When was the last time you threw something in a washing machine? Maybe dirty towels or perhaps the gym clothes that sat a little too long and stink phantoms are escaping from them as they sit stuffed in the hamper? Doing laundry relentlessly bogs down everyone's weekly chore lists.

You may avoid some items in your home because they're too delicate, and the tags warn you to 'dry clean only.' Those words printed on the tags aren't there to force you to run another errand. They're reminding you that it's best to nix the washing machine and run over to a place like Farragut Dry Cleaners to dry clean particular items professionally. Heeding the instructions on the labels will benefit you and the delicates you need to wash.

Best Scenarios for Using a Dry Cleaner

You own a washer or frequent a laundromat for a reason. Not all of your washables need to end up at Farragut Dry Cleaners. To reap the most significant benefits, it helps to know why or how you might want to gather specific items and haul them over for a professional cleaning. So, how do you determine if you should wash yourself or head out to the dry cleaners?

Relying solely on the tags may not quite cut it. Did you know that even tags that mention dry cleaning leave room for interpretation? You may see 'dry clean' or 'dry clean only' and never think there's a subtle nuance between the two. But, there is, and that's because manufacturers aren't required to list all the different options for cleaning your garments. For the tags that denote 'dry clean only,' that's pretty clear… take it to Farragut Dry Cleaners. If 'dry clean' is simply listed, you can perform a fabric test in an inconspicuous spot to ensure you're not damaging the fabric by using your washing methods.

If you're now completely confused and scratching your head about what to do with certain clothing, here's a helpful list of questions to help you decide. If you answer yes to any of these, run the items over to Farragut Dry Cleaners.

• Did spots or stains soak into the fabric, and you don't know how to treat them?
• Do you see acetate, rayon, or triacetate on the label? If so, beware they're fabrics prone to shrinking, and a professional should clean them.
• Is the garment constructed of special fabrics?
• Do you have problems ironing the item? If so, likely, you'll never get the wrinkles smoothed without a bit of help.
• Does the garment contain a lining?
• Does the fabric bleed when it gets wet?
• Did this item cost a lot of money or hold specific sentimental value? If so, it might not be worth taking the chance to wash it yourself.

Lastly, if you own a piece of clothing or textile that doesn't have a label and it's something you don't want to damage, it's best just to err on the side of caution and let Farragut Dry Cleaners take care of it.

The Benefits of Dry Cleaning

After considering all of the fabric items in your home that may need a bath and figuring out which ones can sustain a whirl in your washer, knowing the benefits of dry cleaning explains why it's best to leave some things to Farragut Dry Cleaners.

• They're masters of stain removal. Before you even attempt to erase the spot, put the garment down and take it to a place that knows how to deal with stains. If you start off trying yourself, you're likely just reinforcing the stain and burying it deeper into the fabric.
• Bulky items don't belong in your washing machine. Cramming that oversized comforter in your washing machine burdens your washer and ineffectively washes the garment. Farragut Dry Cleaners will clean your cumbersome items correctly.
• Professionals extend the lifespan of your clothes. Colors remain vibrant longer, and threads stay intact. By using a professional service, you'll be extending the life of your garments and saving them from the rough trip around the washer and dryer.
• They'll protect and preserve unknown fabrics. Yes, cotton is durable and known, but when you veer off course and start seeing materials you can't pronounce, rest assured that a dry cleaning service will know exactly what the item is made of and what to do with it.

Though tossing all your random items into the washer might seem quicker and easier, you're risking damage to everything that you should have dry cleaned in the first place. Professional services aren't intended just for fancy prom gowns or men's suits but for all types of materials and construction. The most significant overall benefit to dry cleaning your items is to keep them in pristine condition so no one would know if you're wearing a particular piece of clothing for the 1st or 50th time.

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Farragut Cleaners is your locally owned and operated full-service dry cleaner. From dry cleaning to alterations and wedding dress preservation to home textiles, we are here to keep you fresh, clean, and looking & feeling impeccable.

Call 865-966-9414 or visit our website.