There’s a clear reason why some garments have that “dry clean only” tag. You may think it’s just a suggestion, but no—ignoring it can lead to some serious laundry disasters. For instance, one wrong wash, and you could end up with shrunken wool sweaters, faded silk blouses, damaged leathers and furs, or even a misshapen suit that no amount of ironing can fix.

To save you from costly wardrobe mishaps, we walk you through the top five clothing items you should always dry clean and exactly what happens if you don’t.

Suits and Blazers

Suits, whether made from wool, linen, or other delicate fabrics, are structured garments with padding, linings, and intricate stitching that can be ruined by traditional washing. Blazers also fall under this category because of their structured fit and specialized fabrics.

What Happens If You Don’t Dry Clean

If you toss a suit or blazer into the washing machine (or even attempt a DIY hand wash), you set yourself up for a disaster. Here’s what can go wrong:

• Fabric Shrinkage – Wool and other natural fibers react poorly to water and heat, causing the garment to shrink and lose its tailored fit.
• Lining Damage – Many blazers have delicate inner linings that can warp, separate, or become misshapen when exposed to moisture.
• Fading and Texture Changes – Certain suit fabrics have a unique weave and finish that can dull, stiffen, or become rough when not professionally cleaned.
• Pressing and Reshaping Issues – A machine washed blazer will likely lose its structured silhouette, requiring expert steaming or pressing to restore it—if it’s even salvageable.

Dry cleaning keeps suits and blazers in top condition by using environmentally friendly solvents that gently lift dirt and oils without harming the fabric.

How to Care for Suits Between Dry Cleaning

Even though suits and blazers need professional cleaning, there are simple steps you can take to keep them fresh between visits to the dry cleaner:

• Spot clean minor stains immediately with a clean cloth.
• Steam or hang in a well-ventilated area to refresh between wears.
• Store in a breathable garment bag to prevent dust buildup.

Silk Blouses, Dresses, Scarves, and Ties

Silk fabrics have a smooth, lightweight texture that makes them feel incredible against the skin. But it also means it’s highly absorbent, prone to water spots, and easily damaged by rough handling. For this very reason, blouses, dresses, scarves, and ties made from silk should always be dry cleaned. Professional dry cleaning preserves the fabric’s natural sheen, prevents fading, and ensures delicate stitching and embellishments stay intact.

What Happens If You Don’t Dry Clean

If you try to wash silk at home, even on a gentle cycle, you might end up with:

• Water stains and discoloration – Silk is highly sensitive to water and can develop permanent blotches or uneven fading if exposed to too much moisture.
• Shrinking and distortion – Silk fabric can warp or shrink when it’s submerged in water, losing its original shape.
• Loss of shine – The natural luster of silk can dull significantly if washed with regular detergent or handled too roughly.
• Frayed edges and weakened fibers – Silk fibers are delicate, and friction from a washing machine or excessive wringing can break them down, causing the fabric to weaken and fray over time.

How to Care for Silk Garments Between Dry Cleaning

Since you don’t need to dry clean silk after every wear, here are a few ways to keep it fresh in between cleanings:

• Avoid applying perfumes or lotions directly onto silk garments.
• Store folded or on padded hangers to prevent stretching.
• Use a gentle fabric refresher spray between wears.

Wool Coats and Cashmere Sweaters

Few fabrics are as luxurious, warm, and timeless as wool and cashmere. These materials elevate your winter wardrobe, offering both comfort and sophistication. But while they may be durable to wear, they are incredibly delicate when it comes to cleaning.

To protect your investment, these garments should always be professionally dry cleaned. Dry cleaners use specialized solvents and techniques that clean wool and cashmere without exposing them to the harsh agitation and water saturation that cause fibers to break down.

What Happens If You Don’t Dry Clean

Skipping the dry cleaner and tossing your wool coat or cashmere sweater into a regular wash cycle can have disastrous results:

• Shrinkage and Warping – Wool and cashmere are highly absorbent, meaning even lukewarm water can cause them to shrink dramatically. Once shrunken, they rarely regain their original shape.
• Fabric Damage and Pilling – Cashmere is made from ultra-fine fibers that easily fray or form pills when exposed to excessive friction, such as from a washing machine drum. Wool can become coarse and stiff without proper care.
• Loss of Structure and Fit – Wool coats are typically structured with linings, interlinings, and padding, which can shift, wrinkle, or lose their shape if exposed to too much moisture or improper drying methods.
• Color Fading and Texture Changes – Harsh detergents and agitation can strip the natural oils from wool and cashmere, leaving the fabric feeling dry, rough, or faded.

