Dry Cleaner

Dry Cleaner

AtlSoapGuy

Atlanta, GA

Male, 52

I have worked in the dry cleaning industry for almost 30 years. I worked in my family's dry cleaning operation as a manager and owner. Currently, I write a blog for those in the dry cleaning industry, as well as work for a manufacturer of dry cleaning chemicals. Over the years I have spent in the dry cleaning industry, I estimate that I have been in over 2000 dry cleaners in the US.

SubscribeGet emails when new questions are answered. Ask Me Anything!Show Bio +

Share:

Ask me anything!

Submit Your Question

88 Questions

Share:

Last Answer on February 12, 2018

Best Rated

I took a very expensive brown 93% cotton 7% spandex blend dress to my cleaners. It came back with blotches that look like grease.Also looks like steam burns in the back. He claims its the mftrer problem & that I should go back to store. Do u agree?

Asked by Gail almost 13 years ago

There have been quite a few problems with dye fading in garments containing spandex as of late.  So without seeing the garment, yes, it could be possible that it is a manufacturer's problem.

The grease stains are tough to tell, solvent that has not dried evenly of thoroughly can leave a greasy appearance (similar to a food grease, not a black grease).  The steam burns you describe could be a result of brown dye fading and not scorch.  It is pretty tough to tell withoug seeing it.  

Does the care label say the garment is dry cleanable?  Was it dry cleaned in Perc, HydroCarbon or another solvent?  Some of the current dye fading problems are occuring more in HydroCarbon than other solvents and can often be corrected when cleaned in Perc if the garment is safe to clean in Perc. 

How do cleaners with multiple pick up centres and one production facility ensure that customers clothes don't get mixed up

Asked by A.Y over 12 years ago

All of the garments are tagged/marked in as to which customer brought the garment in.  These are then sorted by these markers after cleaning.  Each location, usually has their own particular identifiers for marking.  These completed orders are then sent to the corresponding store, based on their markings.  

My nephews drink the Berry Blue Kool-Aid Sunburst drinks. Unfortunately, they spilled some on my white carpet and didn't tell me about it until I got home. Now I have this juice stain and nothing seems to get it out! What should I do? Thanks!

Asked by Marianne Garcia almost 13 years ago

That is a difficult question for me to answer.  The chemicals that I recommend are all for dry cleaning use.  Most of these need to be flushed out on the spotting board or in a dry cleaning machine.  I would recommend a professional carpet cleaner.  

can a drycleaner stretch denim jeans to be a little longer in length?

Asked by cc over 12 years ago

They may be able to stretch these a very small amount, but usually this correction is lost in future cleanings and will be needed again the next time. 

What percent of households use a dry cleaners?

Asked by Josh almost 13 years ago

I have not seen any statistics on this in some time.  However, I would guess that at least 30% of households use a dry cleaner, at least once in a year.  Strictly a guess though. 

I am new to the industry and I got a job in one of dry cleaners but I don't know most of the clothes's name and words I should use if u can help me with this I will be glad. Thank you

Asked by emushakonjo@yahoo.com over 12 years ago

I would recommend having the owner of your plant enroll you in some of the DLI training courses that are available.  They have a number of courses available by correspondence, online and at DLI that would be of tremendous help to you.  

i want to open a dry clean/laundry drop-off. Where do i start looking for the company that will do the actual cleaning?

Asked by Preston almost 13 years ago

I would begin by discussing this with dry cleaners that are operating plants that you will not be in direct competition with.  Check their quality to make sure they are what you are seeking and negotiate to make sure the pricing will work for both of you.