What Really Happens at the Dry Cleaner?

The term dry cleaning is a bit of a misnomer. In Nigeria, the dry cleaning process refers to cleaning clothes and fabrics by using a chemical solvent that contains little or no water. While cleaning the surface of fabrics, it does not penetrate the fibres as water does in a washing machine.

Dry cleaning is typically used on clothes and fabrics that cannot withstand the rigours of a standard home washer and dryer. This process preserves the desirable qualities of many fabrics and helps to prevent shrinking and stretching. It also eliminates the need for more time-consuming hand washing. Most dry cleaners also offer wet cleaning for washable items like starched shirts, slacks, and household linens,

A History of Dry Cleaning Chemicals

Dry cleaning has been around since Roman times when ammonia was used to clean woollen togas to prevent any shrinking that happens when wool is exposed to hot water. Next, cleaners moved to petroleum-based solvents like gasoline and kerosene which proved to be highly flammable and dangerous to use.

By the 1930s cleaners began using perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene, a chlorinated solvent. They are highly effective cleaners and are still used by many commercial cleaners today. Both have a distinctive chemical odour. Perchloroethylene is referred to as perc and is classified as carcinogenic to humans. In the 1990s the United States Environmental Protection Agency began to regulate dry cleaning chemicals and encourage commercial cleaners to use safer, more environmentally friendly solvents.

Green dry cleaning is based on a carbon dioxide detergent system and cleaning machines that apply pressure to draw liquid carbon dioxide through fabrics to remove soil. There is no heat involved which also makes the process more gentle to fabrics.

The Commercial Dry Cleaning Process

The commercial dry cleaning process begins in your local dry cleaning storefront when you drop off your dirty clothes. Today, most dry cleaners do not have a piece of very large and expensive cleaning equipment on-site; many will transport your laundry to a central cleaning facility. This is more cost-efficient than having machines at every drop-off location. There are several steps for each item cleaned:

Garment Tagging

1. Every item is tagged with an identification number. Some cleaners use paper tags that are stapled or pinned to the garment. Others use an iron-on strip with a permanently assigned barcode for regular customers. Similar soiled garments from different customers are cleaned together and tagging ensures that your clothes are returned to you.

Garment Inspection

1. Before clothes are cleaned, they are inspected for items left in pockets, rips, tears, and missing buttons. These items are returned to customers and problems are noted as issues known before cleaning.

Stain Pretreatment

1. As part of the inspection process, the cleaner checks for stains on the clothes and treats them before the solvent cleaning process. If you know what caused a specific stain, it is extremely helpful to tell the cleaner to get the best results in the stain removal process. This is also the time a good cleaner removes or covers delicate buttons and trim to prevent damage.

Machine Dry Cleaning

1. Soiled clothes are loaded into a large drum machine and cleaned with a water-free chemical solvent. The clothes are gently agitated in the solution which causes soils to loosen. The solvent is then drained, filtered, and recycled and the clothes are “rinsed” in a fresh solvent solution to flush away any last remains of soil.

Post Spotting

1. The dry cleaning process works very well in removing oil-based stains thanks to the chemical solvent. However, other types of stains are not always removed effectively. So, all garments are post spotted to look for remaining stains. The stains are treated with steam, water, or even a vacuum to remove any remaining traces.

Finishing

1. The final step includes getting the garment ready to wear. This includes steaming or pressing out wrinkles, reattaching buttons, or making repairs. Items are then hung or folded to return to the customer. The plastic bags provided are only there to help you get your clothes home without more stains. It’s important to take them off right away or risk damage to your clothes from trapped moisture.

How to Get the Best Results From Your Dry Cleaner

Always Read the Labels 

• This one may seem obvious but plenty of people pay no attention to the labels in their clothing, or even worse, tear them out completely. Your dry cleaner should always reference the labels before cleaning but you should be the first to call attention to any special care instructions or unique fabrics to ensure it is cleaned properly.

Don’t Try to Remove Your Own Stains 

• When we spill something on our clothes or notice a stain is tempting to try to remove the stain ourselves. Avoid the temptation and get it right to your dry cleaner instead. You are much more likely to make it worse by pushing the oil, dye, or food. deeper into the fabric making it even more difficult or even impossible to remove.