How to Care for Wool and Cashmere Between Dry Cleaning

• Use a fabric shaver or sweater comb to remove pilling.
• Fold rather than hang sweaters to prevent stretching.
• Store with cedar balls or sachets to protect against moth damage.

Gowns, Cocktail Dresses, and Embellished & Beaded Clothing

Cocktail Dresses, tops, and gowns with intricate beading, sequins, embroidery, or metallic threads are at high risk of damage when machine washed. This is because the adhesives and delicate stitching used to attach embellishments are not meant to endure water immersion or high agitation.

What Happens If You Don’t Dry Clean

Washing embellished garments at home—even on a delicate cycle—can lead to serious damage. Here’s what you risk:

• Beads and sequins falling off – Machine washing causes friction, which can loosen or break delicate embellishments.
• Threads unraveling – Embroidery and hand-stitched details can fray, snag, or come undone in the wash.

• Fabric distortion – Water absorption can cause delicate fabrics, like silk or chiffon, to stretch, warp, or lose their original structure.
• Color fading – Many beaded or embroidered pieces have special dyes or finishes that can bleed or fade in regular wash cycles.

Once embellishments start falling apart, they can be nearly impossible to reattach without professional repair, making professional dry cleaning service the best preventive care.

How to Care for Embellished Clothing Between Dry Cleaning

• Spot clean small stains carefully using a damp cloth.
• Store items in a garment bag to protect them from snags.
• Avoid excessive folding to prevent creasing delicate embellishments.

Leather, Suede, Fur and Velvet Garments

Leather jackets, suede boots, fur coats, and velvet blazers bring texture, sophistication, and a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. But when it comes to cleaning, these materials are far from low maintenance. These garments require specialized cleaning techniques to maintain their shape, texture, and rich color. If you want your investment pieces to last, trusting a professional cleaner is the best choice

What Happens If You Don’t Clean these properly

Trying to clean leather, suede, or velvet at home can ruin the material permanently. Here’s what can go wrong:

• Water stains and discoloration – These fabrics are extremely absorbent, and excess moisture can leave permanent water spots or cause uneven fading.
• Stiffness and cracking – Leather, suede and fur need proper conditioning. If cleaned incorrectly, they can dry out, losing their softness and flexibility.
• Texture damage – Velvet has a raised pile that can flatten or become patchy if exposed to water and excessive pressure. Leathers, suedes and furs can easily be damaged without the proper cleaning techniques. Most care labels will say “clean by a professional leather cleaner,” or “Clean with a fur cleaning method.” Without following the cleaning methods recommended on the care label, the designer will not provide any warranty should your fine garment get damaged using improper cleaning methods.
• Shrinkage and warping – Suede and velvet, in particular, are prone to losing their shape when exposed to heat or agitation.

How to Care for Leather, Suede, Fur and Velvet Between Dry Cleaning

• Use a suede brush to remove surface dirt.
• Store leather and fur jackets in a cool, dry place. It is  best to use a climate controlled storage vault for off-season storage of leathers, suedes, furs and fine woolens. Parkway provides this service in our on-site storage vault.
• Avoid water exposure—always blot spills instead of rubbing.

Call Parkway Custom Drycleaning to Expertly Dry Clean All Your Finest Pieces!

Now that you know why these delicate garments require professional dry cleaning, the next step is ensuring they receive the highest level of care. Whether it’s an intricately beaded evening gown, a tailored shirt, or a cherished wedding dress, your finest pieces deserve the attention of true garment care specialists.

At Parkway Custom Drycleaning, we’ve delivered fine dry cleaning services to the Washington, D.C. area since 1926, serving Montgomery County, Maryland, and Northern Virginia with an unwavering commitment to excellence. Our team—hailed as “The PhD’s of Stain Removal” by the Washington Post—combines decades of expertise with innovative, eco-friendly cleaning processes to extend the life of your most treasured garments.

Schedule your dry cleaning pickup and delivery today and let Parkway Custom Drycleaning care for your garments with precision and expertise. Have questions? Our team is happy to help—just call us at 301-652-3377 or send an email to admin@parkwaydrycleaning.com to get started!

