Happy Friday, readers! Last week we started a series in the Q&A section that helps determine the difference between a fabricare specialist and a dry cleaner. It was submitted by Lauren from Chicago:
“In the last year, I have purchased some pricier dresses that I really want to last (considering they cost more than a lot of my other items combined!). After a quick google search, I see two kinds of cleaners—the typical dry cleaner, and “fabricare specialists”. What’s the difference, and why does it matter?”
Because this is a question Lynda, Rick, and Jordan receive so often, they’ve broken the answer into three parts. Last week, they taught us all about what to look for in a fabricare specialist when it comes to the background of the owners—the skills they have, education they’ve been trained in, and their knowledge of the craft. Today, the family will outline key steps followed by the top fabricare specialists so that you know what to ask for when choosing where to take your most valued clothing.
Answer:
As we established last week, instead of focusing on what the typical dry cleaner does not do, we think it is far more productive to discuss what a quality dry cleaner--a true fabricare expert--should be doing. In particular today, we’ll focus on the services that should be offered from the moment they receive your beloved dress, suit, or blouse. Below are some of the key criteria you should look out for. A fabricare specialist…
1. should have the technical skills to offer hand-cleaning as an option for a fragile garment or textile that (after testing) shows a likelihood of being damaged if utilizing traditional processing methods. Hand-cleaning protects the integrity of the fabric while removing stains and odors.
2. should have an on-site full-service alterations department staffed with both tailors and dressmakers, experienced and trained to perform the highest levels of their craft. They should also be responsible for the removal and replacement of fragile specialty buttons and trims, and perform necessary repairs.
3. should also impeccably maintain their equipment and solutions, consistently submitting their solutions for professional testing so that all clothing is rinsed in pristine crystal clear solutions with no odor. (By the way, if you ever pick up dry cleaning from your cleaner and it smells, run--do not walk!--away from that cleaner. Strong odors usually indicate that their equipment was not properly maintained, since this odor generally comes from bacteria.)
4. should rinse garments in gentle solutions that do not strip fabrics of dyes or damage embellishments and trims.
5. should employ experienced technicians who understand fashion and the importance of detailing a garment with a hand-iron, properly hand-finishing the garment by following the drape and design intended by the fashion designer.
6. employs individuals trained in the art of couture inspecting procedures. They examine each garment applying points of excellence established for couture garments. Should standards fail to be met, the process should be repeated until the garment is perfect.
7. trains packaging experts to assess and determine the packaging requirements for each garment. Recyclable plastic molded hangers that are designed to properly support each garment for short and long-term storage, or alternative packaging when hangers are inappropriate for a garment or textile should be available. Recyclable tissue, oxi-biodegradable poly garment bags for the protection of garments during transport, reusable shopping bags, properly sized shirt, scarf and tie boxes as well as specialty packaging for fine bed, table linens, and comforter bags should minimally make up a fabricare specialists arsenal of luxe and environmentally responsible packaging.
8. should offer luxe pick up and delivery service to your office or residence by client service representatives--individuals that are bonded, uniformed, intelligent, and responsible. Individuals that you can trust and who recognize that their first responsibility is the security of their client’s valued garments.
If you’re not sure if your current cleaner follows these steps, don’t be afraid to ask. If they’re
worth taking your most valued pieces to, they will share any information you need to be
confident in their services. Davis Imperial follows all of these best practices and more. Next
week, we’ll share how we go above and beyond to consistently make our services the best in
the businesses.
Wishing you and your loved ones good health and happiness always…
Thanks Lynda, Rick, and Jordan for this week’s installment!
And readers, don’t forget to submit any questions you have on Facebook or on Twitter @davisimperial, or you can email us at davisimperialblog@gmail.com.
Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you next week!
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