While dry cleaners are mostly associated with clothing, Custom Care Valet does provide drapery cleaning in Vancouver, WA. We take as much care in our cleaning process for draperies as we do for clothing, and in regards to our drapery cleaning services, one of our customers in Hazel Dell, WA had a question with this in mind:

How often should I clean my draperies?

A good rule of thumb is that they usually need cleaning before they look dirty or soiled. It’s the invisible particles that cause deterioration and irreparable harm. Unfortunately, the daily activities done in the home is attributed to their damage. Cooking, operating furnaces and wood fireplaces or stoves, as well as smoking all produce harmful particles.

And the reason draperies are affected is because they act just like a filter for this floating debris. A few short years of abuse can amount to nasty dry rot.

So, what can you do?

Cursory examination of your drapes monthly, depending on the season, is vital to keeping track of degradation. Make sure to check your windows for moisture during both hot and cold weather, and watch for leaks from your window frame. Vacuuming the drapes can be a very beneficial procedure, but make sure you are using the correct attachment! Also, consider using shears behind your drapes to protect them.

Lastly, the most cost-effective and reliable method of checking your drapes is to smell them for odors and impurities. If what you smell isn’t entirely pleasant, take it to a trusted, local Vancouver, WA dry cleaning service, Custom Care Valet, and we’ll clean them for you.

We promise not to ask how you found out that they needed to be cleaned!

We believe that using our European method of finishing gives garments the best cleaning with the least risk of damage. An unfortunate effect of standard dry cleaning is a very noticeable shine, and one of our customers from the downtown Vancouver, WA area had a question concerning that very situation after using a competitor’s service:

Why do my garments have a shine to them?

Darker colors are more susceptible to shine, and this easily recognizable shine is most predominantly found on steamed lapels and pockets. The fabrics in danger of having shine are gabardine, acetate and triacetate. The pressure used by standard dry cleaning machines is responsible for shine, even though it can develop naturally on the side from sliding in and out of a desk, from rubbing the elbows on the top of a counter or desk, or on the seat of slacks from getting in and out of a car.

The problem with gabardine is that it is a high-maintenance material, and over time gabardine will shine with normal wear. Keep this in mind when considering the purchase of a sport coat, jacket, slacks or suit. Unfortunately, if pressed too hard during cleaning, a garment with gabardine can shine even after the very first cleaning.

The key to longevity in garments is choosing a company who uses a technique for cleaning that is safer for clothing. We utilize a European method of finishing that not only reduces the chance of shine, it finishes the cleaning process with a cushion of air that will eliminate the seam impression you may have noticed using other services. Conserve some gas, and have us pick-up, clean, and deliver your clothes today!  Dry cleaning in Vancouver, WA has never been more accessible!

Custom Care Valet Dry Cleaning has been faithfully serving the Vancouver, WA community since 1988. Mark and Pamela Ickert established Custom Care with the guiding philosophy of providing friendly service, consistent quality and convenience. This is why we began our free pick up and delivery service in 1991. Our unique approach to customer service has helped us earn thousands of Clark County Customers.

In addition to friendly customer service, Custom Care uses an earth friendly cleaning system. With this solution, you can count on a thorough cleaning that is gentle on your fine fabrics and enhances the colors in all of your garments. Not only will they look clean, but more importantly, they will feel and look like new.

Custom Care is also the only dry cleaner to provide European Hand Finishing. This unique process finishes your clothing without seam impressions or shine…your clothing looks brand new. We want you to look your best so we care for your clothing the way you would.