Frequently Asked Questions
What is dry cleaning?
Dry cleaning is a process that uses liquids other than water to clean clothes, bedding, upholstery and other types of fabrics. Water can damage fabrics like wool, leather and silk, and a washing machine can wreak havoc on buttons, lace, sequins and other delicate decorations.
Are you environmentally friendly?
Yes – at Uptown Cleaners, we care about the environment. We upgraded our dry cleaning machine to a new model that uses less energy, and we use a solvent that is environmentally friendly.
What fabrics should be dry cleaned?
For information regarding any specific fabric, contact Uptown Cleaners for consultation.
How fast is dry cleaning?
Many steps are involved from the time a customer drops off an item until the item is ready for pickup. The actual cleaning cycle is under an hour, but the processing time is greater due to the work involved before and after the item is cleaned.
For detailed information, visit our Services page.
Does dry cleaning shorten the life of a garment?
No — regular cleaning will help the garment last longer. Stains, soils, dirt, dust and food particles shorten the life of the garment when not properly removed soon after wearing. The better a garment is made, the more it will be able to withstand cleaning.
How do you clean clothes without getting them wet?
We use a solvent and a detergent to aid in the removal of soils. Garments go through the cleaning cycle, then the extraction process removes the excess solvent. The drying cycle removes any remaining solvent (similar to a dryer at home).
Do you use PERC?
No, we do not use PERC (Perchloroethylene, also known as PCE) – PERC is still the most commonly used solvent by dry cleaners. Because we care about our customers, employees and the environment – we choose an eco‐friendly solvent. We pride ourselves in being a PERC-free dry cleaner, as PERC is known to have many health risks.
Can you remove stains from clothing and other items?
We make every possible effort to fully remove stains. However, factors such as the type of stain, the type of fabric, how long the stain has been on the item and the color of the fabric will ultimately determine if the stain can be removed.
How often should I dry clean my clothing?
Garments should be dry cleaned each time after they’re worn to keep stains, body oils, perfumes and odors from setting.
How much does dry cleaning cost?
The price of dry cleaning and laundry services varies based on several factors, mostly depending on the item type (clothes, household items, etc.). Please contact us for more information.