What is Drycleaning?

Drycleaning uses solvents to remove soil and stains from fabric. In fact, the term "drycleaning" is misleading; it is called drycleaning because the fluid contains no water and does not penetrate the fibers as water does. Among the advantages of drycleaning is its ability to dissolve greases and oils in a way that water cannot.

The drycleaning process begins with the pretreatment of spots and stains using special cleaning agents. The garments are then loaded into a machine resembling an oversized front-loading home washer. Throughout the cleaning process the fluid is filtered or distilled to ensure its clarity. A special detergent and sizing is also added during the cleaning process; Hart's uses Sanitone products which we believe are the best available.

When properly performed, drycleaning helps return garments to a "like new" condition using precautions to prevent shrinkage, loss of color, and fabric distortion.

What is Wet cleaning?

Wet cleaning starts with the pretreatment of spots and stains using special cleaning agents. Wet cleaning is the process of removing soils from garments and other textile items through the use of water and additives (such as detergent) and using precautions to prevent shrinkage, loss of color, and fabric distortion. In many cases, soaking and hand washing is necessary.

What is Laundering?

Professional laundering for shirts and other "washable" items is another process your cleaner uses to keep your garments looking their best. Special detergents, additives, and finishes sets commercial laundering apart from home laundering. This process enables your cleaner to offer consistent quality shirts at reasonable prices. Collars come cleaner and the professional pressing affords a crisper finish.

How do we remove stains?

We remove stains through various techniques. Some stains dissolve in drycleaning solvent and some dissolve in water. Other stains require the use of chemical agents and special attention by our stain removal specialists.

The “spotting board” is where our specialists go to work. Spotting boards have a hard, smooth work surface and are usually made of glass. Through the use of specialized cleaning agents, steam, brushes, cotton swabs, tweezers, eyedroppers, magnifying glasses and other tools of the trade, our stain removal specialists are equipped to attack any stain.

However, due to the nature of some fabrics and the type of stain, even the best stain removal specialist may not be able to remove all stains. And time is of the essence for stain removal. The sooner you bring us a stained garment, the better chance we will have of removing the stain. With the experience, knowledge and resources available to our specialists, it is easy to see that leaving stain removal to a professional is a good idea.

What do Care Labels Mean?

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that manufacturers attach a permanent care label to textile garments to provide directions for their care. Manufacturers must list at least one method of safe care for a garment. The rule covers all textile clothing except footwear, gloves, hats, suede/leather clothing, and household items such as linens. The rule stipulates that the care label is easily found, will not separate from the garment, and will remain legible for the garment's useful life.

The label must warn about any part of the recommended care method that would harm the garment or other garments cleaned with it. It must also warn when there is no method for cleaning a garment without damaging it. Symbols also may appear on a care label to supplement written instructions.

If a label indicates drycleaning, ALL components of the garment, including the outer shell, lining, buttons, interfacing, fusing material, and trim should be colorfast and remain unaltered during cleaning. If any such problem occurs, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer. If you or your cleaner follow the manufacturer's instructions and the garment is damaged, you should return the garment to the store and explain what happened. If the store will not resolve the problem, write to the manufacturer and send a copy of your complaint to the FTC. The information you provide to the FTC may reveal a pattern or practice requiring the Commission's attention. If you purchase a garment with no care label, you should also contact the FTC, giving the name and address of the store and manufacturer.

And please note - if you request a method of cleaning that is not listed on the care label, we may ask you to sign a consent form showing that you accept the potential risks of cleaning the garment with an alternative method.