FACT vs. FICTION - Dry cleaning myths and truths revealed...

IF YOU LOOK GOOD, WE LOOK GOOD!

There is a lot of misinformation out there, oftentimes perpetuated by well-meaning but misinformed sources. Here's the truth about five common dry cleaning myths.

MYTH: Dry cleaning wears out clothes.
FACT: Dry cleaning prolongs the life of clothes.
According to research done by the International Fabricare Institute, there is no indication that the dry cleaning process wears out fabrics. Deterioration of fabrics can be caused by dirt, soil, and other substances that act as abrasives. Deterioration can also be caused by microscopic insects that are attracted to soiled clothes. Consumers should know that they can not over clean their clothes.

MYTH: All stains can be removed.
FACT: Most but not all stains can be completely removed by an expert stain removal technician.
There are a few factors which determine if a stain will be removed. Those factors include the type of stain, the fiber type and color of fabric, and the length of time that the stain remains on the fabric. The good news is the chances of removing stains improve with your assistance: The sooner you get a stain to a professional, the better the chances are of getting it out.

MYTH: When it comes to shirts, cleaners' prices discriminate against women.
FACT: Cleaners charge according to the amount of labor it takes to clean and press each shirt.
It may seem that dry cleaners charge more to clean and press womens' shirts, however it is simply because womens' shirts usually contain various trims, ruffles, pleats, tucks, and are often made from delicate fabrics. These embellishments, etc., require the dry cleaner to hand-finish each item which is very labor intensive. Men's shirts on the other hand are pretty standard fare in that the styles are pretty much the same and don't change radically from year to year. For these reasons, automated equipment has been designed to press standard shirts, which cuts down on labor costs.

MYTH: Manufacturers and care labels are never wrong.
FACT: Manufacturers are not required to test before deciding on a care label, so mistakes can occur from time to time.
Manufacturers are not required to verify that what is printed on a label is accurate. In fact, some manufacturers may add care instructions that do not comply with the FTC Care Labeling Rule. These may include "Dry Clean Only, Exclusive of Trim" or "Do Not Wash, Do Not Dry Clean, Take to a Laundry Expert".

MYTH: Because the dry cleaner was the last one to handle my garment, he or she is responsible for the damage.
FACT: While cleaners occasionally make mistakes, more than often they are blamed for that which is beyond their control.
Everything that happens to a garment during its life impacts how it will respond to dry cleaning or washing.
How the garment was made, how it was dyed or finished, and what fibers were used all have an effect on clean-ability.
Before you've purchased the garment, exposure to light and atmospheric gases in the store, plastic packaging, and the shipment method could affect the appearance of an item.

After you've purchased the garment, exposure to light, atmospheric gases, and soils, as well as contact with perspiration, personal care products, food, beverages, and soiled surfaces will affect the appearance of an item after cleaning.

The cleaner cannot always determine if dyes, trims, or materials will respond well to the label's care instructions. Many stains and color losses present on a garment are not revealed until the item is cleaned and pressed.