Be Sure to Point Out Any Stains During Drop-Off

• Always be sure to point out and identify stains so they can be properly marked and pre-treated during the cleaning.

Point Out Any Special Buttons or Embellishment

• Some garments have delicate buttons or embellishments that require special care. Since you will probably deal with a desk clerk that doesn’t do the actual cleaning, point them out and ask if they can be protected or removed during cleaning. Ask if the items will be reattached as part of the service.

Make Special Care Requests Up Front

• Always be sure to highlight any stains, delicate fabrics or embellishments at the time of drop off. Do not leave it to chance or simply assume all will be well during the dry cleaning process. Establishing a dialogue with your cleaner will give much better results that you and your clothes will appreciate.

Conclusion

Let someone else take care of the laundry

If you’re overwhelmed by piles of grubby laundry, then why not let someone else deal with it? Our award-winning dry cleaning and laundry service makes wash day a breeze. Upon subscription, We’ll collect your laundry, clean and iron it using professional methods and equipment, and return it to your door. We’ll even fold or hang it for you, so it’s ready to go straight in the wardrobe or drawer.

Your washing machine needs to be cleaned thoroughly every couple of months, and you should be running a 

hot maintenance cycle at least once every two weeks. This will leave your machine out of action for a few hours, so subscribe to our service and let us handle the hard work while you scrub up.

So, what exactly is black mold?

“Black mold” refers to several species of mold (which is a type of fungus) that have a dark green or black appearance. One such type is Stachybotrys chartarum.

The colour of a mold isn’t associated with how dangerous it may be, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source.

Furthermore, no evidence links black molds like Stachybotrys chartarum to particular health conditions.

Molds thrive in warm, frequently moist environments, including baths, showers, toilets, kitchens, and basements. They can also grow on wood, dirt, or paper.

Black mold may be growing in your home and you don’t even know it. That’s because mold loves dark, warm, humid places that are often out of sight. Once it begins to spread, getting rid of black mold can be challenging.

When the conditions are right, mold can grow quickly — sometimes within 24-48 hours. Leaving mold untreated can lead to worsening respiratory illnesses as well as aggravating asthma and allergies. Mold’s ability to grow quickly and its negative effect on your family’s health is why you should keep an eye out and stop mold before it spreads.

Your basement, kitchen, and bathroom are at the greatest risk for mold and bacteria growth because they are typically areas with moisture. The best way to prevent mold is by cleaning regularly and minimizing moisture. Squeegeeing shower doors after use, repairing leaks, and keeping tile grout cleaners are effective methods for keeping mold at bay. But even if you’re frequently cleaning and disinfecting, mold can sneak in and make itself at home.

Identifying mold in your home

1. Look for spots or clustered growths, especially in warm, moist rooms. You may be able to identify mold by a musty smell. Experiencing asthma attacks or allergy symptoms in your home may also indicate there’s mold.
2. Look for causes of mold growth, such as a leak, water damage, lack of ventilation, or old food, papers, or wood.
3. Resolve any issues causing mold growth. Throw away anything affected by mold or contributing to mold growth.

How Do You Get Rid of Mold?

There are plenty of commercial products that are effective for black mold removal, but many of them contain harsh chemicals that may be as harmful as the mold itself. There are several ways to get rid of mold without resorting to toxic chemicals.

Here are 5 ways to treat black mold using green household cleaners:

How to treat mold with hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an antifungal, antiviral, and anti-bacterial solution found in most medicine cabinets, and it’s an effective mold treatment. You can use it safely on a range of surfaces such as kitchen appliances and counters, bathroom fixtures and tubs, hard flooring, and even certain wall surfaces.

Pour a 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Test an inconspicuous area of surfaces first to prevent discolouration or damage. Saturate the mouldy surface and leave it for 10 minutes. Next, scrub the area with just enough force to remove black mold and mold stains. Once the surface is free of residual mold and stains, wipe dry.

• Black mold removal using vinegar

White vinegar is a mildly acidic product that cleans, deodorizes, and disinfects. It can also kill 82% of mold species, including black mold, on porous and non-porous surfaces. You can use it safely on most surfaces, and its offensive odour goes away quickly.

