Dry cleaning is more than just dropping off clothes and picking them up later. It's a specialized care routine that, when done right, can help you maintain the quality, fit, and appearance of your wardrobe for years. But are you doing it right?

Whether you’re new to dry cleaning or consider yourself a pro, there are a few essential tips that often go unnoticed—especially when it comes to storage, stain prep, and reading garment tags. As one of the best dry cleaners in Chicago, Urban Dry Cleaners is here to guide you through everything you should know.

1. Prepping Stains the Right Way

One of the most common mistakes people make is trying to treat stains at home before heading to the dry cleaner. This can often do more harm than good.

Do this instead:

Don’t use home remedies. Water, baking soda, or over-the-counter stain removers can set the stain or damage the fabric.
Tell your cleaner what caused the stain. Oil, wine, ink, sweat, and makeup all require different treatment methods.
Get it cleaned quickly. The longer you wait, the harder the stain is to remove.

At Urban Dry Cleaners, we assess and treat each stain based on its origin—giving your clothes the expert attention they deserve.

2. Decode the Garment Tag: It's Your Clothing’s Instruction Manual

Garment care tags aren’t just for show—they’re loaded with valuable information. Ignoring them can ruin even the most durable fabrics.

Key things to look for:

“Dry Clean Only” vs. “Dry Clean”: The former must be dry cleaned, the latter may have alternatives.
Fabric types: Wool, silk, rayon, and linen are often best left to professionals.
Icons & symbols: A circle indicates dry cleaning; a crossed-out circle means no dry cleaning.

Don’t know what the tag means? Ask your cleaner. At Urban Dry Cleaners, our team is trained to interpret care labels and handle each item accordingly.

3. Store Clothes Correctly After Cleaning

You’ve just picked up your freshly cleaned clothes—now what? Improper storage can undo all that professional work.

Here’s how to store clothes properly:

Remove plastic bags immediately. They can trap moisture and lead to mold or discoloration.
Use breathable garment bags. Especially for long-term storage of suits, coats, and formalwear.
Choose the right hangers. Wide, padded, or wooden hangers support the garment’s shape.
Avoid overcrowding your closet. Allow fabrics to breathe and stay wrinkle-free.

For added convenience, Urban Dry Cleaners offers breathable garment covers to help keep your freshly cleaned items in perfect condition.

4. Clean Matching Sets Together

If you’re bringing in a suit, matching set, or two-piece outfit, always clean both pieces together. Why?

Different cleaning cycles can alter the color or texture slightly.
Separate cleanings may cause uneven fading.
Keeping them together ensures consistency and longevity.

At Urban Dry Cleaners, we keep track of your garment sets and recommend cleaning them in sync.

5. Bonus Tip: Ask for Minor Repairs

Many people don’t realize that premium dry cleaners often offer small repair services—such as:

Button replacement
Zipper fixes
Loose seam stitching

Before tossing a garment into your donation pile, check with your cleaner. At Urban Dry Cleaners, we help you get more life out of your clothing with on-site repair options.

Final Thoughts

Dry cleaning is a powerful tool for preserving the look, feel, and quality of your favorite garments—but it works best when you do your part. From proper stain prep and understanding care tags, to smart storage tips, these little-known tricks can make a big difference.

For those in Chicago, choosing the right cleaner is just as important. At Urban Dry Cleaners, we’re proud to be recognized as one of the best dry cleaners in Chicago, offering personalized, professional care every step of the way.

Trust your wardrobe to Urban Dry Cleaners—because it deserves nothing but the best.

Must-Know Dry Cleaning Tips: Including Storage, Stain Prep, and Tag Tricks