Saving Money with At Home Dry Cleaning

Today, everyone needs to get more for their money. But can you actually save money by using an “At Home” dry cleaning kit?

The “At Home” vs. “Professional” Appearance

There are several do-it-yourself dry cleaning kits available in your grocery store. Some of these, for the right garments, can remove odors (such as smoke) and refresh garments that have been worn multiple times. Also, these kits usually contain a spot removal solution that, again for the right garment, may be useful if you are traveling or don’t have time to bring your clothing to Max I. Walker.

But, the limitations of these kits also limit their effects. As a result, these kits do not provide the crisp, finished appearance of garments cleaned by a professional like Max I. Walker. Plus, bulky or oversized items may be more difficult to manage at home. In some instances, the “At Home” solution could actually make a stain worse as it may be “set” by the heat of your home dryer.

While these at home products do work well for many articles of clothing, there are some items that these products are generally not good for. These items should still be taken to a professional dry cleaner, like clothing or accessories made from suede, leather, fur or velvet. These items can be difficult to clean correctly, and since they are generally expensive, you do not want to run the risk of damaging them yourself. Other reasons to make a visit to your dry cleaner are if you have items that are too big to fit into your dryer, or if you have a dryer that runs at an extremely high temperature.

Tips: Care for Your Clothes at Home for FREE!

In short, these kits may be useful, but they cannot replace the level of care and quality provided by Max I. Walker’s professional cleaning. So to help you get the most from your monthly budget, we have put together hints and tips to help to help make your clothes last longer and get more for your cleaning dollar.

• Allow perfumes, lotions, antiperspirants, and other toiletries to dry before you get dressed since these products can contain ingredients that affect dyes.
• Protect garments from excessive perspiration, especially silks, because it can cause many dyes to discolor.
• Protect your garments from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or strong artificial light. Keep in mind that even indoor lightning can affect some dyes.
• Don’t press stained or soiled clothes as the heat may make the stain “set” more firmly into the fabric.
• Bring a garment in for professional cleaning as soon as possible after a stain occurs, because if left too long it can be impossible to remove.
• Don’t leave items destined for Max I. Walker in the back seat of your car for long periods of time. Sunlight and heat in a closed car can cause your garments to fade and weaken fabric fibers. Consider Max I. Walker’s free Home/Office Pickup & Delivery Service.
• Be sure to point out stains when you drop off your cleaning, especially light-colored or invisible spills, such as those from soft drinks, fruit juices or white wine.
• Clean matching pieces like suits together, including bedspreads and drapes, so that any possible color loss will be uniform and pieces will still match.
• Remember to check your pockets for personal items. Our employees will also check, but an overlooked piece of hard candy can melt during dry cleaning and leave a very difficult stain.
• Plastic bags are provided to protect your garments until you get home. Once there, it is best to store your garments uncovered or in fabric garment bags.

Remember, regular, quality cleaning like that provided by Max I. Walker can help your clothes last longer, but you must do your part, too. Together, we can help you look good everyday, for years to come.