AtlSoapGuy
Atlanta, GA
Male, 52
I have worked in the dry cleaning industry for almost 30 years. I worked in my family's dry cleaning operation as a manager and owner. Currently, I write a blog for those in the dry cleaning industry, as well as work for a manufacturer of dry cleaning chemicals. Over the years I have spent in the dry cleaning industry, I estimate that I have been in over 2000 dry cleaners in the US.
There are many equipment designs, processes, solvents and brands of chemicals being used in the dry cleaning industry. Some have been proven and in use for many years, others are new or "alternative" and the jury is still out on them. The proven processes will consistently offer excellent results and the best cleaning, but the operator of the process directly affects the end result. It costs money to maintain the dry cleaning process in tip top shape. Detergents and fabric finishes are needed. When filters are used, they need to be changed and disposed of on a regular basis. Solvent needs to be distilled and replenished as needed. Spotting chemicals are expensive and the dry cleaning machine operator needs to be trained to understand all of these facets. Dry cleaning is like any other industry. You have some operators that are highly skilled on one end and on the other, there are those that do not have any skills. Unfortunately, there is very little in the terms of licensing or training required to operate a dry cleaner. Some states have some very basic requirements, but most of these are about environmental regulations and not about the actual skill needed to clean clothes. When looking for a high quality dry cleaner, look for a cleaner that can restore your garments to "like new" condition. The stains have been removed, there is no lint, no static cling, the garment is free of odors and has been treated with a fabric finish to give the garment a "like new" feel to the garment.
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It depends on the dry cleaning business you go to. Many dry cleaners have a tailor or alteration shop that they send their work to. I would not be concerned at all about having your basic mending/repairs done by these. Other dry cleaners will do these basic repairs in house. Then there are dry cleaners that have their own tailor/seamstress working for them in house. Lastly, there are dry cleaners owned by tailors. I wouldn't be paranoid. I would discuss the item you are having worked on with your dry cleaner and discuss his level of expertise in regards to what you are needing done. Make an informed decision on whether you feel comfortable with them doing the work or not. If it is a minor repair, I would not be concerned.
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Good question!! I really do not know why, but I have to admit, I have seen that as well. I am going to ask the next time I run across this in a cleaners I visit.
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In my opinion, if he insisted on cleaning it, I do not feel you should have to pay for it. However, quite often stains are found after that garment was dropped off for cleaning (a good reason to point them out to the counter person), if it is a difficult stain to remove, the cleaner should call you and let you know that this may be a stain that is not removed and allow you to decide on whether you want him to try, but in this situation keep in mind if he works on it, he deserves to be paid (a good reason to find a dry cleaner that can remove a high percentage of stains). In the dry cleaners defense, stain removal is the least profitable part of the dry cleaning operation. The dry cleaner is using expensive chemicals, usually much more labor is required, it is easy to damage garments and often the stain does not come out after all of this and the customer is disappointed. The best dry cleaner in the world will not remove every stain.
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I do not think it was as big of a deal for the dry cleaning industry as it was for the legal system. At the time when the lawsuit was filed in 2005, a few cleaners talked about it, but I think that almost everyone felt it was ridiculous. Unfortunately, it did result in the cleaner going out of business.
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If the garment is cleaned by the manufacturer's recommended care method outlined on the care label, they should not shrink. If they do shrink, you should return it to the point of purchase. It is pretty tough to tell if a garment will shrink but sometimes they do shrink and it is out of the dry cleaners control. In the case of wash and fold, most cleaners do not look a all the care labels unless it is an unusual garment. So it is possible that a garment could slip through and be washed or dried improperly.
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A dry cleaning business is often an easy way for Asia immigrants to own a business. The investment required to get into the dry cleaning industry can often be much more affordable than other businesses. The Asian community has become very established in the dry cleaning industry and have much of the training materials and information available to them in their language. And while communication skills are very important at the point of sale, often this can be worked around with minimal English required.
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