Treat a stain as soon as you can, tell us about it when you book, and don’t put a stained item in the dryer. Heat can set many stains. Some stains won’t fully come out, and no cleaner can promise otherwise.
3 rules that save the shirt
- Act fast. Fresh stains are easier to remove than dried ones.
- Scrape and blot, don’t rub. The American Cleaning Institute’s stain guide repeatedly advises removing excess first and being careful not to rub the stain into the fabric.
- No dryer until the stain is gone. The same guide says not to put an item in the dryer until the stain is removed.
Stain-by-stain first aid
From the American Cleaning Institute stain removal guide:
- Blood: soak fresh stains in cold water; don’t use hot water, which sets blood stains.
- Ketchup and sauces: remove the excess with a spoon or dull knife without rubbing it in.
- Ink: some ballpoint, felt-tip and liquid inks may be impossible to remove.
If you’re not sure, do nothing more than blotting and let the plant handle it.
Tell us at booking
Add a note about the stain and what caused it when you schedule your pickup. Knowing whether it’s wine, oil or ink helps choose the treatment.
What no cleaner can promise
Some stains have bonded with the fiber or the dye. Removing them could damage the fabric, so they’re left alone. You’ll get the item back clean, with the stain treated as far as it safely could be.
Dry-clean-only? Hands off, bag it
For items labeled dry clean, skip the home remedies: water or spot cleaners can leave rings on some fabrics. Put the item in your dry-cleaning bag and note the stain.
Questions
Will you get all stains out?
Not always. Some stains can't be removed safely, and no cleaner can promise otherwise.
Should I pre-treat before pickup?
Simple first aid helps: scrape off excess, blot, and keep stained items out of a hot dryer.