Dry cleaning is necessary for maintaining the quality and appearance of various workwear so employees can go to work every day dressed for success. Workwear varies drastically across industries, which means the care techniques do as well to ensure longevity and professional presentation in their respective spaces. Each type serves a different purpose and is made with various materials. Here are some of our best practices for dry cleaning your workwear:
1. Business Attire
Traditional business wear, such as suits, formal dresses, shirts, and slacks, are often made from polyester blends or luxurious fabrics like wool or silk. We use gentle solvents to protect the fabric’s integrity and take extra precautions when cleaning the lapels, collars, and cuffs, where dirt and oils tend to accumulate. We also press suits to restore their crisp appearance and prepare them for their next big conference.
2. Medical Garments
Medical apparel such as lab coats and scrubs face a very particular work environment. We understand that for personal safety and the safety of others, these items need to be treated with extra care to eradicate germs, bacteria, and other harmful substances that could accumulate in laboratories and hospitals. Often made from cotton or polyester blends, which are durable and stain-resistant, we use disinfectant solvents to ensure cleanliness and hygiene, paying extra mindfulness to chemical stains and biological contaminants. Our high-temperature pressing kills any bacteria in the fabric, providing the utmost sanitation when returning to work.
3. Culinary Uniforms
Chef coats and other forms of attire in the food and beverage industry are typically made from heavy-duty cotton or similar blends. These uniforms are among the most stained and substance-ridden of the uniforms, which are used to handle food, grease, and food waste all day, so we pre-treat these stains before dry cleaning. We use a solvent that effectively breaks down oils and fats to clean bacteria while removing odors thoroughly.
4. Construction & Industrial Workwear
The construction industry essentially invented the concept of workwear. Working with heavy machinery and manual labor comes the need for proper protection and durable fabrics that require careful treatment to keep them doing their job effectively. These pieces are often made from heavy-duty cotton, denim, or synthetic blends designed for durability. We pre-treat heavy stains, such as oil, grease, and dirt, with specific solvents, followed by a robust cleaning process to remove dirt and grime. We inspect and repair every garment for wear and tear to prolong its lifespan.
5. High-Visibility, Safety Apparel
High-visibility apparel, such as traffic control vests, are made from reflective materials and fluorescent fabrics that make them stand out. We are careful to avoid harsh chemicals that can degrade the reflective strips and colors needed for these workwear pieces to maintain their purpose. We use specialized cleaning agents that preserve visibility and ensure our pressing process does not damage the reflectivity.
6. Hospitality & Service Work Clothing
Work uniforms in the hospitality industry are often made from lightweight and breathable textiles like polyester and cotton blends. We use mild solvents to maintain their comfort and appearance while paying attention to high-contact areas like collars and cuffs. We press them carefully to preserve their polished and professional look (so you get those tips!).
7. Sports Uniforms
Sports uniforms require special care to keep athletes up to par with their performance. Before our dry cleaning process, we first treat stains and damage because sports uniforms are often made of moisture-wicking fabrics. We use effective yet mild solvents on synthetic fabrics, like polyester, spandex, and nylon. We use a gentle cleaning cycle to avoid excessive agitation, which can cause pilling, and we also clean these garments in small batches. We avoid fabric softeners because these can clog the fabric’s pores and cause the items to lose their moisture-wicking abilities.
We understand how important the quality and state of your workwear affects your daily workday, so we care for them to keep them looking and feeling brand new so you can return to work feeling like a million bucks. No matter which industry you work in, you can ensure Shamrock delivers your workwear back to you as clean and professional-looking as possible. Contact us today to learn more about our dry cleaning services!