Did you know prolonged sun exposure can fade your furniture, flooring, and even your interior décor? Thankfully, if you have drapes, they act as the first line of defense against harsh UV rays, absorbing sunlight and protecting the rest of your home. However, it’s your drapes that pay the price.

If you’re not proactive at maintaining these window treatments, constant sun exposure can gradually break down textile fibers. The results—fading, brittleness, and even permanent discoloration. In this guide, we walk you through the best ways to protect drapes from sun damage and discoloration, covering everything from fabric choices to professional cleaning techniques, and more!

Read on for all the details!

1 | Use UV-blocking Window Films

UV-blocking window films are transparent or tinted sheets applied directly to the glass surface of your windows. These films are designed to filter out harmful ultraviolet rays, preventing them from reaching your drapes and furniture.

What these UV-blocking Window Films Do

• Block up to 99% of UV rays, protecting your fabric from fading.
• Reduce heat buildup, keeping your indoor temperature balanced.
• Preserve natural light without darkening the room too much.
• Minimize glare, improving comfort and visibility inside your home.

How to Choose the Right UV-blocking Window Film

There are different types of UV-blocking films, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your home’s needs:

• Clear UV Films – Ideal if you want full sun protection while keeping a natural and unobstructed view.
• Tinted UV Films – Reduce glare and provide privacy, perfect for bedrooms and living rooms.
• Reflective UV Films – Block UV and infrared heat, making them great for hot climates.
• Decorative UV Films – Add an aesthetic touch while also protecting your drapes.

Remember: Check for films with at least 99% UV protection and low reflectivity to maintain the natural lighting in your space.

How to Install UV-blocking Window Films

Proper installation ensures maximum protection for your drapes. Make sure to follow these steps:

• Clean Your Windows Thoroughly – Remove any dust, streaks, or smudges before applying the film.
• Measure and Cut the Film – Ensure the film matches the size of your window. Leave a slight edge margin for adjustments.
• Spray a Soapy Water Solution – Mist the glass with a mild soapy water mix to help with application.
• Apply the Film Carefully – Position it properly, then smooth out any air bubbles using a squeegee or credit card.
• Trim Excess Edges – Use a sharp utility knife for clean, precise cuts.

2 | Opt for Lined or Blackout Drapes

Lined and blackout drapes are designed with an extra protective layer that helps prevent direct sun exposure, keeping your curtains looking fresh and vibrant for years.

• Lined drapes – They feature a thin protective fabric layer sewn behind the main drapery material, offering moderate sun protection while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
• Blackout Drapes – Made with densely woven fabric that blocks up to 99% of sunlight, providing maximum protection against fading and fabric breakdown.

How to Choose the Right Lining for Your Drapes

Here’s a breakdown of different drapery lining options:

1. Cotton or Polyester Linings – Lightweight but provide moderate UV protection and help maintain drapery structure.
2. Thermal Linings – Ideal for blocking heat and cold, making them perfect for rooms with large windows or direct sunlight exposure.
3. Blackout Linings – Designed to completely block sunlight, offering maximum fade protection while darkening the room.
4. Silk or Satin Linings – A luxurious option that provides UV protection without compromising the softness and drape of the fabric.

Best Ways to Use Lined or Blackout Drapes Effectively

To maximize protection, use these best practices when installing lined or blackout drapes:

• Use Double Rods for Layering – Pair sheer curtains with lined drapes to control sunlight exposure throughout the day.
• Keep Drapes Closed During Peak Sun Hours – Close your curtains during midday hours (10 AM – 4 PM) when sunlight is the strongest.
• Rotate Drapes Periodically – Switch up your drapery placement every few months to prevent uneven fading.
• Combine with UV Window Films – Layering blackout drapes with UV-blocking films offers the highest level of sun protection.
• Ensure Proper Installation – Hang drapes close to the ceiling and floor for full coverage, preventing light leaks.

3 | Install Sheer Curtains as a Protective Layer

Sheer curtains act as a first line of defense against harsh UV rays while still allowing soft, diffused light to enter your home. They help reduce direct sun exposure, extending the life of your heavier drapes while adding an elegant, airy look to your windows.

4 | Use Blinds or Shades for Added Protection

Blinds and shades act as a barrier against harsh sunlight, shielding your curtains from direct UV rays and excessive heat. They allow you to control the amount of light entering the room, keeping your drapes in better condition for years to come.

