FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


How does the dry cleaning process work?

Despite the name, dry cleaning is actually not a totally dry process. Through the use of non-flammable solvents such as percholoroethylene or glycol ethers, clothes are treated with solvents, rather than water. Clothes are placed into a basket inside of a machine similar to a washing machine. The basket contains a horizontal, perforated drum that rotates inside of an outer shell. This shell contains the solvents, while the clothes remain in the basket.

During the wash cycle, new solvent is constantly fed into the machine while old solvent is removed. Some clothes may have to be pre-treated ahead of washing, and how much solvent depends on the type of garment being cleaned. Each wash cycle takes approximately 15 minutes, again depending on the stain needing to be removed. After the wash, the machine will "rinse" with a fresh load of distilled solvent to help keep the clothes from absorbing the already used working solvent. Following this, the extraction cycle will spin the basket incredibly fast to spin out as much solvent as possible. Then, the drying cycle begins, which utilizes warm air to push through the clothes and thus evaporate any traces of solvent still remaining, with the temperature of air depending on what type of garment is being cleaned. Finally, after a cooling cycle, garments are pressed and finished!
 
How do I know if my clothes need to be dry cleaned?

Most garments will contain instructions on their tags stating whether or not they need to be dry cleaned. You can also look for symbols on the tags for an indication: a circle is the symbol for dry cleaning and a circle with an x through it means do not dry clean. If you are still unsure, bring it in to us and we will help you determine.
 
Are your solvents environmentally friendly?

At Weldon's Cleaners, we strive to use the most earth-safe products we can when it comes to our solvents. Thanks to advances in the dry cleaning process, as well as the solvents themselves, we can often reuse up to 99.99% of solvent. We do our part to protect the planet!
 
Does the dry cleaning solvent perc raise the risk of cancer?

A--"The EPA does NOT classify perc as either a definite or a probable human carcinogen." "More importantly, EPA's scientific advisors have noted that perc is a specific example of a substance where credible scientific data indicates that it is unlikely to be a human carcinogen."

PS-- Insurance companies tell us that decades of their records show no elevation of cancer rates among people working in the dry cleaning business.

Does frequent dry cleaning shorten the life of a garment?

On the contrary, frequent cleaning prolongs the life of a garment. Not only do stains set with age, making the garment unwearable, but ground in dirt and soil act as an abrasive, like sandpaper, causing rapid wear of fibers. Also, insects are attracted to soiled clothes and will cause further damage.
 
When a garment's label says "washable," does this mean it cannot be dry cleaned?

Not necessarily. The Care Label Rule states that only one suitable method of care must be on the label. Cleaners usually follow the care instructions, unless otherwise requested. If you want your washable items dry cleaned, the cleaner may ask you to sign a damage waiver.
 
Should I store my clean garments in the plastic bag they are returned in?

The bags are provided by the cleaner to protect the garment until you get home. It is best to store garments uncovered or in fabric garment bags.
  
What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of Textile Items In Years?

 
What Hours are you open?

For hours of operation Click here
 
Does Weldon's Cleaners provide Additional Facts & Articles on Clothes Care?
Yes , Simply click on the Brochures Button on the left menu bar.