Helpful Tips

1. Never remove a care label

   Care labels carry the recommendations from the manufacturer to the consumer and the drycleaner. If it itches, have the seamstress move it to a side seam but don't discard it altogether. Also, recognize that the manufacturer, by law, only has to list one method for cleaning. Frequently there may be staining present which would be better removed in an alternative method. If we have the fiber content we will choose the safest and most effective process for the fabric and the stain removal.

2. Never store your garments in plastic bags

   We put your garments in plastic to protect them on the way to your home. Please remove them promptly before storing in your closet as plastic causes humidity buildup in fibers. Garments should be stored in cool, dry places. Prior to storing garments should be cleaned to avoid the possibility of moth damage and stain setting. Excessive heat and moisture can weaken fibers and dyes so we recommend storing them in the main house - not the attic or basement.

3. Have matching pieces cleaned together

   Outfits of two or more pieces should always be cleaned at the same time. Also, matching bed linens, drapes and table linens should be cleaned at the same time. Normal fading may occur that we cannot control. Even a slight change in the color will be noticed.

4. Successful Stain Removal - This Month - Invisible Stains

   Clear or nearly clear liquids which are spilled on garments can show up later as a brown spot. This condition is know as caramelization and is due to dried sugars left on the garment. Samples of these spills are clear sodas, white wine, and juices. Heat required in processing garments turns the sugar brown and the stain appears. Fortunately at Craft Cleaners our cleaning processes' solubize most sugar stains without pre-treatment, and our "No Heat" Solvair dry cleaning will not caramelize sugars. To be safe it is always best to inform our staff of any spills to ensure complete removal.

   Often through excessive use, perfumes and colognes end up being absorbed by garments during normal wear. Unfortunately some fibers and colors are unable to withstand the alcohol present in these products. The damage appears but is not limited to localized color fading in the neck and underarm areas. Alcohol can also weaken the water repellency in some outdoor wear.

5. The Hard Truth About Organic

   If only organic meant something… the hard truth is that in the dry cleaning industry, the term organic is meaningless as a safeguard for human health and habitat. Substances like perc and hydrocarbons fit the definition of organic in chemistry, being carbon based, but not in consumer protection. Food companies must meet strict standards to label their products as organic but garment care isn't regulated by the FDA.

   If you see "eco", "natural" or "organic" or "Certified Greener Cleaner" in the drycleaner window the chances are that what they are really selling you is premium rate green washing. Demonstrated by one of the industries largest lobbying group the NCA (National Cleaners Assoc) who started up a Green Cleaners Council - where applicants fill out a form to get a "leaf" rating. With no physical certification conducted or explanation to the consumer of the difference between one leaf and 5 leaves, the consumer education initiated by the NCA is little more than professional green washing. Oh, did we mention that the members of NCA are predominantly perc and petroleum cleaners.

   Our largest competitor in Princeton uses a technology which does little more than sprits your clothing with hydrocarbon solvent while tumbling them with someone else's clothing in the dry cleaning machine. There is no immersion to float away soil and impurities. There is no filtration or distillation to purify the solvent being used - over and over.