5 | Choose Sun-resistant Fabrics

By selecting UV-resistant materials, you can significantly reduce fading, discoloration, and fiber deterioration caused by prolonged sun exposure. This means your drapes look newer for longer, require less frequent replacement, and provide better overall performance in your home.

Shield Your Drapes from Sun Damage—Call Parkway Custom Drycleaning for the Highest Quality Curtain and Drapery Cleaning Service!

Faded, discolored drapes? Call Parkway Custom Drycleaning to restore and prolong the life of your window treatments—no matter the style or fabric. We’re experts at cleaning all types and styles of window coverings, from delicate silk window swags to roman shades to Hunter Douglas blinds to heavy blackout curtains.

Parkway offers take-down and rehang services as well as pickup and delivery services for those who don’t need our assistance in taking down or rehanging their drapes and shades. Our technician then transports your window treatments to our plant where we delicately clean and press your drapes prior to rehanging them.

We also offer onsite drape cleaning, as well. Our experienced technicians have over 20 years experience cleaning drapes onsite – and we have provided onsite drape cleaning for The White House, numerous embassies, the Kennedy Center, Fords Theater, the Pentagon, as well as fine homes, offices and restaurants throughout Washington, DC, Northern VA and Maryland.

Have other questions about our range of services? Call Parkway Custom Drycleaning to discuss your window treatment cleaning needs, or any other home textile and garment care question you might have. Call us at 301-453-4423, or email us at admin@parkwaydrycleaning.com.

There’s something intriguing about mentioning “luxury garment dry cleaning.” It instantly brings to mind images of fine fabrics, meticulous care, and a level of service reserved for only the most treasured (let’s not forget expensive) pieces in your wardrobe. From delicate silks and high-end suits to one-of-a-kind designer items, luxury garment dry cleaning suggests an experience that goes beyond simply getting clothes cleaned—it’s about preserving quality and elegance down to every last stitch.

But with that “luxury” label often comes a question: is it really better, or is it just a fancy term? In this article, we dig into the truth about luxury garment dry cleaning—what sets it apart, the specific care processes involved, and why it may (or may not) be worth the investment for your cherished items.

What Is Luxury Garment Dry Cleaning?

Luxury garment dry cleaning is an elevated approach to garment care that caters specifically to high-end, delicate, or intricate pieces. Unlike standard dry cleaning, luxury garment dry cleaning prioritizes individualized care and a refined touch for every garment, recognizing these pieces often require special handling.

It’s a process that combines expert knowledge with precise techniques, ensuring each garment’s unique qualities are preserved and enhanced. Luxury garment dry cleaners take the time to analyze each fabric, embellishment, and detail to determine the optimal cleaning approach, using eco-friendly and advanced solutions that treat the garment gently while effectively removing stains and refreshing the fabric.

It’s a service crafted for those who see their wardrobe as an investment in quality and style, and it delivers a level of care that goes far beyond what standard cleaning offers.

The Specialized Techniques Used in Luxury Garment Care

Luxury garment dry cleaning is all about preserving the quality, feel, and look of high-end clothing. For those who want to ensure their investments are properly cared for, it’s a service that offers peace of mind and premium care at a price that reflects their quality.

So here’s a look at some of the methods exclusive to luxury garment dry cleaning and how each one is carefully executed.

1. Hand Cleaning and Gentle Spot Treatment

For delicate or intricate garments, luxury garment dry cleaners often opt for hand cleaning rather than machine processing. Each item is carefully examined, and any stains are gently treated by hand using specialized, fabric-safe solutions. By avoiding abrasive scrubbing and relying on gentle blotting techniques, hand cleaning preserves the fabric’s integrity while ensuring every mark is lifted without harm.

2. Eco-friendly, Fabric-specific Solvents

Luxury garment dry cleaners use high quality, eco-friendly solvents designed to be as gentle as they are effective. Unlike traditional chemical solutions, these solvents are tailored to clean specific fabrics, such as silk or wool, without stripping them of color or causing fiber damage. This approach not only protects your clothes but also supports a greener, more sustainable cleaning process.

3. Precision Pressing and Finishing

Unlike regular dry cleaning, where garments are often machine pressed, luxury cleaners use precision pressing techniques to maintain a garment’s original shape and texture. Many items are carefully finished by hand or by using specialty equipment designed to handle intricate structures. This level of attention prevents unnecessary creases and ensures details such as lapels, seams, and pleats are perfectly aligned and ready to wear.