Pour undiluted white vinegar into a spray bottle. Because white vinegar contains only about 20% acetic acid, adding water makes it less effective. Spray the vinegar onto the mouldy surface and leave for an hour. Finally, wipe the area clean with water and allow the surface to dry. Any smell from the vinegar should clear within a few hours.

• Getting rid of mold with baking soda

From absorbing odours in the fridge to relieving heartburn, baking soda has a multitude of uses around the house — including black mold removal. It’s safe for your family and pets, and it not only kills black mold, but it also absorbs moisture that attracts mold.

Add one-quarter of a tablespoon of baking soda to a spray bottle of water and shake until it has dissolved. Spray the mouldy area with the baking soda and water solution, then use a scrub brush to remove mold from the surface. Next, rinse the surface with water to remove any residue and baking soda. Finally, spray the area again and let the surface dry without wiping. This will kill any left-over mold and help prevent the mold from returning.

For really tough black mold removal, mix two parts baking soda with one part white vinegar and one part water. Stir the mixture until it becomes a thick paste. Spread your mixture liberally onto the surface and let it dry. Scrub away the black mold and stains, and wipe down with water.

• Black mold removal using essential oils

Essential oils have made aromatherapy a household word, but these natural compounds can do so much more. Tea tree oil is an insect repellant, antiseptic, and deodorizer — and it’s one of the safest methods for getting rid of black mold. Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide that cleans up mold quickly and it helps prevent mold spores from coming back.

Combine one teaspoon of tea tree oil with one cup of water in a spray bottle and shake vigorously to blend the water and oil. Spray the mouldy area, leave it to dry for an hour, and then wipe away with a microfiber cloth or dry towel. Make sure to wear protective gloves, because some people find that essential oils can irritate their skin.

• How to treat mold with lemons

Lemons are a natural deodorizer, antiseptic, bleach, stain remover, and cleaner — and they can also remove black mold. The high concentration of acid in lemons breaks down mold, making it easy to remove and leaves behind a disinfected surface. Along with that wonderful citrus aroma!

Juice three-to-five lemons into a cup and pour over the mouldy area. Let it sit for five minutes and then wipe the surface with a damp towel. You can reapply and scrub the surface to get rid of tough mold stains.

These natural remedies are great non-toxic alternatives to chemical-based black mold removers, and many of them are also effective against mildew. They are safe for your family and safe for the environment and are frequently less expensive than commercial brands. To learn more about the basics of mold removal, check out this guide from EPA.gov.

From removing mold to weekly housekeeping, The Laundrymann can help you tackle dirt and grime with our full range of cleaning services.

Conclusion

Let someone else take care of the laundry

If you’re overwhelmed by piles of grubby laundry, then why not let someone else deal with it? Our award-winning dry cleaning and laundry service makes wash day a breeze. Upon subscription, We’ll collect your laundry, clean and iron it using professional methods and equipment, and return it to your door. We’ll even fold or hang it for you, so it’s ready to go straight in the wardrobe or drawer.

Your washing machine needs to be cleaned thoroughly every couple of months, and you should be running a 

hot maintenance cycle at least once every two weeks. This will leave your machine out of action for a few hours, so subscribe to our service and let us handle the hard work while you scrub up.

Sorting laundry? Do I need to do that? Jackson had asked a couple of weeks ago

When you sort well, it not only prevents accidents, but also aids cleaning, preserves colours, reduces drying time, and diminishes the spread of lint and fuzz.

Interestingly enough, you’ll find several different opinions when it comes to sorting clothes.  our Method is certainly not the only way. If you have a method that is working for you, then, by all means, stick with it!

But if you are getting a failing grade in the Sorting Department, then read on.

First of all, what is the reason to sort clothes in the first place? Do you need to sort clothes at all?

A very good question.

In my personal opinion, you do.

Sorting clothes allows you to use different washing cycles (‘delicate’ versus ‘normal’) and also allows for washing at different temperatures.

Most importantly, sorting clothes decreases the chances that a garment is going to bleed onto another when you control cycle type and water temperature.

If you do choose to sort your clothes prior to washing them, keep reading for Mama’s best tips.

Before washing any item, be sure to read its sewn-in care label. There, you’ll find its fabric content, such as “100% cotton” or “65% polyester, 35% cotton.”

