For more than fifty years, people have been asking Prestige Cleaners for advice on dry cleaning and laundry.
ALL KINDS OF TOPICS ARE COVERED HERE, AND YOU CAN ALSO FIND ANSWERS BY VISITING ANY PRESTIGE LOCATION
If you need a new garment fitted, I recommend that you have it cleaned before you have it altered. Allowable shrinkage on garments from the manufacturer is 3–5%. On many items this would not be a problem, but with some it could change the way the garment looks on you.
Our stores have been receiving many garments with color damage from the use of home spotting pads. I am always hesitant to recommend home spotting, as damage to the fabric may occur. If you are going to try this procedure at home, always test first on an inconspicuous area of the garment to see if the color will hold. That way, if the color is affected, only you will know. Also, never rub a water-moistened napkin on any silk, since this will remove the color as well as the stain. Once the color is gone, it cannot be replaced.
Some trims, like beads or sequins, are made from plastics that dissolve in the traditional dry cleaning process. All our Prestige Cleaners locations use an alternative cleaning solution in place of the solvent commonly employed by the industry. This new solution is less aggressive on textiles and trim, and we’ve found that colors stay brighter and your clothing should last longer. For your garment to be processed safely, this is the method we recommend. Beads and sequins will not tarnish or melt with our solution
Washing household items at home can have disappointing results. Bedspreads and comforters are often too large for a home washing machine, and might shrink. But the experts at Prestige Cleaners know how to maintain the shape of your bedding, tablecloths and other household linens. Comforters should be stored in a dark, dry area and in a clean container, not the plastic dry cleaning bag.
If you don’t know what to get the bride, consider a wedding gown cleaning & preservation gift card from Prestige Cleaners. Proper care of the gown is often forgotten after the wedding. For best results, the gown should be processed as soon as possible. Stains will set with time, and hanging in a closet can eventually cause oxidation. Many of the Valley’s wedding gown boutiques trust us for this service. To learn more about bridal services, see Wedding here on our website or ask one of our bridal specialist at 480.948.2140.
If one of your garments has lost a button, we use several shops with the best selection in the Valley. Additionally, if the garment is new, sometimes we’re able to contact the manufacturer directly and get a replacement button. Contact our store manager.
Leaving a garment in the car for a long time would not be a problem for most garments. However, I would not recommend leaving garments hanging in the car window for a long period of time, since natural or artificial light can fade colors. The trunk of the car would be a better choice.
On most shirts, the collars and cuffs show wear first because of abrasion from the neck, wrists or jewelry. Depending on the construction of the shirts, a professional seamstress might be able to “turn” the collars. Normally, heavily starched shirts will not last as long as a shirt that has not been starched. The stiffness causes the collar and cuffs to wear and fray more rapidly. The result is that the garment looks older sooner.
If any garments have lost their color due to a spill, the dye loss is usually permanent. However, sometimes we can move excess dye into the affected area by dry cleaning or wet cleaning. Fabric, color and degree of pickup will determine the success we have with items that picked up color. Ask for the manager when you drop off your order, and we’ll do everything we can.
Washing household items at home can have disappointing results. Bedspreads and comforters are often too large for a home washing machine, and might shrink. But the experts at Prestige Cleaners know how to maintain the shape of your bedding, tablecloths and other household linens. Comforters should be stored in a dark, dry area and in a clean container, not the plastic dry cleaning bag.
How to store your down comforter
Remove any duvet cover that is protecting the down comforter. Store the duvet cover separately from the down comforter.
The key to storing your comforter is breathability. Letting the down breathe by keeping your comforter in a cloth bag will prevent any moisture or odor buildup. A king sized cotton sheet will work if you don’t have a cotton storage bag. It should also be stored in a location where it is not compressed and has room to stay fluffy. Store the down comforter in a well-ventilated closet. Make sure that you don’t store anything on top of the comforter that would crush the down feathers. Crushed feathers will reduce the efficiency of the down comforter. Give your comforter a good shake when you take it out of the bag next season and it should be ready to go
If your all-cotton or linen garments seem to wrinkle more quickly in the heat, adding some starch may help. On your dry cleaning items, ask for sizing, which will add body and keep the fresh-pressed look longer.
Some garments become discolored under the arm area. Once the color is gone, normally nothing can return it to its original appearance. Perspiration and/or deodorants usually cause underarm discoloration. Underarm shields can help provide protection, and it also may help to apply deodorant several minutes before dressing.
If a garment is marked “dry clean or wash,” dry cleaning will not change the reaction of the garment to washing. If the garment was safe to wash before dry cleaning, it will be safe after dry cleaning
If any garments have lost their color due to a spill, the dye loss is usually permanent. However, sometimes we can move excess dye into the affected area by dry cleaning or wet cleaning. Fabric, color and degree of pickup will determine the success we have with items that picked up color. Ask for the manager when you drop off your order, and we’ll do everything we can
All elastic “relaxes” during the dry cleaning and washing process, but good quality elastic will last through many cleanings. If the elastic on any garment lasts for a very short time, I would return the item to the store where you purchased it.