4. Fabric Rehydration and Softening

Luxury garment dry cleaning services sometimes incorporate fabric rehydration, a gentle steaming process that restores the natural moisture balance in fibers. This technique is particularly beneficial for fabrics that tend to dry out, like cashmere or linen. The result is a garment that feels softer, with its original suppleness and comfort fully restored.

5. Individualized Stain Removal

Stains on luxury garments are treated individually with custom solutions based on the stain’s origin and the fabric type. Luxury cleaners use techniques tailored to remove everything from oil-based stains to wine spills without impacting the garment’s quality. By avoiding harsh, generalized stain removers, this approach targets blemishes with precision, ensuring a flawless finish without compromising delicate fabrics.

Types of Garments Best Suited for Luxury Garment Dry Cleaning

Not every garment demands the same level of care, but some truly benefit from the specialized attention provided only through luxury garment dry cleaning. These are the pieces that go beyond everyday wear—those made with delicate fabrics, intricate details, or significant personal or financial value.

• Designer Suits and Blazers – Designer suits and blazers are crafted with precision and often use high quality fabrics that require careful maintenance. Luxury garment dry cleaning ensures these pieces keep their structure and sharpness, preserving the investment you made in style and quality.
• Evening Gowns and Cocktail Dresses – Evening gowns, especially those adorned with sequins, lace, or other delicate embellishments, demand gentle care to prevent damage. Luxury garment dry cleaning treats these pieces with extra attention, ensuring the fabrics and details remain vibrant and intact.
• Silk Garments – Silk is a fine fabric known for its elegance, but it’s also highly susceptible to wear and fading. Luxury garment dry cleaning utilizes fabric-specific solutions to maintain silk’s natural shine and softness, keeping it as exquisite as the day you bought it.
• Cashmere Sweaters and Wool Coats – Natural fibers like cashmere and wool are prone to pilling, shrinkage, and texture changes when not treated carefully. With luxury garment dry cleaning, these fabrics are handled with low temperature processes that help maintain their softness and structure over time.
• Beaded and Embroidered Clothing – Clothing with beadwork or embroidery needs specialized care, as harsh cleaning methods can cause embellishments to fall off or fabric to fray. Luxury garment dry cleaning preserves the intricate details by using hand cleaning methods that gently remove dirt without disrupting these designs.
• Vintage and Antique Clothing – Vintage clothing often includes delicate fabrics and older stitching techniques that require extra care. Luxury garment dry cleaning is tailored to respect the age and condition of these items, carefully restoring them without compromising their historical value.
• Wedding Dresses – A wedding dress is more than just a dress—it’s a treasured keepsake. Luxury garment dry cleaning handles each layer and embellishment with precision, ensuring the dress stays in immaculate condition for years to come.
• Leather Jackets and Pants – Leather is a durable yet delicate material that can easily lose its luster or crack over time. Luxury garment dry cleaning uses specialty solvents and conditioners to clean and rejuvenate leather without damaging its natural texture and finish.
• Couture and Custommade Garments – Couture and custommade pieces represent the height of craftsmanship and unique design. Luxury garment dry cleaning respects each stitch, fold, and fabric, providing the high level care these exclusive garments require to retain their original elegance.
• Fur Coats and Stoles – Fur requires specific conditioning to keep the fibers soft and prevent drying out. Luxury garment dry cleaning uses gentle methods that maintain the plushness and natural sheen of fur, extending the life of these high-end pieces.

Trust Parkway Custom Drycleaning for Impeccable Care of Your Finest Garments!

Luxury garment dry cleaning offers an elevated experience and level of care tailored for those who want only the best for their wardrobe. At Parkway Custom Drycleaning, we provide fine dry cleaning services with unmatched attention to detail, ensuring your finest garments maintain their beauty and quality. We’re the top choice for garment care offering seamless service and quick turnaround times.

Beyond dry cleaning, our specialized services cover everything from household fabrics, draperies, and blind cleaning to secure storage of off-season clothing and temperature-controlled vaults for furs. We’re experts in wedding dress preservation, oriental rug cleaning, and restoration services for fire, smoke, water, and mold-affected items.

Schedule your dry cleaning pickup and delivery today!

