FAQs

  • The main dry cleaning solvent that many dry cleaners use is perchloroethylene (PERC). This chemical will not harm your clothing, but it has been linked to cancer. It can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled through vapors.

    If you are concerned about exposure to this chemical or worried about the environment, you can use eco-friendly dry cleaning methods with Universal Cleaners. Contact us to schedule a free pickup to use safer dry cleaning processes.

  • Dry cleaning differs from wet cleaning because, as the name suggests, it doesn’t involve submerging clothing or garments in water. Instead, dry cleaning uses a liquid solvent to remove stains and odors and preserve the integrity of delicate fabrics.

    The processes are completely different, so if you have a garment stained with oil, grease, or other deep-set stains, dry cleaning is the way to go. The liquid solvent used will, in most cases, effectively remove stains.

  • Before dry cleaning, look at the care label on your garment and note how it should be cleaned. If it says, “Dry Clean Only,” then it is best to take it to a dry cleaner.

    However, that may not be the only reason you’ll want to bring something to Universal Cleaners. If you have spots or stains you don’t know how to treat, you should bring those clothing items in for stain removal.

    Additionally, garments made from rayon, acetate, or triacetate can shrink or become misshapen if you try to hand-wash them in cold water. Fabrics with a special finish may also be ruined, so send them all to your dry cleaners. We offer free pickup and delivery to remove the hassle of cleaning your most prized apparel.

    Here are a few more instances where you will need dry cleaning for specialty items:

    • Items with pleats and tucks that are difficult to iron

    • Tailored coats or jackets

    • Lined garments

    • Leather or suede trim

    • Items that transfer dye when they get wet

    • Expensive or treasured items

  • Dry cleaning should be reserved for any delicate materials and garments that would otherwise be ruined through machine washing. These will usually be labeled as such in the care instructions sewn into the label.

    Certain fabrics do not require dry cleaning because they are more durable and can be washed with water and detergents, then dried. Here are the items that cannot be dry-cleaned:

    • Cotton

    • Polyester

    • Acrylic

    • Nylon

    • Spandex

    There are also items you may be uncertain if you should wash yourself or use dry cleaning. Cashmere can usually be washed at home using mild detergent, but you must handle it with care. If you don’t have the time to care for it, bring it to Universal Cleaners in Carmel, IN to ensure it is cleaned properly.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more.

  • In certain cases, spots that are invisible on patterned fabrics or white garments become visible after cleaning. This is usually what occurs with fat-based stains. Wet cleaning can address the stain and remove it before this can occur. If you have spots on your clothing, don’t hesitate to contact Universal Cleaners today for spot removal and our other services.

  • Do any of your care labels say “Spot Clean Only?” This simply means that it can only be cleaned by hand in areas where there are noticeable spots. However, do not make the mistake of thinking you can do this yourself. These specific garments must be handled with expert care and safely cleaned at the dry cleaner.

  • We do not advise storing your clothing in plastic coverings when they have been returned to you. These coverings are only meant to shield your items and keep them safe until they make it back home. All fabrics must breathe, so keep your clothing uncovered.

    For items such as formal attire like wedding gowns and tuxedos, you can store them in a breathable fabric garment bag to preserve them. Anything that needs to be stored for longer durations, such as seasonal attire, should also be stored in breathable garment bags or a cedar closet. It is not ideal to put your delicate clothing into plastic bags or storage containers.

  • With the latest in dry cleaning equipment, you can rest assured that the dry cleaning process at Universal Cleaners will not shrink clothing. Our dry cleaning technicians are fully trained on how to use all solvents and machinery. They know all the proper techniques for handling even the most challenging garments and fabrics. This means you can confidently leave your clothing with us for proper care.

  • Germs such as bacteria and viruses can get embedded in your clothing. One of the best ways to get rid of them is through dry cleaning. Using high temperatures, we can kill the germs in your fabrics and help you and your family stay healthy.

    Steam presses expose the pathogens to high temperatures. While washing clothes in warm water and drying them can kill some germs, if you are concerned about bacteria and viruses, a professional laundry service can help. Their temperatures are much higher than household machines can provide and can effectively disinfect your clothing.

