Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

1. What is dry cleaning?

Dry cleaning is a method of removing stains and dirt from garments and fabric by using little or no water. Actually, dry cleaning is not “dry” as solvents or liquids are used to perform the cleaning, but with little water thus the term “dry”.

Dry cleaning machines are similar to washing machines in that a large tumbling basket is used to facilitate the cleaning process. Garments are placed in this basket that is partially filled with solvent and tumbled in a manner in which they drop through the solvent. This agitation and flushing action of the solvent are responsible for the majority of the cleaning.

Certain elements must be present in a dry cleaning system. These include a rotating wash cylinder, a tank for storing solvent, a pump to circulate the solvent, filters, a distillation system, a dryer and of course, the solvent itself. Other components which may or may not be found includes refrigerated condenser for capturing solvent vapors, vapor absorbers, moisture injection system, computer or card controllers, and others.

The solvents most widely used are percloroethylene (PERC) and hydrocarbon. The cleaning solution is comprised of approximately 98% pure solvent, 1% water, 1% sizing and detergents. If impurities comprise any more than an additional 1% of the cleaning solution, the cleaning quality can be detrimentally affected by odor and dinginess.

Some of the more difficult stains are removed with the use of chemical agents, water, steam, air, and a vacuum. This is completed on what is called a “spotting board”. This technique is performed both before and after cleaning and the stains are removed individually.

2. What affect does PERC have on the environment?

One of the many advantages of PERC as a dry cleaning solvent is that it does not contribute to smog formation, ozone depletion or the “greenhouse” warming effect. In fact, the dry cleaning industry was one of the few industries to actively support the Clean Air Act of 1990, helping to develop tough regulations designed to reduce PERC emissions. The industry’s voluntary installation of control equipment has already helped to achieve significant reductions I air emissions. Many dry cleaners purchased PERC leak detectors, PERC vapor measuring kits, and vapor analysis badges to closely monitor PERC vapors and leaks in their plants. 90% of the dry cleaning industry uses PERC.

PERC’s widespread and successful use over more than six decades has shown that it can be stored and used safely in normal dry cleaning practice when proper safety precautions are observed. Dry cleaners pay close attention to keeping the workplace as safe as possible, not only because dry cleaning business are often family owned and operated, but because dry cleaners have a moral and ethical interest in proper waste disposal, emission controls and environmental management.

Proper handling techniques are required by federal and state law because PERC is considered moderately toxic – falling into the same classification as many everyday compounds, including household ammonia and bleach, gasoline, antifreeze and nail polish remover. PERC is less toxic than many common products such a Mercurochrome. Of course, any of these products could be harmful if you drank them or otherwise abused their use, but with normal use, they are all safe.

3. What is spot Cleaning?

Spot cleaning is basically what the title implies. A garment is hand cleaned only in the areas where spots are noticeable. Spot cleaning is performed if portions of a garment are not capable of withstanding an overall cleaning method or if the garment is basically clean and just a small area has a stain.

Spot cleaning is accomplished using a stain removal board, removal agents as necessary, steam and vacuum.

We, Village East Cleaners, also perform a process called “Freshening Up”. In freshening up a special attention is given to the under arms, wiping down the lining with a solvent, spot cleaning and hand pressing.

We have seven different and specialized finishing stations. You can’t get the finest results on an evening gown by a finisher if he/she is expected to produce khaki pants on the same station. The gown requires a softer press while the khaki pants are best produced with a harder press pad to generate the crisp finish.

Due to the variance in materials and construction, we do not have a single set price for an item category. Example: a blouse can have a large range of prices from a simple cotton tee to a silk designer top with rhinestone buttons and a temporary pleated finish requiring re-pleating with each cleaning. We are always happy to take the time at drop off to provide an exact price for articles being left for service. Please be patient as the pricing step is slightly involved and requires reading every care label and can take a few minutes.

4. Why would the cleaners’ not follow a garment’s care label?

There are many factors that determine the stability of a garment and the type of cleaning required. Was the material pre-shrunk? Dry cleaning will generally induce less shrinkage than machine washing.

Cleaning labels mainly address the fabric but do not always address any beading, sequins, leather trim, etc. that may have been placed on the garment. These embellishments can severely limit the serviceability and care of a garment.

Dye stability: some dyes are stable when cleaned in water and some when dry cleaned. Some dyes cannot withstand either cleaning process. When there is a question, a test will be done first and if it does not pass the test, we will call the customer to let them know.

5. Is it okay to leave my cleaned clothes in the plastic bags I get from the cleaners?

The short answer is only if you will be wearing them this season. It is not recommended for storing garments for more than a season.

Plastic bags inhibit the fabric from breathing and can promote the formation of mildew and cause fume fading. Fume fading can yellow white and discolor the colored garments.

RECOMMENDATION: Store garments in cloth garment bags that breath and will provide some protection from insect and moth damage.

6. What is Rayon?

Rayon is a man made material composed of regenerated cellulose usually obtained from wood pulp. Rayon can be made to simulate man common materials such as wool and silk and can be used by itself or blended with other materials.

The advantages of rayon is its versatility, moisture absorption and dye compatibility.

The disadvantages or limitations include its sensitivity to heat and light exposure. Water can also weaken the material as well as cause shrinkage and many spot removal techniques are incompatible.

Some types of fabric and garment construction make dry cleaning advisable. Wet cleaning can make some fabrics limp and may cause shrinkage.

7. Why are your prices higher than the $1.99 per item cleaners?

We perform much more work and care to assure your garments are attended to in the best possible manner. Our prices are a reflection of the attention and effort we extend

Example: on the dry cleaning side we don’t just clean light colored garments separately from dark colored garments, we classify garments in excess of 12 different groups all requiring individual customized cleaning processes. With such individual attention we can keep the colors brighter and the feel of the garment as the designer intended.