There are quite a few noteworthy things we take pride in here at Parkway Custom Drycleaning. First, we are proud to be leaders in providing eco-friendly cleaning solutions to our customers. For example, we were the first dry cleaner in the Mid-Atlantic region to use a new dry cleaning process that features a revolutionary new odorless, non-toxic, biodegradable solution. And we are honored to have been named “Best Washington DC Area Dry Cleaner” by Washingtonian magazine, along with receiving the America’s Best Cleaners Award.

But right now, we are excited to introduce you to another standout feature of our service—our dry cleaning pickup and delivery service. Designed for your convenience, our service ensures you receive the same high-quality cleaning without the hassle of visiting our store. Keep reading to learn more!

Our Pickup and Delivery Service Works for almost all Lifestyles!

We all have different circumstances in life, hence our pickup and delivery service aims to be as flexible and accommodating as possible to fit into virtually any lifestyle. Our goal is simple: to remove logistical hurdles associated with maintaining your wardrobe and household fabrics.

Let us be your cleaning solution, no matter what your profession or situation:

Busy Professionals

Time is money for busy professionals. So if you’re constantly on the go, balancing meetings, deadlines, and business trips, finding time for dry cleaning and laundry can be a challenge. Our pickup and delivery service allows you to focus on what matters most—your career.

Parents with Packed Schedules

Managing a household is no small feat, especially when you have children. Between school runs, extracurricular activities, and family commitments, you may not have time to take care of your cleaning, and why build in time to drop off your dry cleaning and shirt laundry when we can pick up and drop off for you? Our service is perfect for busy parents who need an extra hand.

Seniors and Retirees

For seniors and retirees, going to a dry cleaner can really be a hassle. Our pickup and delivery service brings convenience right to our customers. Whether it’s for everyday clothing pieces like shirts and casual dresses, or special items like a leather jacket, suit or scarf, our service will take out the inconvenience and stress associated with bringing and picking up the items you need cleaned. And we offer weekly pickups for items like bed linens and sheets too!

Health Conscious Individuals

If you prioritize health and wellness, you’ll appreciate our non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning solutions. Our environmentally friendly methods ensure your clothes are cleaned without harmful chemicals, making them a healthier choice for you and your family. Plus, our pickup and delivery service decreases your carbon footprint by reducing your dry cleaning visits.

Frequent Travelers

If you’re often on the road, whether for work or pleasure, Parkway Custom Drycleaning can take care of your dry cleaning and laundry, even when you’re not home. Simply schedule pickups around your travel plans, and return to clean, ready-to-wear clothes. It’s one less thing to worry about when you’re packing for your next adventure. And don’t forget to order that special pickup when you return – you’ll have plenty of other things to catch up on – we can restore your wardrobe without even requiring a trip to the dry cleaner.

Small Business Owners

Running a small business demands time and energy. Let Parkway Custom Drycleaning handle your laundry and dry cleaning needs so you can focus on growing your business. Whether it’s uniforms for your staff or your own professional attire, our service ensures you and your staff will always look your best without the added stress of laundry chores.

Apartment and Condo Residents

Living in an apartment or condo often means limited access to laundry facilities. Our pickup and delivery service is a perfect solution for residents of multi-unit buildings who may find it inconvenient to use shared laundry facilities. And if you have a stack washer, you’re not really able to properly clean your sheets, pillow cases and your finer washable garments. Parkway’s pickup and delivery service can free you up for the more pleasurable and important things in life. Leave the cleaning to us!

Our Pickup and Delivery Service Works For All Our Services

At Parkway Custom Drycleaning, our convenient pickup and delivery service isn’t just limited to your clothing. It extends to all our specialized cleaning services:

• Dry Cleaning
• Shirt Laundry
• Table and Bed Linen Cleaning
• Drapery and Blind Cleaning
• Alterations and Repairs
• Area Rug Cleaning and Repair
• Leather and Suede Cleaning
• Fur Cleaning and Climate-controlled Storage in our onsite vault
• Patio Cushion Cleaning
• Wedding Dress Cleaning & Preservation
• Leather Purse and Handbag Cleaning
• Shoe Cleaning and Repair
• Down Jacket and Coat Cleaning – Burberry, Canada Goose, and Moncler are true specialties

How Our Dry Cleaning Pickup and Delivery Service Works

If this is your first time using our service, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to schedule and use our dry cleaning pickup and delivery service.

Our Delivery Routes

Is Dry Cleaning Really Effective?

