Dress cleaning in Tomball, TX

Why dresses need careful cleaning

A dress often mixes several fabrics in one piece. The outer shell might be rayon, the lining polyester, and the trim something else entirely, and each one reacts to water and heat differently. Rayon is weak when wet and can shrink or lose its drape after one trip through a washer. Linen wrinkles deeply and can shrink if washed hot. Knit dresses stretch out when they hang wet and can grow longer at the hem. Lined dresses are a common problem at home because the shell and lining shrink by different amounts, so the lining puckers or peeks out below the hem. Zippers, belts and covered buttons add more risk in a dryer.

Reading the care label

Look for the fiber content first, then the cleaning symbol. A circle means dry clean, and a tub with a hand means hand wash. Many rayon and lined dresses say dry clean only, which is worth following because water can change the size or feel of the fabric. A label that just says dry clean means dry cleaning is the recommended method, though gentle washing may be possible. Polyester and cotton knit dresses often allow cold machine washing.

Before you bring them in

• Remove any detachable belt or brooch, or tell us it is attached so it does not go missing.
• Point out deodorant marks under the arms and any spills on the skirt.
• Check that the zipper runs smoothly and mention a stuck pull.
• Note any loose hem stitches so they are not caught and pulled further.
• Bring the matching jacket or slip too if the set should stay the same color.

Care between cleanings

• Hang dresses on hangers with shoulder support, or use the inner hanger loops for knits and heavy skirts.
• Let a dress air out overnight before putting it back in a crowded closet.
• Fold knit dresses over a drawer instead of hanging them for months, so they do not stretch.
• Steam rayon and linen on low heat from the inside rather than pressing hard on the face.
• Clean after visible spills or a few wears, not after every single wear.