Summer is a season packed full of weddings, parties, company banquets/trips and other special events. Most likely if a function such as this is on your calendar, you’ve thought about buying something special for the occasion. Before you purchase that unique and special item, consult our Q&A below to understand what it means if the label says “spot clean only”.
What items are “spot clean only”?
A “Spot clean only” care label is typically found on higher end designer items that could be hand-made, fragile, and/or contain elaborate details such as lace, beading, or a blend of fine fabrics and dyes.
What does “spot clean only” mean?
A “Spot clean only” label means that you can only clean the visible spot or stain by hand without subjecting the garment to any dry cleaning, wet cleaning, hand-washing and/or restoration process.
Can you “carefully” dry clean or launder a “spot clean only” item?
There is no safe way of cleaning the entire garment in a commercial cleaning machine. Damage to the garment may result if put through the professional dry cleaning process. Therefore, it must be treated by hand using a local spotting agent in the area of the spot or stain.
How can you care for a “spot clean only” item?
It is important when wearing a “spot clean only” item that you are particularly careful not to get the item heavily soiled or spotted since it cannot be dry cleaned or laundered.
Are there any risks to spot cleaning a “spot clean only” item?
Because spot cleaning usually requires either wet cleaning (water-based cleaning technique) or dry cleaning (solvent-based cleaning technique) to remove the spotting agent, it might be possible to remove the spot but leave a visible and undesired “ring” of spotting agent on the garment. There may be residual watermarks from the cleaning solvents, or the area that was cleaned will still stand out because it is in fact cleaner than the rest of the garment. Many dry-cleaners will not “spot clean” an item that says “spot clean only” for fear of causing more damage to the item.
What do you do if you get a spot or stain on your “spot clean only” garment?
Prior to having your “Spot clean only” garment cleaned by your dry cleaner, discuss the garment with them. They can advise you as to any risks associated and detail the results you can or cannot expect from the spot cleaning. A dry cleaner that regularly handles high end garments should not have a problem servicing this garment for you.
Can Classic Cleaners clean my “spot clean only” garment?
Although many dry cleaners do not clean “spot clean only” garments, Classic Cleaners is happy to tackle your finer wear. Our talented spotters have the experience needed to handle such challenges. We’ll be sure to discuss the expectation with you prior to cleaning the item so that you are aware of the risks and results expected with spot cleaning.
– S.O.
I wore a formal gown for an event and someone spilled a drink on it. I am wondering if this garment can be cleaned considering it is spot cleaned only.
Thank you for asking.
If you would like to bring the item in so we can take a look at it at our main plant, we can assess the item and tell you exactly how we might be able to clean it.
Please email info@classiccleaners.net to arrange meeting with one of our professionals.
Thank you for the info it really helped
I have a decorative dress that has a light wine stain in front. In its present condition it would not be wearable. I would appreciate having someone look at it and let me know if it is cleanable. I will wait for an answer for an appointment an approximate cost. Thankyou, Bev.
If you could please bring the item in, we would like to look at it and see what we can do!
You told me nothing about drapes. You only told me about clothing. I NEED to know about living room drapes
What do i do if the dress has a water make from trying to clean a spot clean only dress
Where are Classic Cleaners located. I live in Hesperia California. I need to have the dress altered and cleaned. What should I do?
We are located in Indianapolis, Indiana and the surrounding cities of central Indiana.
I have a Jackson sofa, it has water spots on it from my grandbaby spilling her water on it, how do i get these spots off my sofa?
We’ve got a griller cover with the mention “Spot clean only”. Due to Polen and stormy weather it has got pretty dirty I wander what could I do about it??? It is polyester and has sign 30 for washing
I have expensive valances and they are dirty all over them. What can I do? And what do you clean them with?
We would look at the care label to determine how they should be cleaned and clean them accordingly.
I’m trying to find the best way to clean sweat/drool stains from a spot clean only pillow and leaving more rings is my concern. Any suggestions? The shell is cotton and the filling is cotton/kapok. I think it truly can’t be washed.
Hi, I want to clean my house curtains, but it says spot clean only.
Can I still try washing them in a washing machine in delicate mode?
If No, what’s the other option to clean them.waiting for your revert.
If the tag says spot clean, it’s best to follow the directions of the manufacturer of the item. The manufacturer dictates with the care label on how best to clean their product to keep in in Like New condition. If you would like us to look at the curtains and decipher if we can spot clean it for you, we’d be happy to do so.