaning, these areas could appear as color loss. Perspiration can damage clothing and cause discoloration, especially in silks. Protect your clothing from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or strong artificial light. Bright colors, especially blues and greens tend to oxidize and fade.


• Heat from pressing or ironing can set stains in the clothing, we suggest not pressing any items that have stains or soiling. Do not attempt to remove cosmetic stains yourself, as the color in cosmetics runs easily and enlarges the stain. Never wash an egg stain in hot water - this will cause the stain to set.


• A common fatal error is the use of acetone in home stain removal. Acetate fibers will dissolve in acetone - Don't attempt your own stain removal.


• Some water spots on fabrics such as taffeta or silk can be removed by holding the fabric over steam (as from a kettle) and then ironing gently while damp.


• Be very careful not to get suntan oils on garments as many of them will permanently stain.

GUM: To remove chewing gum from kids clothing - harden the gum on the garment with ice; it will become brittle, and can be chipped off, wash thoroughly to remove any sugar.

CANDLE WAX: Place the stained area between paper towels, or pieces of brown paper, and press with a warm iron to absorb the wax.

PERSPIRATION: Soak the stain area in warm white-vinegar water.

INK: Do not use hairspray on ball point pen ink. The oils and lanolin in the hairspray can cause more stains. Bring it to DRY CLEAN EXPRESS.

BLOOD: Blot with cold water. Apply an enzyme detergent. Rinse thoroughly with water. If the stain is still present take it to DRY CLEAN EXPRESS.

CHOCOLATE: Blot with cold water. Apply an enzyme detergent. Rinse thoroughly with water. If the stain is still present take it to DRY CLEAN EXPRESS.

COFFEE: Blot with cold water. If the stains not removed, apply liquid synthetic detergent (from your kitchen sink). Rinse with water.

LIPSTICK: Using a synthetic detergent, place stain face down on clean white paper towels. Apply cleaning fluid to back of stain. Replace paper towels frequently. Dry thoroughly.

Disclaimer
At-home cleaning suggestions are intended to help the consumer remove stains. DRY CLEAN EXPRESS assumes no responsibility for damage caused to garments by using at-home cleaning suggestions.