What Clothes Need Dry Cleaning and Why

The vast majority of your wardrobe can be laundered at home in your own washer and dryer, but there are certain items of clothing that require special care. Certain articles of clothing, especially nicer garments and formalwear, may read “Dry Clean Only” on the label. Chances are that these clothing items are not cheap, so you’ll want to follow the care instructions exactly as stated and not attempt to wash them at home.

What is dry cleaning?

Despite the name, dry cleaning is not completely dry. Dry cleaning uses solvents, like perchloroethylene or hydrocarbon to remove stains that have set in fibers. Dry cleaning solvents are able to remove tough stains like oil and grease more gently and effectively than traditional machine washing, which can damage a delicate garment.

What is the history of dry cleaning?

The most common stories about the origin of dry cleaning center on a surprise discovery when a petroleum-type fluid was accidentally spilled on a greasy fabric. It quickly evaporated and the stains were miraculously removed. The first dry cleaning firm is considered to be Jolly-Belin, which opened in Paris in the 1840s. In these early days, garment scourers found several fluids that could be used as dry cleaning solvents, including camphene, benzene, kerosene, and gasoline. These fluids are all very flammable, so dry cleaning was a hazardous business until safer solvents were developed almost a hundred years later.

Which clothing items should always be dry cleaned?

Says Martha Stewart: Suits, pleated skirts, and clothing made from delicate synthetics, such as rayon, or fabric blends, including silk and wool, should be left to the pros; all tend to lose their shape in water. Leather or suede items and those with metal embellishments, beading, or sequins require special care, too. Heavily soiled garments, especially those with difficult oil-based stains, should be taken to a dry cleaner, who may be able to remove them with specialized solvents.

If you have any garments that need to be washed but their care label specifies dry clean only, bring them to Mattituck Laundry! We provide standard dry cleaning services for any clothing item that is delicate, has a difficult to remove stain, or requires special care. We work with all fabrics and clothing types, including silk, cashmere, wool, cotton, and rayon. Bring us your suits, formal dresses, professional attire, button down shirts, and leather items. Questions or concerns? Give us a call today at 631-477-1994!

Personalized Laundry Service for Long-Term Facilities

Are you in charge of a senior living facility? Sometimes there are not enough hours in the day to complete every task and show each resident the individual attention they deserve. Fortunately, a personalized laundry service is a great way to make the most of your time with residents and ensure a clean environment for all.

Hiring a professional laundry service to clean laundry and linens ensures higher quality results. Many senior care facilities do laundry in machines that cannot handle the volume and variety of materials. A Laundromat has large machines that are ideal for washing sheets, towels and large bundles, and dry cleaning for delicate items.

               

Mattituck Laundry can provide your long-term facility with personalized laundry service to benefit patients, families and staff. Here are a few of the services we provide:

Linen Service – The team at Mattituck Laundry serves a number of commercial markets including medical and hospitality.  From linens to bedding, you can expect quality clean and professional service from our team.  Give Mattituck Laundry a call and let us leave your linens looking crisp, fresh and ready to impress.

Dry Cleaning – If you’re looking for the best dry cleaning in town look no further than Mattituck Laundry!  We use quality cleaning supplies, solvents and equipment to gently wash your clothing and remove any stains.

Wash and Fold – If you hate doing laundry this is the service for you.  We will wash, dry and fold your clothes for a better clean than you can get at home.  Simply hand over your dirty clothes and we will handle the rest.

Pick-Up and Delivery – Mattituck Laundry knows that life can be hectic.  That is why we offer convenient pick-up and delivery service free of charge.  This allows you to focus on your residents and staff rather than what time the dry-cleaning will be ready.

Located in Suffolk County, Mattituck Laundry is open 7 days a week with convenient hours from 7 am to 10 pm.  If your long-term facility is in need of commercial laundry service, look no further than your local Mattituck Laundry!  Stop in today and discuss your needs with our friendly staff.