Aftercare Guide: What to Do With Clothes After Dry Cleaning

Post-care for dry cleaned garments is just as important as the dry cleaning itself. After all, what’s the point of having your favorite pieces professionally cleaned if they’re not going to stay in top condition afterward?

So to truly protect your garments and keep them looking fresh and crisp, read along to know exactly how to care for every single garment piece once you get them home.

Why Aftercare is Essential for Your Dry Cleaned Clothes

Aftercare is what keeps that freshly cleaned shirt crisp, prevents delicate fabrics in a dress from getting creased, and ensures your clothes stay fresh and wearable for longer. Without proper aftercare, even the best dry cleaning service can only do so much to protect your clothing.

The Benefits of Proper Aftercare

• Longer Lifespan for Fabrics: Proper aftercare protects your clothing fibers from wear and tear. For example, dry cleaning already uses gentle solvents instead of water, reducing fabric stress, but storing and handling clothes correctly after the service maximizes this effect.
• Better Shape and Fit Preservation: Garments like dress shirts and formalwear can lose their shape over time, especially without good support. Using padded or shaped hangers post cleaning preserves their fit and structure, saving you from that “worn-out” look.
• Enhanced Freshness and Smell: Quality cleaning services remove dirt and odors, but aftercare helps you keep that fresh feel longer. By airing out garments after cleaning, you avoid musty smells and maintain the cleanliness achieved from the dry cleaners.
• Reduced Wrinkling and Creases: Delicate clothes like dresses, long gowns, and tailored pieces need thoughtful storage to prevent wrinkling. Proper aftercare, such as using breathable garment bags, keeps them looking pressed and ready to wear.

What Happens When You Neglect Proper Aftercare

• Faster Fabric Degradation: Without aftercare, fibers can deteriorate quicker. Clothes like shirts or lightweight fabrics may develop snags or thin spots, as the benefits of gentle dry cleaning aren’t reinforced with good storage practices.
• Loss of Original Shape and Structure: Heavier clothes like coats or jackets need careful hanging after cleaning. If you ignore this step, they may stretch, sag, or lose their original fit, sometimes beyond repair.
• Stale or Musty Odors: Failing to remove plastic covers after dry cleaning traps any residual moisture, leading to unpleasant odors. Your clothes may no longer smell fresh, undoing the benefits of your cleaning service.
• Increased Risk of Stains Setting: Left unchecked, tiny stains can worsen over time, especially if not identified and spot-cleaned promptly. Without aftercare, small issues can become much harder to clean during your next laundry run.

How to Properly Store Your Dry Cleaned Clothes

Once you have your clothes back from the dry cleaner, their care is now in your hands. How you store these pieces is the basis of how long they keep looking great, how they fit, and even how they smell over time. Proper storage preserves the work done by your cleaning service, helping your garments look fresh and last longer.

Here are some key tips for storing your dry cleaned clothes at home so they stay in top condition.

#1 - Ditch the Plastic Covers

Plastic covers might seem like they protect your clothes, but they actually trap moisture, which can lead to mildew and unwanted odors. Once you’re home, remove the plastic and let your clothes air out before storing them. For long-term protection, use breathable fabric garment bags instead as they shield your clothing from dust without compromising airflow.

#2 - Use the Right Hangers

Sturdy, supportive hangers are a must. Avoid wire hangers, as they don’t provide enough support and can even warp the shape of items like a dress shirt, linen blouse, or coat. Opt for padded or wooden hangers for delicate garments, which help them keep their form, prevent wrinkles, and reduce shoulder creases.

#3 - Store Folded Items Correctly

Sweaters, knit dresses, and heavier items should be folded to prevent stretching. Storing these on a shelf or in a drawer keeps them from losing their shape. If space allows, use tissue paper to fold between layers, reducing friction and preventing fabric damage. This simple tip can make a big difference, especially for knits that are prone to stretching.

#4 - Avoid Crowded Spaces

When clothes are packed tightly together, they’re more likely to wrinkle and lose shape. Give each item enough space to hang freely, especially skirts, blouses, and dresses, to keep them looking pressed and fresh. A spacious closet setup not only makes it easier to see everything but also allows air to circulate around your garments, keeping them from feeling stale.

#5 - Keep Out of Direct Sunlight

Sunlight can fade colors and weaken fabrics over time. Keep your closet doors closed or place your hanging clothes away from windows to prevent fading of items like a coat, dress, or even a dark-colored shirt. This step is essential to maintain vibrant colors and extend the life of your favorite pieces.

#6 - Use Cedar or Lavender Sachets

These natural scents keep your clothes smelling fresh and help deter pests like moths. Cedar and lavender are especially good for sweaters, as they provide protection without overpowering the fabric with fragrance. Just place a small sachet near your hanging clothes, and you’re good to go.

For Impeccable Dry Cleaning Results, Rely on the Expertise of Apple Cleaners!

Dry cleaning is a sophisticated, yet complex process that requires the right knowledge and skill to achieve outstanding results. At Apple Cleaners, our team brings years of expertise to ensure your clothes are handled with precision and care, using environmentally friendly products so they look and feel their best after every cleaning.

To make it even easier, we offer convenient FREE Pickup and Delivery Service in St. Louis, Missouri, and the surrounding areas. Simply schedule a pickup right from our mobile app! With just a few taps, you can place an order and arrange for your clothes to be cleaned without disrupting your day.

Visit our website to learn about all the areas we service in Missouri and Illinois.

Contact us today:

📞 (888) 572-6151

📧 [email protected]