Steps Required

Separate your laundry pile into groups:

1. • Everyday laundry (such as cotton, linen, and items such as T-shirts, khakis, button-down shirts, underwear, and socks), and durable synthetics
2. • Denim
3. • Sheets, towels, and bedding
4. • Delicates (such as silk and silk-like fabrics, lingerie, and embellished items)
5. • Performance fabrics (such as swimwear and activewear)
6. • Woolens
7. • Items that are stained, dingy, or stinky
8. • Items labelled “Dry Clean” or “Dry Clean Only”

SORTING LAUNDRY BY COLOR

There are several distinct piles in which to sort clothes: whites, darks, lights, jeans, and delicates.

You could sub-divide even further, but these categories are the most used.

→ Whites: White t-shirts, white underwear, white socks and other similar items fall into this category. This pile is for white sturdy cotton that can withstand normal agitation in the washer on a warm or hot wash cycle.

→ Darks: Grays, blacks, navies, reds, dark purples and similar colours are sorted into this load.

→ Lights: More pastel-type colours such as pinks, lavenders, light blues, lights greens and yellows are placed in this pile of laundry.

→ Jeans: All items with denim material are washed together in this load.

→ Delicates: This category includes several types of clothing – lingerie, pantyhose, washable silks, and any clothing you’d like to keep from the harsh agitation of the washer.

SORTING LAUNDRY BY FABRIC WEIGHT

Please note that colour is not the only consideration when sorting clothes. The weight of the garment should be considered as well.

For example, if you have several pairs of heavy cotton pants, then you don’t want to wash those with thin t-shirts. Washing clothes with ‘heavy’ material can possibly tear or rip clothes that are thin and light-weight while enduring the agitation of the washer.

Ask me how I know. Sigh.

If they are placed in the dryer together, they obviously won’t dry at the same rate since one fabric is much heavier than another.

It’s best just to separate these types of garments from the start and wash them in two separate loads.

DEALING WITH STAINS WHILE SORTING

While I am sorting clothes, I also make a pile for items that need stain removal attention.

As soon as I am finished sorting the other clothes, I go through and sort the stained items. If they need a quick spray with stain remover, I do so and then put them in whichever sorting category they fall into.

If it’s a bad stain, I put it in the bucket for the Stain Removal Soak.

SORTING DOESN’T HAVE TO TAKE A LONG TIME!

Sorting clothes doesn’t have to be laborious.  Consider it to be part of your laundry routine.

You can sort clothes as you put them in the dirty hamper using a laundry sorter. This method works well in that you can easily look at the ‘whites’ basket and see that it’s full and needs to be dealt with.

Alternatively, if you only wash clothes once (or twice) a week, you can dump all of your clothes in one big laundry basket and then sort just prior to washing.

Different methods work for different people in various stages of life.

What works for an empty-nester couple might be drastically different than what works for a young mother.

OTHER SORTING TIPS

I find when I have a newborn, I tend to wash all of their clothes together.  Newborn outfits are mostly pastel in colour, so they easily wash in the same load without issues.

And it seems that newborn clothes all make it back to the nursery if they are washed together – not in various loads. I seem to have trouble getting them all back to the baby’s room if they are washed here and there. This might just be my experience. 😉

But what about washing towels and sheets?

Washing towels and sheets deserve its own post, so make sure you click over and read those details.

Lastly, I know that there are many of you out there who do not sort clothes at all since you wash all of your loads on the ‘cold’ temperature setting.

Again, do what works best for you in your laundry routine!

Conclusion

Let someone else take care of the laundry

If you’re overwhelmed by piles of grubby laundry, then why not let someone else deal with it? Our award-winning dry cleaning and laundry service makes wash day a breeze. Upon subscription, We’ll collect your laundry, clean and iron it using professional methods and equipment, and return it to your door. We’ll even fold or hang it for you, so it’s ready to go straight in the wardrobe or drawer.

Your washing machine needs to be cleaned thoroughly every couple of months, and you should be running a hot maintenance cycle at least once every two weeks. This will leave your machine out of action for a few hours, so subscribe to our service and let us handle the hard work while you scrub up.

launder items need water while Dry cleaning is not a dry process as speculated, its a wet process but with a chemical solvent

To decide whether your pants should be washed or dry cleaned, consult the care label. Generally, woollens should be dry-cleaned. Many kinds of cotton can be washed, although sometimes manufacturers suggest dry cleaning to avoid problems with colour or size changes.

