13 Things Your Dry Cleaner Wants You to Know (FAQ)

As a professional in the garment care industry, I get a lot of questions from customers about how to treat their favorite clothes. “Does this really need dry cleaning?” or “Are those home kits actually effective?”

To help you keep your wardrobe in top shape, I’ve compiled the 13 most common questions I hear at the counter, answered straight from the expert’s perspective.

Does a “Dry Clean Only” label mean I can only dry clean it?

Not necessarily. Generally, it’s a strong recommendation, but items like sweaters and silk can often be hand-washed. In fact, as a Professional Wet Cleaning expert, I process almost all “Dry Clean Only” garments—including delicate silks—using specialized water-based methods (except for a few cases, like silk with intricate pleats). Sometimes, manufacturers put that label on garments simply to avoid liability for any issues that might occur during home washing.

What’s the difference between a “Home Dry Cleaning Kit” and a professional cleaner?

Home kits (like Dryel) are essentially just scented sheets that use the dryer’s heat to refresh and de-wrinkle. Their actual cleaning power is close to zero. While professional dry cleaning excels at removing oils, it struggles with water-soluble stains (like sweat or coffee). That’s why professional cleaners often use a combination of dry cleaning, laundering, and wet cleaning to truly get your clothes clean.

What happens if my clothes are shrunk or damaged?

If the cleaner admits fault, compensation is usually based on the Actual Cash Value (considering the item’s age and lifespan). The most difficult situation is when a cleaner follows the care label perfectly, but the item still shrinks or bleeds. In these cases, the responsibility often lies with the manufacturer. You may need to file a claim with the retailer or manufacturer, or seek a professional analysis from an organization like the DLI (Drycleaning & Laundry Institute).

Is the cleaning chemical (PERC) safe?

Perchloroethylene (PERC) was the industry standard for years because of its cleaning power. However, it is a known carcinogen and soil contaminant. In California, PERC is already banned, and a nationwide ban is expected within 10 years. Many cleaners now use Hydrocarbon, which is safer than PERC but is still a Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) and must be handled as hazardous waste. This is why some cleaners, including myself, have shifted to Wet Cleaning, which is the most environmentally friendly method available.

Can you get every stain out?

Time is the biggest factor. If you bring a garment in while the stain is “fresh,” the chances of removal are very high. Once a stain becomes old, oxidized, or “set” into the fabric, it becomes much harder—and sometimes impossible—to remove. Truthfully, even a pro won’t know for sure until we try.

Why is women’s clothing more expensive to clean than men’s?

It has nothing to do with gender and everything to do with labor. Most men’s dress shirts fit onto a standard “laundry shirt machine.” Women’s blouses and shirts are often too small or delicate for these machines, requiring hand-pressing. If a man’s shirt requires hand-pressing, the price would be the same as a woman’s.

What exactly is “Professional Wet Cleaning?”

Having transitioned from hydrocarbon dry cleaning to 100% Wet Cleaning, I can tell you it is a highly specialized process. It uses sophisticated machines and conditioners to safely wash “dry clean only” clothes in water. It requires specialized equipment like form finishers (which use steam to reshape the garment) and, most importantly, the technical expertise to know exactly how different fabrics react to water.

How long will you hold my clothes before disposing of them?

Laws vary by state, but most cleaners store clothes for at least 90 days before donating or disposing of them. While we often hold them for up to 6 months as a courtesy, it’s best to pick them up promptly. Leaving clothes in plastic bags for too long can eventually damage the fibers.

Can you clean specialty items like silk, leather, or wedding dresses?

• Silk/Gore-Tex: Most professional cleaners handle these with no problem.
• Wedding Dresses: These require high skill levels, especially if the hem is heavily soiled. Expect to pay $300+ for a quality job.
• Leather: Leather is very complex. While some “light” cleaning can be done at a standard shop, high-end or heavily soiled leather should go to a dedicated leather specialist.

What should I do with the hangers and plastic bags?

We love it when you return your hangers! If they are in good condition, we can reuse them. However, the plastic bags are not reusable. In fact, you should remove the plastic as soon as you get home to let your clothes breathe.

What does the dry cleaning process actually look like?

Even in “dry” cleaning, we use liquids—just not water. A machine uses a solvent (like hydrocarbon) to wash and dry the clothes in one cycle. After that, we use form finishers to blow steam through the garment to remove wrinkles, followed by precise pressing and hand-ironing for a crisp finish.

Should my clothes smell like chemicals after cleaning?

No. If your clothes have a strong chemical (solvent) smell, it means they weren’t dried properly, which isn’t healthy. Even worse is a “musty” or “sour” smell—this indicates the cleaner isn’t maintaining their solvent properly. One of the best parts of Wet Cleaning is that it leaves absolutely no chemical odor or skin irritants behind.

How do you make sure you don’t lose my clothes?

The moment you drop off your clothes, we tag every single item with a unique number that matches your invoice. This tag stays on the garment through washing and pressing. Before bagging, we double-check the numbers. If a tag ever falls off, we use CCTV and cross-reference our remaining orders to ensure every piece goes back to its rightful owner.

I hope this helps clear up some of the mysteries of the dry cleaner! If you have more questions or a garment that needs expert care, we’re here to make sure you—and your clothes—always look your best.