When the APS customer newsletter suggested ways to help control utility costs, the advice for saving energy on home laundering was to “use your iron as little as possible. An iron uses as much energy as ten 100-watt light bulbs.” At Prestige, we think a better idea is to let us do your business shirts and blouses so you can spend your energy on important things, like your family and friends. All of our locations have shirt processing on site every day, six days a week.
If your U.S.A. flag needs cleaning or pressing, bring it to Prestige Cleaners and we’ll do it for FREE! This is a service we have offered ever since we opened in 1964. We have cleaned thousands of U.S.A. flags over the years, always at no charge. So if your flag’s colors are looking a little dingy, bring Old Glory to any of our locations for a free cleaning.
On most shirts, the collars and cuffs show wear first because of abrasion from the neck, wrists or jewelry. Depending on the construction of the shirts, a professional seamstress might be able to “turn” the collars. Normally, heavily starched shirts will not last as long as a shirt that has not been starched. The stiffness causes the collar and cuffs to wear and fray more rapidly. The result is that the garment looks older sooner.
If there’s someone on your shopping list who “has everything,” consider a gift card from Prestige Cleaners. A cleaning gift is the right size and color, and it always fits! Help keep your friends looking their best…and avoid the mall. We have eight locations in Scottsdale and offer same-day service, six days a week. Gift cards may be purchased at any of our locations — just ask for the manager — or call our corporate office at 480-948-2781.
Our stores have been receiving many garments with color damage from the use of home spotting pads. I am always hesitant to recommend home spotting, as damage to the fabric may occur. If you are going to try this procedure at home, always test first on an inconspicuous area of the garment to see if the color will hold. That way, if the color is affected, only you will know. Also, never rub a water-moistened napkin on any silk, since this will remove the color as well as the stain. Once the color is gone, it cannot be replaced.
Washing household items at home can have disappointing results. Bedspreads and comforters are often too large for a home washing machine, and might shrink. But the experts at Prestige Cleaners know how to maintain the shape of your bedding, tablecloths and other household linens. Comforters should be stored in a dark, dry area and in a clean container, not the plastic dry cleaning bag.
I would not recommend home spotting for ink stains. Some products can set the stain, making it more difficult for us to work out. Let us try it for you. Since some inks are permanent and some are not, our success rate will vary. Give us a few days to work on it and we will do our best.
Many insects attack garments. In Arizona we have crickets and silverfish, as well as moths, that eat fabric and cause holes. Often the damage is not apparent until the garment is washed or cleaned. You might be able to have them re-woven, depending on their value.
Be extra careful when something spills on your outfit and dries invisibly. Sometimes later that night or the next day you might think, “oh, good, it didn’t stain.” But much of what we consume (and spill) has sugar in it, and the sugar will turn brown when heat is applied during drying or finishing. So remember where the stain was on your garment and tell your professional dry cleaner. In most cases, we can spot the area and still get the residue out before it becomes more of a problem.
If your all-cotton or linen garments seem to wrinkle more quickly in the heat, adding some starch may help. On your dry cleaning items, ask for sizing, which will add body and keep the fresh-pressed look longer.
Keep an eye on how you pack your suitcase to avoid wrinkles. For items that wrinkle easily, you can try packing tissue in the folds of the garments. (Any of our locations can give you some.) If possible, pack lightweight items together. And the old standby of hanging and steaming in the shower still works!
Water in any form, even perspiration, can alter the color on many garments…some permanently. Additionally, there may be discoloration due to the change of sizing used on the garment. There are procedures that may restore the luster, depending on several factors. Take your blouse to the nearest Prestige Cleaners and ask for the manager — we’ll see what we can do.
Don’t store your garments for long periods of time in the plastic or poly bags you get from the cleaners. This covering is to keep the garments clean while at the shop and for the ride home, but the plastic does not “breathe.” Moisture can build up in the bag and damage fabric. For long-term storage, it’s better to place your clothes in paper bags or folded in boxes.
Some trims, like beads or sequins, are made from plastics that dissolve in the traditional dry cleaning process. All our Prestige Cleaners locations use an alternative cleaning solution in place of the solvent commonly employed by the industry. This new solution is less aggressive on textiles and trim, and we’ve found that colors stay brighter and your clothing should last longer. For your garment to be processed safely, this is the method we would recommend. Beads and sequins will not tarnish or melt with our solution.
Our stores have been receiving many garments with color damage from the use of home spotting pads. I am always hesitant to recommend home spotting, as damage to the fabric may occur. If you are going to try this procedure at home, always test first on an inconspicuous area of the garment to see if the color will hold. That way, if the color is affected, only you will know. Also, never rub a water-moistened napkin on any silk, since this will remove the color as well as the stain. Once the color is gone, it cannot be replaced.
On most shirts, the collars and cuffs show wear first because of abrasion from the neck, wrists or jewelry. Depending on the construction of the shirts, a professional seamstress might be able to “turn” the collars. Normally, heavily starched shirts will not last as long as a shirt that has not been starched. The stiffness causes the collar and cuffs to wear and fray more rapidly. The result is that the garment looks older sooner.
