Hello Ask Debonair,
I have just recently purchased my first expensive suit. How do I care for it?
Well, let us start with the first indispensible element. A sturdy hanger, either wood or hard plastic, is essential in order to maintain shape in the jackets’ shoulders – wire hangers simply will not do (as an added bounus, matching hangers will provide sophistication to your closet).
As for the maintenance, we begin with the obvious. You are not going to throw your suit into the washing machine, so cleaning will be accomplished through a dry cleaner. What is not obvious, however, is that the chemicals used in the dry cleaning process have a tendency to break down the fibers of the suit. So while it cleans the suit, it may also be doing it damage, thus, shortening its life-span. Refrain from over dry-cleaning and try to keep this process to a minimum. If the suit is not dirty but rather wrinkled, try steam-pressing instead of dry cleaning. It will do the job of reviving the suit while also maintaining the life.
You said: ‘the chemicals used in the dry cleaning process have a tendency to break down the fibers of the suit.’
That is entirely NOT correct. Dry cleaning solvents do not cause the break down of fibers. One can leave the most delicate wools submerged in dry cleaning solvents for weeks on end, and there will be no damage. The solvent does not break down wool or any other fiber. You statement is like saying adding oil to your car engine accelerates engine wear when in fact it is bits of dirt suspended in oil that causes engine wear.
It is hidden soils that cause damage. When soild get in between the woven fibers, and the flexing of the fabircs durinf wear causeses those grains of soil to break woven fibers. When you clean the suit, the damaged fibers are flushed away with the soils causing wear, and that wear becomes more apparant after cleaning.
Dirt is the true enemy of fine clothing, and the dry cleaner is the true friend. You should check your facts before jumping to inaccurate conclusions, or at least availe yourself to the rich fabricare resources at http://www.ifi.com
Sonned!
It only seems logical that a dry cleaning activist (thus, the askadrycleaner.com name) would make such a statement. Dry cleaners would want you to dry clean after every wear. Why? Because they would like your money – they would like to stay in business. Experiences I have had with over dry cleaning left a shine on my suit. I learned my lesson. Good article.