Ask Donn Frye
For more than forty years, people have been asking Prestige Cleaners for advice on drycleaning and laundry. Founder Don Frye originally answered those questions in the local newspaper, and now his son Donn C. Frye, CEO answers both in print media and here on the company website.
All kinds of topics are covered here, and you can also find answers by visiting any Prestige location.
Alterations
If you need a new garment fitted, I recommend that you have it cleaned before you have it altered. Allowable shrinkage on garments from the manufacturer is 3–5%. On many items this would not be a problem, but with some it could change the way the garment looks on you.
Dryclean/Wash
If a garment is marked “dryclean or wash,” drycleaning will not change the reaction of the garment to washing. If the garment was safe to wash before drycleaning, it will be safe after drycleaning.
Linen
If your all-cotton or linen garments seem to wrinkle more quickly in the heat, adding some starch may help. On your drycleaning items, ask for sizing, which will add body and keep the fresh-pressed look longer.
Sugar
Be extra careful when something spills on your outfit and dries invisibly. Sometimes later that night or the next day you might think, “oh, good, it didn’t stain.” But much of what we consume (and spill) has sugar in it, and the sugar will turn brown when heat is applied during drying or finishing. So remember where the stain was on your garment and tell your professional drycleaner. In most cases, we can spot the area and still get the residue out before it becomes more of a problem.
At Home
Our stores have been receiving many garments with color damage from the use of home spotting pads. I am always hesitant to recommend home spotting, as damage to the fabric may occur. If you are going to try this procedure at home, always test first on an inconspicuous area of the garment to see if the color will hold. That way, if the color is affected, only you will know. Also, never rub a water-moistened napkin on any silk, since this will remove the color as well as the stain. Once the color is gone, it cannot be replaced.
Dyed Garments
If any garments have lost their color due to a spill, the dye loss is usually permanent. However, sometimes we can move excess dye into the affected area by drycleaning or wetcleaning. Fabric, color and degree of pickup will determine the success we have with items that picked up color. Ask for the manager when you drop off your order, and we’ll do everything we can.
Packing
Keep an eye on how you pack your suitcase to avoid wrinkles. For items that wrinkle easily, you can try packing tissue in the folds of the garments. (Any of our locations can give you some.) If possible, pack lightweight items together. And the old standby of hanging and steaming in the shower still works!
Suits
It is important always to process both pieces of a light-colored outfit together. Slight color changes can occur for several reasons, including a change in optical brighteners. If the garments are dark, the same changes may not be noticeable. The exception is suede or leather, in which case any matching items should be processed at the same time.
Beads
Some trims, like beads or sequins, are made from plastics that dissolve in the traditional drycleaning process. All our Prestige Cleaners locations use an alternative cleaning solution in place of the solvent commonly employed by the industry. This new solution is less aggressive on textiles and trim, and we’ve found that colors stay brighter and your clothing should last longer. For your garment to be processed safely, this is the method I would use.
Elastic
All elastic “relaxes” during the drycleaning and washing process, but good quality elastic will last through many cleanings. If the elastic on any garment lasts for a very short time, I would return the item to the store where you purchased it.
Perspiration
Water in any form, even perspiration, can alter the color on many garments…some permanently. Additionally, there may be discoloration due to the change of sizing used on the garment. There are procedures that may restore the luster, depending on several factors. Take your blouse to the nearest Prestige Cleaners and ask for the manager — we’ll see what we can do.
Sunlight
The Arizona sun can be damaging to the dyes on many items in a short period of time. Even hanging in a car window for as little as one day can make a difference on some garments. Remember to store all garments out of natural or artificial light.
Bedspreads
Washing household items at home can have disappointing results. Bedspreads and comforters are often too large for a home washing machine, and might shrink. But the experts at Prestige Cleaners know how to maintain the shape of your bedding, tablecloths and other household linens. Comforters should be stored in a dark, dry area and in a clean container, not the plastic drycleaning bag.