If your all-cotton or linen garments seem to wrinkle more quickly in the heat, adding some starch may help. On your dry cleaning items, ask for sizing, which will add body and keep the fresh-pressed look longer.
Most items labeled “spot clean only” cannot be processed in dry cleaning solution or water. Sometimes it’s the dyes, the beads, or both! However, there may be a chance we can clean it safely. Show it to the manager of your Prestige Cleaners and we’ll go from there.
Be extra careful when something spills on your outfit and dries invisibly. Sometimes later that night or the next day you might think, “oh, good, it didn’t stain.” But much of what we consume (and spill) has sugar in it, and the sugar will turn brown when heat is applied during drying or finishing. So remember where the stain was on your garment and tell your professional dry cleaner. In most cases, we can spot the area and still get the residue out before it becomes more of a problem. If the spill needs to be treated on the spot, be careful. Many colors can fade when rubbed with water or soda. Sometimes emergency touch-ups will set a spot, making it impossible to remove.
If your all-cotton or linen garments seem to wrinkle more quickly in the heat, adding some starch may help. On your dry cleaning items, ask for sizing, which will add body and keep the fresh-pressed look longer. Normally, heavily starched shirts will not last as long as a shirt that has not been starched. The stiffness causes the collar and cuffs to wear and fray more rapidly. The result is that the garment looks older sooner. Depending on the construction of the shirts, a professional seamstress might be able to “turn” the collars. Beads and sequins will not tarnish or melt with our solution.
Don’t store your garments for long periods of time in the plastic or poly bags you get from the cleaners. This covering is to keep the garments clean while at the shop and for the ride home, but the plastic does not “breathe.” Moisture can build up in the bag and damage fabric. For long-term storage, it’s better to place your clothes in paper bags or folded in boxes. When storing out-of-season items, make sure they are freshly washed or dry cleaned. Stains will set with age, and any food particles will attract insects — the insect damage will show up at the first washing or cleaning. Also, it’s a good idea to store all garments out of light (natural or artificial), which can fade colors. One last tip: anything knit should be folded, not hung, as knit garments may stretch out.
Be extra careful when something spills on your outfit and dries invisibly. Sometimes later that night or the next day you might think, “oh, good, it didn’t stain.” But much of what we consume (and spill) has sugar in it, and the sugar will turn brown when heat is applied during drying or finishing. So remember where the stain was on your garment and tell your professional dry cleaner. In most cases, we can spot the area and still get the residue out before it becomes more of a problem.
It is important always to process both pieces of a light-colored outfit together. Slight color changes can occur for several reasons, including a change in optical brighteners. If the garments are dark, the same changes may not be noticeable. The exception is suede or leather, in which case any matching items should be processed at the same time.
The Arizona sun can be damaging to the dyes on many items in a short period of time. Even hanging in a car window for as little as one day can make a difference on some garments. Remember to store all garments out of natural or artificial light.
Customers sometimes ask us if treating tablecloth stains at home makes it easier for us. Normally, the best thing to do is to let the professionals do their job. Even wax is no problem for the professional cleaner. Bringing the item in as soon as possible does help, as time will set stains. Washing household items at home can have disappointing results. But the experts at Prestige Cleaners know how to maintain the shape of your tablecloths and other household linens.
It is important always to process both pieces of a light-colored outfit together. Slight color changes can occur for several reasons, including a change in optical brighteners. If the garments are dark, the same changes may not be noticeable. The exception is suede or leather, in which case any matching items should be processed at the same time.
Some garments become discolored under the arm area. Once the color is gone, normally nothing can return it to its original appearance. Perspiration and/or deodorants usually cause underarm discoloration. Underarm shields can help provide protection, and it also may help to apply deodorant several minutes before dressing.
If a garment is marked “dry clean or wash,” dry cleaning will not change the reaction of the garment to washing. If the garment was safe to wash before dry cleaning, it will be safe after dry cleaning
Water in any form, even perspiration, can alter the color on many garments…some permanently. Additionally, there may be discoloration due to the change of sizing used on the garment. There are procedures that may restore the luster, depending on several factors. Take your blouse to the nearest Prestige Cleaners and ask for the manager — we’ll see what we can do.
Waterproofing works only on garments that have a tight weave, like jackets and such. The solution will help on jean-like material, but not on soft woven garments like sweaters. Sorry!
Wax in itself is not a problem for your professional dry cleaner. The cleaning solvent we use will dissolve wax. If the wax was colored, the dye might be a problem. Take the garment to your nearest Prestige Cleaners…we’ll look it over and tell you how we will proceed.
Consider Prestige Cleaners for wedding gown cleaning and preservation. Proper care of the gown is often forgotten after the wedding. For best results, the gown should be processed as soon as possible. Stains will set with time, and hanging in a closet can eventually cause oxidation. Many of the Valley’s wedding gown boutiques trust us for this service. To learn more about bridal services, see Wedding here on our website or call 480-948-2140
If your all-cotton or linen garments seem to wrinkle more quickly in the heat, adding some starch may help. On your drycleaning items, ask for sizing, which will add body and keep the fresh-pressed look longer.