Taking your garments to the dry cleaner may seem straightforward, but knowing how to bring clothes to the dry cleaner properly can make a significant difference in the results. At United Laundré, we want every item we receive to be treated with care, precision, and according to your expectations. Whether you’re a regular customer or preparing for your first visit, following a few simple steps can ensure your clothes return clean, fresh, and handled with the professional touch they deserve.
Dry cleaning is not just about handing over a wrinkled shirt or stained blazer. It’s about presenting garments in a way that gives us the best chance to preserve, clean, and protect them. Here’s our guide to preparing your items for a successful drop-off experience.
Read the Care Labels First
Before deciding what to bring to the dry cleaner, the first step is to check the care labels on each garment. These tags provide valuable information about how the item should be cleaned. Words like “dry clean only” are not suggestions. If the label recommends dry cleaning, that means the fabric or construction could be damaged by water or traditional laundering.
Understanding what each garment needs allows you to separate what should go to the dry cleaner and what can be safely laundered at home or with NYC laundry services. If you’re unsure, bring the item in and ask us. We’re always happy to help you make the right decision.
Inspect Garments for Stains and Damage
Take time to examine each item before placing it in your dry cleaning pile. Look closely for stains, especially ones you might have forgotten about. Check underarms, cuffs, collars, and hemlines. Letting us know what caused a stain increases the chances of removing it completely.
Equally important is noting any damage, such as loose seams, missing buttons, or small holes. We handle every item with care, but fragile garments can sometimes deteriorate further in the cleaning process if they are already damaged. Bring these issues to our attention so we can take the necessary precautions or recommend mending options.
Empty All Pockets Thoroughly
This is one of the most overlooked but essential steps. Leaving items in your pockets can result in damage to your clothes or our equipment. Small items like pens, lipstick, receipts, and even tissues can create problems during the cleaning process.
Always double-check every pocket before handing over your clothes. Not only does this protect your garments, but it also helps ensure your valuables aren’t accidentally discarded or damaged.
Remove Accessories and Detachable Parts
Before heading to the dry cleaner, remove any belts, pins, detachable trims, or ornaments. While some of these can be cleaned, others may not withstand the solvents or heat used during the dry cleaning process. Separating them also reduces the risk of these items becoming lost or damaged.
If you’re concerned about how an accessory should be cleaned, feel free to ask us. We can recommend the safest approach or advise whether it should be reattached after cleaning instead.
Group Similar Items Together
When preparing your drop-off, group similar garments together. For example, gather all shirts in one section, pants in another, and dresses separately. This makes processing easier for us and reduces the chance of items being overlooked.
If you have garments that need special treatment (such as hand-finishing, pressing only, or stain removal), keep them separate and include a written note or mention it to our staff. Labeling these requests helps us provide personalized care that meets your expectations.
Use a Protective Garment Bag if Needed
While we’ll return your clothing clean and protected, it helps to bring delicate or high-value items in a separate garment bag. This offers extra protection in transit, especially if you’re commuting with your drop-off.
Choose a breathable garment bag rather than a plastic one to avoid trapping moisture or odors. If you don’t have one, that’s fine. Our facility is equipped to handle items securely and professionally.
Label Your Items Clearly
Although it’s rare, items can get mixed up in high-volume settings if not labeled clearly. This is especially important for new customers or for those sharing drop-offs with roommates or family members. Include your full name and contact information either inside the garment bag or on a slip placed with the clothes.
You can also write any special requests or instructions on this note. Whether it’s pressing preferences or requests to avoid starch, this helps us tailor your dry cleaning services to your exact needs.
Separate Dry Cleaning from Laundry
At United Laundré, we provide both dry cleaning and wash and fold services. However, they are not the same process, and each requires its own handling. To avoid confusion and ensure accuracy, always separate your dry cleaning items from your laundry.
If you’re dropping off both, let us know what belongs to which category. This prevents misclassification and ensures your garments receive the appropriate treatment. Not all fabrics react the same way to water or detergents, and mixing them can lead to damage.
Don’t Wait Too Long to Bring Items In
Time is a factor when it comes to certain stains and fabric conditions. The longer a stain remains untreated, the more difficult it becomes to remove. Odors, sweat, and oil buildup can also set in over time, especially in natural fabrics like wool or silk.
Bringing your clothes in promptly increases our chances of restoring them to their best condition. Try to avoid leaving soiled garments at the bottom of your hamper or in a closet for too long. If you know an item needs care, bring it in sooner rather than later.
We’re Here to Make It Easy for You
At United Laundré, we believe in making laundry and dry cleaning convenient, quick, and hassle-free. Our dry cleaning process is handled entirely in-house, with no outsourcing, ensuring consistent care every time.
We hope this guide has made it easier to understand how to bring clothes to the dry cleaner the right way. From checking labels to communicating your preferences, small steps on your end make a big difference on ours. Let us take care of the washing so you can enjoy wearing your clothes with confidence, knowing they’ve been cleaned and cared for by experienced professionals.
Ready to hand your items over to someone you can trust? Our team is here seven days a week, offering high-quality care across NYC. Schedule your drop-off today and enjoy premium service from pickup to delivery.