After nearly five decades of caring for garments in Gallatin, TN, Frank and Patty Bartlett have seen just about every fabric, stain, and garment care challenge imaginable. Here are their top tips for keeping your clothes looking their best.
Which Fabrics Need Dry Cleaning?
Not every garment needs professional dry cleaning, but certain fabrics absolutely do. Silk, wool, cashmere, velvet, and most lined garments should always be dry cleaned. These materials can shrink, lose their shape, or become damaged in a standard washing machine. When in doubt, check the care label — if it says “dry clean only,” trust it.
How Often Should You Dry Clean?
A common misconception is that garments need cleaning after every wear. In reality, suits can often be worn three to four times between cleanings, provided you air them out between wears. Dress shirts and blouses should be cleaned after one or two wears, while outerwear like coats may only need cleaning once or twice per season.
Stain Treatment: What to Do (and What Not to Do)
The number one mistake people make with stains is rubbing them. This pushes the stain deeper into the fabric and can damage the fibers. Instead, gently blot the stain with a clean cloth and bring the garment to your dry cleaner as soon as possible. The fresher the stain, the better the chance of complete removal.
Storing Your Dry-Cleaned Garments
Remove the plastic bag from your dry-cleaned clothes as soon as you get home. Plastic traps moisture and can cause yellowing over time. Instead, store garments in breathable garment bags. Use cedar blocks rather than mothballs, and make sure your closet has adequate air circulation.
The Value of a Trusted Dry Cleaner
A quality dry cleaner inspects each garment before and after cleaning, uses appropriate solvents for different fabrics, and takes the time to handle special care items properly. At Carriage Drive-In Cleaners, we have been doing exactly that since 1979. Our drive-in convenience means you can drop off and pick up without ever leaving your car.
Have questions about caring for a specific garment? Stop by our location at 405 W Main St in Gallatin or call us at (615) 452-3866. We are always happy to help.