  • Dry cleaning is a great option when you need to remove stains. This cleaning process does so more effectively than washing machines. One of the most common questions we get is about whether or not we can remove stains through our dry cleaning process. Unfortunately, some stains are permanent.

    If you have a stain on clothing that is intended for dry cleaning, do not try to clean it yourself. Washing a stain with home remedies can ingrain it further into the fabric and make it permanent, forever ruining your favorite attire. With our free pickup and delivery services, it’s even easier to get expert spot and stain removal service in Carmel, IN. Contact Universal Cleaners today and let us help you with removing dirt and stains.

  • All clothing will naturally absorb odors. Some fabrics are more prone to soaking them up than others. Body odor is a common smell that can become embedded in your materials. Lace, cashmere, silk, muslin, suede, and soft leathers can attract and retain lingering smells. Even natural fibers will do this.

    Dry-clean-only items may even take on a smell from the solvents that are used. With thin materials, the solvents will dissolve quickly. However, on heavier and thicker materials, it may take a long time for solvents to evaporate.

    This is a great reason to choose green cleaning. Some dry cleaning companies use GreenEarth Cleaning solvent. It’s an excellent alternative to traditional solvents and is extremely effective in removing stains and all kinds of odors. Another green dry cleaning method is using DF-2000™ Fluid, a hydrocarbon solvent. It is one of the best choices you can make, and you’ll find it here at Universal Cleaners.

    If you want to have your clothing cleaned using eco-friendly techniques, contact Universal Cleaners today. We want to make our dry cleaning methods more sustainable and do so with greener cleaning methods. Call us today for dry-clean and laundry pickup & delivery service. These pickup and delivery services are free!

  • Not everything needs to be dry-cleaned right after you wear it, but this will often depend on the type of garment. Any garment worn close to your skin should be taken for dry cleaning as often as you’d machine wash an item that doesn’t need dry cleaning. This would include shirts, blouses, slacks, and skirts.

    As for suits, sweaters, or sport coats, you can wear them two or three times between cleanings. The exception is if you see any stains which you will want to have removed promptly with proper care.

    Additionally, if you become sweaty while wearing these garments, you should have them treated right away for the best results. Dry cleaning removes food stains, makeup, perspiration, cologne, dust, and bacteria. Anything you’ve had tucked away in storage for a long time should also be taken to your dry cleaners. For items that don’t need dry cleaning, you can use our wash-and-fold laundry services, Carmel, IN.

  • You may find out the hard way that washing a garment that should only be dry-cleaned can ruin it. Perhaps you accidentally tossed it into the laundry with the rest of your machine-washable items. It may be too late for this item, though you can always ask us at Universal Cleaners if it can be salvaged.

    In general, you will want to keep an eye on the labels of your clothing. Separate these items from the rest of your apparel and give us a call to use our free pickup and delivery services. We aim to take the hassle out of taking care of your delicate items.

    Items that dry-clean only tend to be more expensive or made with materials that simply can’t be washed with water and ordinary detergents. Dry cleaning solvents remove grease and oil without harming the materials. It will prevent color loss, shrinkage, and changes in shape and texture.

    Here are the items you should always take to a professional dry cleaner:

    • Business suits

    • Anything with embellishments (sequins, beads, embroidery, etc.)

    • Formal attire

    • Silk

    • Leather

    • Wool

    • Suede

    • Rayon

    • Velvet

    If you’re unsure whether one of your items should be dry-cleaned, contact Universal Cleaners, and we’ll be happy to let you know!

  • Dry cleaning differs from wet cleaning because, as the name suggests, it doesn’t involve submerging clothing or garments in water. Instead, dry cleaning uses a liquid solvent to remove stains and odors and preserve the integrity of delicate fabrics.

    The processes are completely different, so if you have a garment stained with oil, grease, or other deep-set stains, dry cleaning is the way to go. The liquid solvent used will, in most cases, effectively remove stains.