How to Find the Best Dry Cleaner

Finding the best dry cleaners near you is one of the most important investments you can make to save money on clothing in the long run. High-quality dry cleaners will extend the life of your expensive garments by ensuring they are cleaned properly each time. Read on for our guide on how to find the best dry cleaners near you, plus some tips on what to ask when you visit.

Visit and Ask Some Questions

Before you choose a dry cleaner, start by asking these six key questions:

1. Where Is the Actual Cleaning Done?

Most dry cleaners in the U.S. are either dry stores with a central plant or package stores that clean on-site.

A dry store is just a drop-off location, where clothes are sent to a remote facility for cleaning. Ask how many stores feed into the central plant. Large plants focus on controlling costs and increasing efficiency, which might mean your clothes don't get personalized attention.

Package stores have the equipment on-site and do the cleaning themselves. These smaller operations often have staff who can answer fabric care questions and address your clothing concerns.

2. What Type of Equipment Is Used for Pressing?

Pressing can be done by hand or machine. Machine pressing typically involves blowing hot steam through the garment to remove large wrinkles, which can be harsh on fabrics. Machine pressing doesn't create crisp edges and seams where desired.

Hand pressing is better for delicate fabrics, especially those with details like beading or sequins. 

3. How Is Responsibility for Damaged Garments Handled?

Mistakes happen, so it's important to know who is responsible for damaged items and how claims are handled. Ask what happens if a garment is lost. A reputable cleaner should compensate you for the value of the item.

4. What Is the Average Cost of Cleaning a Garment?

Ask about prices for a dress, suit, slacks, and sweater. See if there's a different charge for a man's suit versus a woman's suit, and whether wet cleaning is priced by the pound or by the item.

5. Does the Shop Offer Pick-Up and Delivery?

Consider your time and convenience. Paying a bit extra for pick-up and delivery service may simplify your life. Make sure the service area fits your schedule.

6. Can I Have My Items Dry-Cleaned on the Same Day?

In case of a dry-cleaning emergency needing a rush job, ask if they can prepare clothing for a special event on the same day, though it may cost extra.

Seek Specialty Cleaners When Necessary

Some top-tier dry cleaners specialize in handling delicate items like wedding dresses, while others may be more affordable for everyday items like suits and jackets. Here are some specialty items that might require extra care:

• Vintage materials
• Silk
• Wool
• Cashmere
• Sheer fabrics
• Netting or mesh textiles
• Heavily embroidered or appliqued pieces
• Sequined and beaded items
• Prom and other formal wear

Determine Which Dry-Cleaning Solvents Are Used

It's important to know what kind of dry cleaning solvent your cleaner uses. Some solvents are more environmentally friendly than others. Some cleaners also recirculate their cleaning fluids, meaning dirt from previous loads can be redeposited. Ask if they use freshly purified or distilled fluids with every run.

Care Labels

Different clothing care labels indicate which dry-cleaning solvents should be used or whether the item should be dry-cleaned at all. Here's a quick reference guide for the American care labeling system:

• Empty circle: Means the item should be dry-cleaned.
• Circle with an "X": Means the item should not be dry-cleaned.
• "A": Means the item is dry clean-only, and any solvent can be used.
• "F": Means the item is dry clean-only with a petroleum solvent.
• "P": Means professional dry cleaning in any solvent except trichloroethylene.

Recommendations and Word-of-Mouth

Word-of-mouth can be very informative when it comes to local dry cleaners. Friends’ experiences can help you avoid bad service. If someone you know had a bad experience, they’re probably not alone.

Ask several sharp-dressed people at work or in your neighborhood—certain names will come up frequently. Also, check local consumer protection bureaus and online reviews. Though reviews can be subjective, they sometimes include photos, which can help you assess the quality.

Ask About Professional Certifications and Affiliations

Before entrusting your favorite dress to the dry cleaner, ask if there’s a certified professional on staff. If the attendant doesn't know, ask the manager.

There are various certifications for environmental dry cleaning, wet cleaning, and dry cleaning. Certifications indicate that the cleaner hires professionals who take their craft seriously.

Also, inquire if the dry cleaner is affiliated with professional associations like the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute or the International Fabricare Institute. These groups provide ongoing training and enforce customer service and ethical standards.

Observe Employee Professionalism

When you enter the cleaner, is the person at the counter helpful? A good dry cleaner should inspect your garments, ask about stains, and consider any special care instructions.

Is there a fabric care expert on-site who can answer questions and offer advice?

Remember, you also have responsibilities to get the best results from a cleaner. Bring in clothes as soon as a stain occurs. Point out and identify stains if possible. Even the best cleaner can't read your mind.

Inquire About Pricing and Turn Around Time

Compare the cost of dry cleaning specific garments with other local cleaners. Check if the return time is reasonable for the type or amount of clothing being dry-cleaned. Get this information beforehand.

Tip

Be aware of the business’s hours and operation days. Some schedules might be inconvenient for those who work until early evening.

FAQ

What items should always be dry-cleaned?

Materials such as silk, suede, wool, velvet, and taffeta should always be dry-cleaned. Vintage garments, lined jackets, and items with beadwork and lace should also be handled by professionals.

What’s the difference between dry cleaning and wet cleaning?

Dry cleaning involves cleaning garments without water, using solvents, whereas wet cleaning uses water and a gentle detergent to remove stains and odors.

Does dry cleaning remove stains?

Yes, dry cleaning can effectively remove stains using strong solvents. It's best to take the garment to a professional promptly and inform them about the nature of the stain.

Can I ever wash "dry clean only" items at home?

Items labeled "dry clean only" should be taken to a professional and not washed at home. However, you can use a dry cleaning kit at home for items that are labeled as "dry clean" or "dry clean recommended."