When you have clothing that needs to look sharp, like a suit, dress, sweater, or dress shirt, chances are you take it to the dry cleaners. But many nice articles of clothing don’t need to be dry cleaned—often, having your clothing laundered and pressed is a better choice.

We have you covered at laundryman as we offer both Dry Cleaning and Launder & Press services! Sign up here and try any one of our award-winning services. situation 

So, what is the difference between laundering and dry cleaning?

The short answer – water.

Dry Cleaning: When your clothes are dry cleaned, non-water-based solvents are used to remove stains, before they are crisply pressed. 

Launder & Press: With laundered items, water and detergent are used. Your clothes are washed in a commercial-grade washing machine, emerge slightly damp, and then are individually pressed.

The benefit of using Launder & Press?

• • It’s gentle on fabric: The chemicals used to dry clean your clothes can cause fabrics to deteriorate over time. Laundering, on the other hand, removes stains and everyday grime using water and gentler detergents.

• • It’s ideal for removing sweat, oils, and dirt: Laundering is more effective than dry cleaning at removing sweat and oil from fabrics, so it is typically the best choice for dress shirts and cotton blouses. After clothes are laundered, they are pressed and hung for that crisp, fresh-from-the-cleaner look.

High-quality laundry services like Laundrymann read the care label on your clothing and make the call between chemical dry cleaning and laundering to maximize the life of your clothes. When you’re the one making the call, read the label: if it doesn’t say “Dry Clean Only,” ask for Launder & Press. Your clothes will thank you!

Why Dry Clean?

My wife and I have different views on dry cleaning. I have my shirts dry-cleaned after each wearing. My pants I dry-clean after two or three uses. She says this is unnecessary and that I should just wash everything. I like my method because I don’t have to press anything and it is relatively cheap. Who’s right?

Listen to the lady, for the most part. Many shirts, especially the cotton dress and casual shirts most of us wear regularly, should be laundered.

A good laundry will press your shirts properly, and you can have them folded or put on hangers, as the dry cleaner probably does.

You may be thinking – Why on earth would anyone choose to dry clean when Launder & Press is just as effective (if not more in some cases) and gentler on fabrics? Well, the truth is, it depends on the fabric and the piece. 

 Dry cleaning costs 175 per cent more, and according to my esteemed cleaner, It’s not suitable for the type of soiling that occurs with a man’s shirt. It’s not as good at removing perspiration and the oils that occur around the neck. Proper laundering will give you cleaner and longer-lasting shirts.

• It’s ideal for clothing made of natural fibres, like silk or wool because water can harm the fabric. Water can cause the fibres in the fabric to become rigid and even cause the garment to shrink, fade, or lose its shape.

• It’s often the only way to get out certain stains: When an item is dry cleaned, it also goes through the “pre-spotting” process where an experienced cleaner will examine each garment to locate stains and determine the source so that they can treat the stain with the appropriate non-aqueous solvent. It’s not uncommon for a pre-spotter to have decades of experience!

A helpful tip to extend the life of your clothes: If you know the source of any stain on your garment, let your dry cleaner know. Be it ketchup, wine, or a splash from a puddle, your dry cleaner will use that information to choose the right solvent and minimize the risk of damage.

There’s a reason both dry cleaning and launder & press are offered today—each serves a different, valuable purpose. Both are aptly named and both keep you looking sharp!

Conclusion

Let someone else take care of the laundry

If you’re overwhelmed by piles of grubby laundry, then why not let someone else deal with it? Our award-winning dry cleaning and laundry service makes wash day a breeze. Upon subscription, We’ll collect your laundry, clean and iron it using professional methods and equipment, and return it to your door. We’ll even fold or hang it for you, so it’s ready to go straight in the wardrobe or drawer.

Your washing machine needs to be cleaned thoroughly every couple of months, and you should be running a hot maintenance cycle at least once every two weeks. This will leave your machine out of action for a few hours, so subscribe to our service and let us handle the hard work while you scrub up.

Cashmere is a type of wool that is made from the hair of a certain type of goat native to the Gobi Desert and Central Asia. Long considered to be one of the softest and most luxurious types of wool in existence, cashmere is highly prized as a material for sweaters, scarves, and other light cold-weather gear.

