Dry cleaners have seen it all—tough stains, delicate fabrics, and clothes that need a little extra care. But what most people don’t realize is that a few simple dry cleaning tips can make the process more effective.

From handling stains the right way to knowing which fabrics actually need professional cleaning, these insider tips will help your clothes last longer, look better, and stay in great shape.

If you want to get the most out of every trip to the cleaner, here’s what the pros wish you knew.

8 Dry Cleaning Tips from Professional Cleaners

Before taking your clothes to the dry cleaner, a little preparation can go a long way. Checking for stains and knowing which fabrics actually need dry cleaning can help you get better results and avoid unnecessary wear.

These expert tips will make sure your clothes come back looking their best—and last longer in your wardrobe.

1. Not Everything Needs to Be Dry Cleaned

Not every piece of clothing needs a trip to the dry cleaner. In fact, some fabrics actually do better with a simple wash at home. Knowing which clothes to dry clean and which to wash yourself can save you money and help your wardrobe last longer.

Skip the dry cleaner for these:

• Jeans – Most denim is designed for washing. Dry cleaning can make them stiff and dry out the fabric over time. Stick to washing them inside out in cold water and hang them to dry.
• Cotton and synthetics – T-shirts, workout gear, and most casual clothes hold up just fine in a regular wash unless the label says dry clean only.

Take these straight to the cleaner:

• Silk, wool, and delicate fabrics – Water can shrink or damage these materials, and at-home washing can dull colors and change the texture.
• Suits and formalwear – Structured pieces, especially those with padding or lining, can lose their shape in the wash. Dry cleaning helps them stay crisp.
• Clothing with stains – If you don’t know how to remove a stain, it’s better to take it to a pro instead of risking damage with DIY methods.

But different clothes require different care, so if you have an important pair of jeans or a delicate item you want to keep in top shape, check the label or ask your dry cleaner for advice.

2. Don’t Try to Fix Stains Yourself

Your first instinct when you spill something on your clothes might be to grab water or a DIY cleaner, but that can make the stain worse. The wrong treatment can spread the stain, set it permanently, or even weaken the fabric.

What to do instead:

• Blot, don’t rub. Use a dry cloth to absorb as much as possible.
• Skip water on oil-based stains. Water pushes grease deeper instead of lifting it.
• Be cautious with home remedies. Baking soda, vinegar, and detergent can cause discoloration on delicate fabrics.
• Take it to the cleaner ASAP. The sooner they treat it, the better the results.
• Tell your cleaner what caused the stain. Wine, grease, and ink all require different treatments.

If you’re unsure, let a professional handle it. They have the right tools to remove stains without ruining your clothes.

3. Check Your Pockets Before Dropping Off Clothes

It sounds small, but forgetting to empty your pockets can lead to big cleaning disasters. Dry cleaners constantly deal with ink stains from pens, melted gum stuck to fabric, and shredded paper from forgotten receipts.

Quick pocket check before the cleaner:

• Remove pens, coins, and chapstick—these can stain or damage fabric.
• Shake out your clothes—small items often hide in linings.
• Check for paper or tissues—they break apart and cling to clothes.

Some cleaners return found items, but not all catch them before cleaning. A few seconds of checking can save your clothes from a mess.

4. Talk to Your Cleaner—It Makes a Difference

Dry cleaners do their best to care for your clothes, but a little communication can go a long way in getting the best results. If your garment has a stain, delicate details, or needs a minor fix, don’t assume your cleaner will notice on their own.

What to mention when dropping off clothes:

• Stains: Point them out and explain what caused them—wine, ink, or oil stains all require different treatments.
• Minor repairs: Some cleaners can fix loose hems, missing buttons, or small tears anyway, but there’s no harm in mentioning them.

Dry cleaners aren’t mind readers—a quick conversation can help you avoid surprises when you pick up your clothes.

5. Dry Cleaning Isn’t Just for Clothes

Your dry cleaner can take care of more than just your favorite outfits. Household items like bedding, curtains, and upholstery covers can also benefit from professional cleaning, helping them last longer and look fresher.

Consider dry cleaning for:

• Bedding & comforters – A professional clean once a year removes dust, sweat, and allergens.
• Drapes & curtains – These collect odors and dust over time, especially in homes with pets or smokers.
• Delicate upholstery covers – If your couch has removable fabric covers that say “dry clean only,” avoid home washing to prevent shrinkage.

If an item is too large for your washing machine or has a “dry clean only” label, it’s worth checking with your cleaner.

6. Don’t Let Stains Sit—Especially in Plastic Bags

Some stains get worse the longer they sit, but moisture and lack of airflow can make things even worse. Mildew, in particular, is nearly impossible to remove—once it sets in, the best you can do is fade it or stop it from spreading.

If you spill something on your clothes, don’t leave them in a plastic bag for days before taking them to the cleaner. Beer, sweat, and other moisture-based stains trapped in an airtight space can lead to mildew, which weakens fabric and causes permanent discoloration.

If you can’t get to the cleaner right away, hang the garment somewhere dry and well-ventilated until you do.

7. Quality Over Quantity—Less Is More

One of the best ways to make your clothes last is to own fewer, better pieces and take care of them properly. Dry cleaners see it all the time—people who invest in high-quality clothing are more likely to store, clean, and maintain them well, which means their wardrobe stays in good shape for years.

Higher-quality fabrics tend to hold up better to regular wear and cleaning, while fast fashion pieces often lose their shape or fade quickly.

When you have a smaller, well-chosen wardrobe, you’re also more likely to take the time to care for each item properly, rather than letting things pile up and wear out.

8. Protect Fabrics from Zippers, Hooks, and Metal Details

Zippers, hooks, and metal embellishments can be rough on fabrics. An exposed zipper in the wash can snag delicate materials, and metal fastenings can rub against fabric, causing pilling or wear.

Zip up jackets, button shirts, and fasten hooks before washing. This helps prevent them from catching on other fabrics. If you have pieces with heavy embellishments or sharp metal details, consider turning them inside out or placing them in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection.

If a piece has especially delicate fabric or intricate hardware, skipping home washing altogether and leaving it to the cleaner is often the safest option.

Final Thoughts

Taking care of your clothes doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple habits—like checking your pockets, handling stains properly, and knowing when to trust the pros—can make a big difference in how long your favorite pieces last.

If you’re looking for a trusted dry cleaner in Sacramento, we at Vogue Cleaners have been serving the community for nearly 40 years. Whether you need dry cleaning, laundry services, alterations, or even wedding dress preservation, we’ve got you covered.

Schedule a pickup or sign up for Vogue Valet today!