Energy Savings
When the APS customer newsletter suggested ways to help control utility costs, the advice for saving energy on home laundering was to “use your iron as little as possible. An iron uses as much energy as ten 100-watt light bulbs.” At Prestige, we think a better idea is to let us do your business shirts and blouses so you can spend your energy on important things, like your family and friends. All of our locations have shirt processing on site every day, six days a week.
Plastic Bags
Don’t store your garments for long periods of time in the plastic or poly bags you get from the cleaners. This covering is to keep the garments clean while at the shop and for the ride home, but the plastic does not “breathe.” Moisture can build up in the bag and damage fabric. For long-term storage, it’s better to place your clothes in paper bags or folded in boxes.
Tablecloths
Customers sometimes ask us if treating tablecloth stains at home makes it easier for us. Normally, the best thing to do is to let the professionals do their job. Even wax is no problem for the professional cleaner. Bringing the item in as soon as possible does help, as time will set stains. Washing household items at home can have disappointing results. But the experts at Prestige Cleaners know how to maintain the shape of your tablecloths and other household linens.
Bride
If you don’t know what to get the bride, consider a wedding gown cleaning & preservation gift card from Prestige Cleaners. Proper care of the gown is often forgotten after the wedding. For best results, the gown should be processed as soon as possible. Stains will set with time, and hanging in a closet can eventually cause oxidation. Many of the Valley’s wedding gown boutiques trust us for this service. To learn more about bridal services, see Wedding here on our website or call Tina Nilsen at 480-221-2490.
Flags
If your flag needs cleaning or pressing, bring it to Prestige Cleaners and we’ll do it for free! This is a service we have offered ever since we opened in 1964. We have cleaned thousands of flags over the years, always at no charge. So if your flag’s colors are looking a little dingy, bring Old Glory to any of our eight locations for a free cleaning.
Sequins
Some trims, like beads or sequins, are made from plastics that dissolve in the traditional drycleaning process. All our Prestige Cleaners locations use an alternative cleaning solution in place of the solvent commonly employed by the industry. This new solution is less aggressive on textiles and trim, and we’ve found that colors stay brighter and your clothing should last longer. For your garment to be processed safely, this is the method I would use.
Two Piece
It is important always to process both pieces of a light-colored outfit together. Slight color changes can occur for several reasons, including a change in optical brighteners. If the garments are dark, the same changes may not be noticeable. The exception is suede or leather, in which case any matching items should be processed at the same time.
Buttons
If one of your garments has lost a button, we use several shops with the best selection in the Valley. Additionally, if the garment is new, sometimes we’re able to contact the manufacturer directly and get a replacement button. Contact me at the corporate office, and we’ll do our best.
Fraying
On most shirts, the collars and cuffs show wear first because of abrasion from the neck, wrists or jewelry. Depending on the construction of the shirts, a professional seamstress might be able to “turn” the collars. Normally, heavily starched shirts will not last as long as a shirt that has not been starched. The stiffness causes the collar and cuffs to wear and fray more rapidly. The result is that the garment looks older sooner.
Shirts
On most shirts, the collars and cuffs show wear first because of abrasion from the neck, wrists or jewelry. Depending on the construction of the shirts, a professional seamstress might be able to “turn” the collars. Normally, heavily starched shirts will not last as long as a shirt that has not been starched. The stiffness causes the collar and cuffs to wear and fray more rapidly. The result is that the garment looks older sooner.
Underarm Color
Some garments become discolored under the arm area. Once the color is gone, normally nothing can return it to its original appearance. Perspiration and/or deodorants usually cause underarm discoloration. Underarm shields can help provide protection, and it also may help to apply deodorant several minutes before dressing.
Car
Leaving a garment in the car for a long time would not be a problem for most garments. However, I would not recommend leaving garments hanging in the car window for a long period of time, since natural or artificial light can fade colors. The trunk of the car would be a better choice.
Gift Card
If there’s someone on your shopping list who “has everything,” consider a gift card from Prestige Cleaners. A cleaning gift is the right size and color, and it always fits! Help keep your friends looking their best…and avoid the mall. We have eight locations in Scottsdale and offer same-day service, six days a week. Gift cards may be purchased at any of our locations — just ask for the manager — or call our corporate office at 480-948-2781.