Soft, luxurious, and high maintenance—these are the first few of the things that come to mind when people think of cashmere. While this delicate fabric does require a bit of attention, don’t let that stop you from upgrading your wardrobe with a few cosy cashmere pieces. If you clean, dry, and store your cashmere properly, it’s easy to keep it in excellent shape.

Take a deep breath and let us guide you through the process—it’ll be pain-free, we promise.

Washing and drying your Cashmere: by hand, machine or professional

Cashmere is quite delicate, and handwashing helps prevent damage. Mix a mild detergent or a baby shampoo with cool or lukewarm water, and let your sweater soak for about five minutes before rinsing clean

Yes, it’s possible to clean your cashmere at home. Whether you’re washing a sweater, dress or scarf by hand, these steps will help you keep your cashmere fresh.

1. Fill your basin with cold water, and add a mild detergent such as Woolite, baby shampoo, or dish soap.
2. Let your cashmere soak in the basin for five minutes, before rinsing thoroughly.
3. Take out your clothing and fold it up into a ball to get the excess water out. Don’t wring your cashmere, which can stretch out the delicate material.
4. Place your clothing flat on a towel, and roll it up to remove any remaining water.
5. Lay your clothing on a drying rack. If you don’t own a drying rack, place it between two towels to dry.

Don’t have the time to wash by hand? This might surprise you, but you can use a washing machine to clean cashmere. Put the garment in a laundry or mesh bag before you place it in the machine, and select the gentle cycle on cold water. If you’d rather have a professional do the job, dry cleaning is always a good option for your cashmere. 

At laundrymann , our Dry Cleaning and Wash & Fold services are conveniently available 7 days a week. Visit our homepage to subscribe and schedule your first pickup. We have decades of experience cleaning cashmeres! 

Care tip: Ideally, you should clean cashmere after wearing it two to three times. In between washings you can remove any fabric pills with a cashmere comb or bristled garment brush. Pills don’t mean the cashmere you purchased is cheap—they’re simply a sign of friction from wear.

No matter how careful you try to be, you might end up with a small stain on your sweater. Your initial urge might be to panic, but you can keep your cool—and your cashmere—by following our handy stain removal advice.

1. Makeup or grease-based: First blot the stain. Then, pre-treat by soaking the cashmere in mild shampoo.
2. Chocolate: Dip a cloth in liquid detergent and lightly rub the stained area, taking care not to scrub too hard.
3. Red wine, tea, or coffee: Gently rub the stain with a cloth dipped in a mix of cold water and dish-washing liquid. Avoid soap or machine detergents, which can set red wine stains rather than remove them.

Afterwards, rinse your garment in cold water and let it dry on a rack. Your cashmere should be as good as new!

Storage: long-lasting care

To keep your cashmere looking its best, keep these tips in mind.

1. Don’t hang your cashmere sweaters or dresses. A hanger will distort the shoulders, and the garment will lose its original shape.
2. Instead, fold your cashmere and keep it in a drawer or on a shelf away from moisture.
3. When you’re putting your cashmere away for the season, place it in a breathable garment bag or storage box in a cool, dry area. To prevent wrinkles, you can wrap each piece of cashmere clothing in acid-free tissue paper.
4. Remember to make sure your fabric is washed before you store it for the offseason. Moths are attracted to human scents, so you’ll want to get rid of any perfume or food odours prior to storage. As an added precaution, place some cedar wood moth repellents with your cashmere.

Now that you’re fully equipped to care for cashmere, go ahead and stock up on this comfy and luxurious fabric in time for sweater season. You’ll look good and feel good!

Conclusion

Let someone else take care of the laundry

If you’re overwhelmed by piles of grubby laundry, then why not let someone else deal with it? Our award-winning dry cleaning and laundry service makes wash day a breeze. Upon subscription, We’ll collect your laundry, clean and iron it using professional methods and equipment, and return it to your door. We’ll even fold or hang it for you, so it’s ready to go straight in the wardrobe or drawer.

Your washing machine needs to be cleaned thoroughly every couple of months, and you should be running a hot maintenance cycle at least once every two weeks. This will leave your machine out of action for a few hours, so subscribe to our service and let us handle the hard work while you scrub up.