You may find these tips very useful!
- Have your clothes cleaned frequently. This actually prolongs their life… as soil and stains left too long are sometimes impossible to remove and will cause abrasion of the fabric and can wear out the fibers.
- 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 out before dry cleaning.
- Bring your garments in for professional care as soon possible after staining occurs.
- Avoid letting your garments come in contact with products containing alcohol such as perfumes, hair spray, colognes and lotions. When these products dry they are invisible and will leave spots after being cleaned. Always apply these products before getting dressed and allow them to dry.
- Allow deodorants and antiperspirants to dry before dressing.
- Protect your clothing from excessive perspiration. The chloride salts in perspiration can seriously weaken delicate fabrics and can also cause dyes to change colors.
- Protect your clothing from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or strong artificial light. Bright colors, especially blues and greens tend to oxidize and fade.
- Never iron stained or soiled clothing…this only sets the stain.
- Do not store your clothing in plastic bags. Fabrics, especially natural ones like cotton and linen need to breathe. Keep the paper shoulder covers on clothing if your are storing them for the season. This will keep dust and damaging light off your garment.
- If possible, try to have matching garments cleaned together. This applies to clothing as well as to household items such as bedspreads, pillow shams and draperies.