Silk
Our stores have been receiving many garments with color damage from the use of home spotting pads. I am always hesitant to recommend home spotting, as damage to the fabric may occur. If you are going to try this procedure at home, always test first on an inconspicuous area of the garment to see if the color will hold. That way, if the color is affected, only you will know. Also, never rub a water-moistened napkin on any silk, since this will remove the color as well as the stain. Once the color is gone, it cannot be replaced.
Wash/Dryclean
If a garment is marked “dryclean or wash,” drycleaning will not change the reaction of the garment to washing. If the garment was safe to wash before drycleaning, it will be safe after drycleaning.
Collars & Cuffs
On most shirts, the collars and cuffs show wear first because of abrasion from the neck, wrists or jewelry. Depending on the construction of the shirts, a professional seamstress might be able to “turn” the collars. Normally, heavily starched shirts will not last as long as a shirt that has not been starched. The stiffness causes the collar and cuffs to wear and fray more rapidly. The result is that the garment looks older sooner.
Home Spotting
Our stores have been receiving many garments with color damage from the use of home spotting pads. I am always hesitant to recommend home spotting, as damage to the fabric may occur. If you are going to try this procedure at home, always test first on an inconspicuous area of the garment to see if the color will hold. That way, if the color is affected, only you will know. Also, never rub a water-moistened napkin on any silk, since this will remove the color as well as the stain. Once the color is gone, it cannot be replaced.
Sizing
If your all-cotton or linen garments seem to wrinkle more quickly in the heat, adding some starch may help. On your drycleaning items, ask for sizing, which will add body and keep the fresh-pressed look longer.
Water Spots
Water in any form, even perspiration, can alter the color on many garments…some permanently. Additionally, there may be discoloration due to the change of sizing used on the garment. There are procedures that may restore the luster, depending on several factors. Take your blouse to the nearest Prestige Cleaners and ask for the manager — we’ll see what we can do.
Color Loss
If any garments have lost their color due to a spill, the dye loss is usually permanent. However, sometimes we can move excess dye into the affected area by drycleaning or wetcleaning. Fabric, color and degree of pickup will determine the success we have with items that picked up color. Ask for the manager when you drop off your order, and we’ll do everything we can.
Household Linens
Washing household items at home can have disappointing results. Bedspreads and comforters are often too large for a home washing machine, and might shrink. But the experts at Prestige Cleaners know how to maintain the shape of your bedding, tablecloths and other household linens. Comforters should be stored in a dark, dry area and in a clean container, not the plastic drycleaning bag.
Spot Clean
Most items labeled “spot clean only” cannot be processed in drycleaning solution or water. Sometimes it’s the dyes, the beads, or both! However, there may be a chance we can clean it safely. Show it to the manager of your Prestige Cleaners and we’ll go from there.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing works only on garments that have a tight weave, like jackets and such. The solution will help on jean-like material, but not on soft woven garments like sweaters. Sorry!
Comforters
Washing household items at home can have disappointing results. Bedspreads and comforters are often too large for a home washing machine, and might shrink. But the experts at Prestige Cleaners know how to maintain the shape of your bedding, tablecloths and other household linens. Comforters should be stored in a dark, dry area and in a clean container, not the plastic drycleaning bag.
Ink
I would not recommend home spotting for ink stains. Some products can set the stain, making it more difficult for us to work out. Let us try it for you. Since some inks are permanent and some are not, our success rate will vary. Give us a few days to work on it and we will do our best.
Stains
Be extra careful when something spills on your outfit and dries invisibly. Sometimes later that night or the next day you might think, “oh, good, it didn’t stain.” But much of what we consume (and spill) has sugar in it, and the sugar will turn brown when heat is applied during drying or finishing. So remember where the stain was on your garment and tell your professional drycleaner. In most cases, we can spot the area and still get the residue out before it becomes more of a problem. If the spill needs to be treated on the spot, be careful. Many colors can fade when rubbed with water or soda. Sometimes emergency touch-ups will set a spot, making it impossible to remove.
