FAQS

The dry cleaning alterations and laundry company.

What Does Dry Cleaning Involve?

Dry cleaning is a method of removing stains and dirt from garments and fabric by using little or no water. Dry cleaning is not technically “dry” because liquid solvents perform the cleaning, but little water is used, thus the term “dry.” Dry cleaning machines are similar to washing machines. A large tumbling basket facilitates the cleaning process. Garments are placed in this basket, which is partially filled with solvent, and tumbled to drop through the solvent. This agitation and the flushing action of the solvent do most of the cleaning. A dry cleaning system requires certain elements. These include a rotating wash cylinder, a tank for storing solvent, a pump to circulate the solvent, a dryer, filters, a distillation system, and, of course, the solvent itself. Optional components include vapor absorbers or a refrigerated condenser for capturing solvent vapors, a moisture injection system, computer or card controllers, and others. The solvents most widely used are perchloroethylene and hydrocarbon. The cleaning solution consists of approximately 98% pure solvent, 1% water, and 1% sizings and detergents. If impurities make up any more than an additional 1% of the solution, the cleaning quality can be compromised by odor. More difficult stains require removal with chemical agents, water, steam, air, and vacuum, applied on what is called a “spotting table.” Cleaners perform this technique both before and after cleaning to remove stains individually.

How do I know a reputable Dry Cleaner?

At Press XPress, we pride ourselves on being one of the best dry cleaners in Dublin, but you don’t have to take our word for it. One way to find a reputable cleaner is to contact Certification Europe www.certificationeurope.com, dedicated to raising service and expertise levels, Cert Europe recognises an elite group of dry cleaners who meet strict quality standards. All Certification Europe affiliates offer a 100% safe Cleaning Guarantee. Annual inspections are carried out and only Local Authority Certificates are issued for compliant Dry Cleaners. These days, a good dry cleaner should do a lot of hand washing and wet care cleaning. Be sure to ask the next time you visit a Dry Cleaners.

Why do my clothes sometimes smell of cleaning solvent?

If your clothes return from the dry cleaner and smell of solvent, it’s time to change cleaners. This smell indicates impure solvent and bacteria growth in the system, not an excessively strong solution as commonly thought. The bacteria cling to the garments and solvent molecules release the solvent slowly, producing the smell. We use fresh solvent on every load to care for your clothes. A well maintained dry cleaning system should produce odor-free clothes with every cleaning.

There are stains on my clothes after Dry Cleaning that were not visible before?

Among a dry cleaner’s worst enemies are “invisible stains” like spray from a juicy fruit or apple, hair spray or perfume. It is normally these types of stains that customers see on freshly cleaned garments, making them protest, “That wasn’t there when I gave it to you!” These stains become visible when exposed to heat during the drying cycle or pressing. The sugar in the juice caramelises and oil stains oxidise, making them visible. Dry cleaning alone will not remove these stains. Depending on the fabric, an expert dry cleaner may be able to remove the stain but not always. If you know of the potential for such invisible stains, point them out to our staff so we can flush them out before cleaning the item and setting the stain.

Does pouring soda water on stains help with stain removal?

If you rub a stain with a napkin dipped in water or soda water, it breaks the fibers and causes color loss, or crocking. This home remedy may appear to help, but most of the time, it simply ruins a very expensive piece of your clothing. Also using restaurant white napkins to dab a stain will ultimately cause color loss as the bleach that these napkins have been cleaned will react with your clothes on contact.

What does Wedding Gown Preservation process consist of?

Wedding gown preservation is a three-part process that ensures your gown is there for future generations. Essentially it consists of professional cleaning, hand finishing, and storage box preservation. The Wedding Preservation box is made out of acid free cardboard and acid free tissue paper. Boxes should be stored in a suitable dry area away from direct sunlight and moisture.

What other wedding keepsakes do you clean and preserve?

Most brides typically commission their wedding gowns, veils, and headpieces to us. You may also want to include such keepsakes as your garter, gloves, handkerchief, slip, and other accessories. Please keep in mind items such as jewelry that may contain plastic or metals will not boxed with gown.

My gown is extremely delicate. Will Press XPress be able to take care of the fine beading and lace that covers my gown?

The first step in the cleaning process is thorough inspection. We test all of the gown’s trim for strength and durability and examine your gown for loose material before it is cleaned. Unique and distinctive fabrics, laces, embroideries, and appliques require special care, as do pearls, beads, sequins, and droplets. Our seamstresses and tailors are trained to handle a wide assortment of repairs, from torn hems to ripped seams and lace. We always advise our customers ahead of time if a major repair is needed.

How will spots on my wedding dress be cared for?

Our Dry cleaning specialists carefully pre-treat stains before gently cleaning your gown. Other common stains that we frequently treat come from a range of foods, drinks, grass, mud, blood, tar, and grease.

What alterations and repairs do you make?

Our seamstresses and tailors are trained to handle a wide variety of repairs, from torn hems, seams, and lace to loose beads, sequins, droplets, and more. We will advise you ahead of time if a major repair is required. Any beading or trimmings that are not suitable for the cleaning process will either be removed or protected before the cleaning process starts.

Is it possible to track my gown’s progress?

Of course. You can call us directly, using the order number on your receipt.as a reference. If you shipped your gown to us with our courier partner then you can visit their Web sites to determine your gown’s status.

How long will it take?

Normally, the entire process is completed three to four weeks from the time we receive your gown. However, if you require an express or quicker service then please advise us and we will be more than happy to accommodate you.

How do I begin the process?

The most important thing to remember is to begin the cleaning process as soon as possible after the wedding. You can bring your gown in person to one of our stores in Lucan, Clonsilla or Monkstown or you can call us directly on 018200222. If you are outside Dublin you can book your cleaning by filling our our Booking Form and you can use our Courier Partner to send us your gown. When your gown is fully cleaned and inspected, we will courier it back to you in a clean box or a preservation box if ordered.

What kind of Insurance do you provide?

Your gown is fully insured while in our care, if you opt to use our Courier Partner for collection and delivery of your Wedding Dress you can pay and additional amount to insure your gown to the value of €5000 while in transit. This is available on the booking form.

About Us

Our well established company and years of experience are your guarantee of satisfaction.

Services

Customer Care

Contact Us

01 8227650 Clonsilla Shop
01 6219693 Lucan Shop
01 2300222 Monkstown Shop
01 8202222 General Enquiries
E-mail : info@pressxpress.ie
8 Millbank Business Park, Strawberry Beds, Lucan K78 E1W3
Weavers Row, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, D15 HV57
91 Monkstown Road, Monkstown, Co Dublin