 The Basics
Knowing stain-survival secrets and “what not to do” is just as
important as knowing “what to do!” Dry clean-only clothing requires different care than washable clothing, as
do the stains that we spill on them. Here’s some basic first aid that will not make matters worse, ruin your clothing,
or compromise what your drycleaner will do next to restore your clothing.
When You Have a Stain Emergency:
Resist advice from
well-meaning hosts and friends. People are very quick to offer help in these awkward situations, but you are the best and
most qualified person to handle this.
- First, count to ten, relax, and do not apply water or club soda until you
know if the stain is water-based or oily!
- Think of water and club soda as the same, and never apply then to oily stains,
lipstick & ink stains. (Especially on dryclean-only fabrics.)
- Gently blot the stained area with a dry, white napkin and stop.
- Water can spread stains, bleed dyes and ruin silk – and other dryclean-only
fabrics – making future removal or restoration by your dry cleaner an impossible task!
- Try to dry clean all stained clothing within 24-48 hours and always point
out the stains. Dry cleaners are not mind readers!
- If the garment is washable, and the stain has no oil in it, you have our
blessing to use water or club soda - in small amounts!
Used by Permission
The Clothing Doctor
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