Dry cleaning is a special method of cleaning garments and fabrics when water cannot be used. Many factors contribute to the need for dry cleaning over washing or wet cleaning, including type of fabric, dye, texture, accessories, ornaments, and design. But how effective is dry cleaning, and is it a better option than regular laundry in a washing machine?

Professional Dry Cleaning vs. Your Regular Laundry Wash

Professional dry cleaning utilizes specialized solvents and equipment to clean garments effectively without the use of water. This method is particularly effective for removing oil-based stains and odors that may not respond well to traditional washing methods. Additionally, dry cleaning is gentle on delicate fabrics and helps prevent shrinkage and damage to the original texture and design of a garment.

In contrast, regular laundry washing involves using water, detergent, and agitation to clean garments. While suitable for most everyday clothing, washing may not be as effective in removing tough stains or preserving the quality of delicate fabrics. Certain fabrics, such as silk, certain wools, and cashmere, may require dry cleaning to maintain their integrity and appearance.

That said, some stains can only be removed with the use of some water. We have invested in specialized “wet cleaning” equipment that our experienced spotters and cleaning staff can use to remove water-based stains on articles that typically can only be dry cleaned, with minimal if any risk. If a certain stain requires this treatment, our customer service staff will speak with you to go over the recommended treatment along with any risks, if any, that remain. 

Our goal is to fully restore your garment or special item to as close to its original condition as possible.

Is it Safe?

One common concern about dry cleaning is its safety, particularly regarding the use of chemical solvents. Historically, dry cleaning solvents such as perchloroethylene (perc) have been associated with health and environmental risks. However, advancements in dry cleaning technology have led to the development of safer and more eco-friendly cleaning solvents.

Since our founding in 1926, Parkway Custom Drycleaning has prided itself on always being as environmentally-friendly as possible. And we are a leader of new technologies, especially when it comes to eco-friendly solutions. Parkway Custom Drycleaning was the first dry cleaner in the Mid Atlantic region to adopt a new technology and solution that is sugar cane-based – blending cleaning effectiveness with care for the environment. 

What Happens to My Clothes at the Dry Cleaner?

At Parkway Custom Drycleaning, we believe in transparency, so let us walk you through our meticulous process.

5. Post-Cleaning Inspection and Minor Repairs:

After cleaning, your garments undergo a thorough examination for any additional areas that need attention. For example, a button might need tightening, a hem might have fallen out, or perhaps a seam needs a bit of work. We have 2 excellent couture quality seamstresses who not only do fittings and alterations, but also spend many hours a week repairing and restoring garments for our clients.

What other Specialty Cleaning Services does Parkway Custom Drycleaning offer?

As Washingtonian magazine’s “Best Area Drycleaner”, Parkway Custom Drycleaning offers numerous specialty services beyond fine quality garment dry cleaning and premium shirt laundry. We’ve broadened our services to include expert tailoring and alterations, leather and  suede cleaning, fur cleaning and on-site storage, table linen cleaning, regular bed linen cleaning and pressing services, drapery and blind cleaning, area rug and fine oriental cleaning and repair, household textiles, and more!

Fine Alterations and Tailoring

After you drop off your items at our store or our driver picks them up (as we offer pick-up and delivery in Montgomery County, MD, most of Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia), every garment undergoes a comprehensive inspection by our expert team. We meticulously examine each piece for stains, tears, pre-existing conditions, repair needs, and restoration requirements,  ensuring personalized attention to detail. Each item is tagged in order to match it up at the end with the other clothes prior to bagging. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a Parkway Custom Drycleaning account and manage my service online?

Absolutely! You can create an account, and you can manage your pick-ups, deliveries, and preferences conveniently from your phone or computer. Click here to register online and schedule your first pick-up

Is the pick-up and delivery service available for both home and office locations?

Yes, we can pick it up from your home or office. Many of our customers provide pick-up and drop off locations (front door, back porch, or front desk for clients in buildings, for example), and they leave their dry cleaning for our driver to pick up so they can get on with their busy day.

Is Parkway Custom Drycleaning an eco-friendly dry cleaner?

Parkway Custom Drycleaning is committed to being an eco-friendly dry cleaner. We are proud to be the first dry cleaner in the Mid-Atlantic region to use a new dry cleaning process that features a revolutionary new odorless, non-toxic, biodegradable solution. This is one of the most environmentally friendly solutions to have been introduced in the last decade.

In addition, we recycle hangers, as well as paper and plastic, and have minimized our carbon footprint by installing low-energy lighting.