Dry cleaning isn’t just about removing stains or making clothes look crisp again—it’s about preserving quality, preventing damage, and extending the lifespan of your favorite garments. But to truly get the most out of your dry cleaning experience, you need to go beyond the basics.

At Urban Dry Cleaners, known as one of the best dry cleaners in Chicago, we believe in educating our clients so they can make smart decisions for their wardrobe. Whether you're dealing with persistent odors, mysterious care labels, or tricky fabrics, here are the insider tips every smart customer should know.

1. Odor Removal: Don’t Mask It—Eliminate It

Some odors are stubborn—smoke, sweat, food, and mildew can cling to clothes, even after standard cleaning. Here’s how to ensure odor removal is done right:

Professional solvents matter: We use advanced, eco-friendly solvents at Urban Dry Cleaners designed to break down odor-causing oils and bacteria, not just cover them up.
Let your cleaner know: Always mention if an item has a strong odor so special deodorizing treatments can be applied.
Don’t delay cleaning: The longer odors linger, the harder they are to remove.

Odor buildup is not just unpleasant—it can also weaken fibers over time.

2. Label Reading: Your Clothing’s Rulebook

Understanding care labels is essential if you want to avoid shrinking, stretching, or discoloration. Unfortunately, many people ignore them completely.

What to look for:

“Dry Clean” vs. “Dry Clean Only”: The former suggests dry cleaning is preferred; the latter means it’s required.
Special symbols: Circles represent dry cleaning; a circle with a line through it means no dry cleaning.
Temperature and solvent info: Some garments require low heat or specific types of solvent.

At Urban Dry Cleaners, we decode these labels for you and follow the manufacturer’s exact specifications to ensure your garments are treated properly.

3. Be Honest About Fabric History

Have you:

Tried to remove a stain yourself?
Washed a “dry clean only” item in water?
Applied perfumes or deodorants directly onto the fabric?

It’s okay—we’ve all done it! But be upfront with your cleaner. The more we know, the better we can treat the garment.

As the best dry cleaners in Chicago, Urban Dry Cleaners is equipped to handle complex cleaning situations—but knowing the fabric history helps avoid surprises or damage.

4. Post-Dry Cleaning: Storage Matters More Than You Think

Once you get your clothes back, how you store them affects how long they stay clean and wearable.

Smart storage tips:

Remove plastic covers immediately to avoid trapped moisture.
Use padded or wooden hangers to preserve garment shape.
Store in a cool, dark place to prevent fading.
Avoid overcrowding your closet to prevent crushing fabrics.

Urban Dry Cleaners offers breathable garment bags to help maintain your clothes between seasons or trips.

5. Don’t Skip Matching Garments

Always bring in full sets—like suits, coordinated outfits, or uniforms—together. Even if only one piece looks dirty, cleaning them separately can cause uneven fading or fabric aging.

Our regulars at Urban Dry Cleaners know to keep sets together, and we track them to ensure they’re cleaned and returned as a perfect match.

6. Ask About Extra Services

Great dry cleaners offer more than just cleaning. At Urban Dry Cleaners, we also provide:

Minor repairs (buttons, hems, zippers)
Alterations
Fabric deodorizing and preservation
Specialty cleaning for leather, suede, wedding dresses, and more

By utilizing these extra services, you protect your investment and get more wear out of each piece.

Conclusion: Dry Clean Smarter, Not Harder

Your wardrobe is a reflection of your lifestyle—so treat it with care. From mastering odor removal and reading care labels to storing items the right way, smart dry cleaning helps your clothes look better, last longer, and feel fresher.

If you're in Chicago and want the job done right the first time, trust Urban Dry Cleaners—the best dry cleaners in Chicago—where quality, professionalism, and garment care go hand in hand.

Smart Dry Cleaning: Insider Tips Including Odor Removal, Label Reading & More