Wax
Wax in itself is not a problem for your professional drycleaner. The cleaning solvent we use will dissolve wax. If the wax was colored, the dye might be a problem. Take the garment to your nearest Prestige Cleaners…we’ll look it over and tell you how we will proceed.
Cotton
If your all-cotton or linen garments seem to wrinkle more quickly in the heat, adding some starch may help. On your drycleaning items, ask for sizing, which will add body and keep the fresh-pressed look longer.
Insects
Many insects attack garments. In Arizona we have crickets and silverfish, as well as moths, that eat fabric and cause holes. Often the damage is not apparent until the garment is washed or cleaned. You might be able to have them re-woven, depending on their value.
Starch
If your all-cotton or linen garments seem to wrinkle more quickly in the heat, adding some starch may help. On your drycleaning items, ask for sizing, which will add body and keep the fresh-pressed look longer. Normally, heavily starched shirts will not last as long as a shirt that has not been starched. The stiffness causes the collar and cuffs to wear and fray more rapidly. The result is that the garment looks older sooner. Depending on the construction of the shirts, a professional seamstress might be able to “turn” the collars.
Wedding Gown
Consider Prestige Cleaners for wedding gown cleaning and preservation. Proper care of the gown is often forgotten after the wedding. For best results, the gown should be processed as soon as possible. Stains will set with time, and hanging in a closet can eventually cause oxidation. Many of the Valley’s wedding gown boutiques trust us for this service. To learn more about bridal services, see Wedding here on our website or call Tina Nilsen at 480-221-2490
Discoloration
Some garments become discolored under the arm area. Once the color is gone, normally nothing can return it to its original appearance. Perspiration and/or deodorants usually cause underarm discoloration. Underarm shields can help provide protection, and it also may help to apply deodorant several minutes before dressing.
Invisible Stains
Be extra careful when something spills on your outfit and dries invisibly. Sometimes later that night or the next day you might think, “oh, good, it didn’t stain.” But much of what we consume (and spill) has sugar in it, and the sugar will turn brown when heat is applied during drying or finishing. So remember where the stain was on your garment and tell your professional drycleaner. In most cases, we can spot the area and still get the residue out before it becomes more of a problem.
Storage
Don’t store your garments for long periods of time in the plastic or poly bags you get from the cleaners. This covering is to keep the garments clean while at the shop and for the ride home, but the plastic does not “breathe.” Moisture can build up in the bag and damage fabric. For long-term storage, it’s better to place your clothes in paper bags or folded in boxes. When storing out-of-season items, make sure they are freshly washed or drycleaned. Stains will set with age, and any food particles will attract insects — the insect damage will show up at the first washing or cleaning. Also, it’s a good idea to store all garments out of light (natural or artificial), which can fade colors. One last tip: anything knit should be folded, not hung, as knit garments may stretch out.
Wrinkles
If your all-cotton or linen garments seem to wrinkle more quickly in the heat, adding some starch may help. On your drycleaning items, ask for sizing, which will add body and keep the fresh-pressed look longer.
- Alterations
- Dryclean/Wash
- Linen
- Sugar
- At Home
- Dyed Garments
- Packing
- Suits
- Beads
- Elastic
- Perspiration
- Sunlight
- Bedspreads
- Energy Savings
- Plastic Bags
- Tablecloths
- Bride
- Flags
- Sequins
- Two Piece
- Buttons
- Fraying
- Shirts
- Underarm Color
- Car
- Gift Card
- Silk
- Wash/Dryclean
- Collars & Cuffs
- Home Spotting
- Sizing
- Water Spots
- Color Loss
- Household Linens
- Spot Clean
- Waterproofing
- Comforters
- Ink
- Stains
- Wax
- Cotton
- Insects
- Starch
- Wedding Gown
- Discoloration
- Invisible Stains
- Storage
- Wrinkles
write to donn frye
Donn Frye at Prestige Cleaners7126 E. Sahuaro Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
