Suit Care 101: Maintaining Your Dress Suits
In our experience, many customers make the mistake of not properly caring for their suits in between cleanings. Proper maintenance helps you get more value from the garments and preserve their life between dry cleanings.
To be clear, proper maintenance is not hanging the suit on the back of a chair or a hook in the closet until you wear it again. You invested in the garment, and you need to maximize that investment. So, let us help you - here are a few tips on maintaining your suit in between dry cleanings.
Hang them on wooden or padded hangers to maintain their shape and allow them to breathe.
Hanging suits on wooden or padded hangers offers several benefits that help preserve their shape and extend their lifespan:
Support and Shape: Wooden or padded hangers provide better support to the shoulders of the suit, helping it maintain its shape and structure. The broad shape of these hangers prevents the shoulders from sagging or getting distorted over time.
Avoiding Creases: The smooth and wide surface of wooden or padded hangers helps prevent creases and wrinkles from forming on the suit. Hanging your suits on these hangers allows them to hang freely without unnecessary folds, keeping them looking crisp and professional.
Breathability: Wood and padded hangers allow air to circulate around the suit, promoting better breathability and reducing the risk of musty odors. This is particularly important for suits made from natural fabrics like wool, as proper air circulation helps prevent moisture buildup and mildew.
Longevity: By providing proper support and reducing the strain on the fabric, wooden or padded hangers can help extend the lifespan of your suits. They minimize the risk of fabric stretching, wrinkling, or becoming misshapen, ensuring that your suits stay in excellent condition for longer.
Investing in high-quality wooden or padded hangers is a small step that can make a significant difference in the appearance and durability of your suits. By giving them the care and support they deserve, you'll enjoy the benefits of well-maintained suits that look sharp and professional whenever you wear them.
Brush off any surface dirt or lint regularly with a clothes brush or lint roller.
Proper suit care goes beyond regular dry cleaning. By incorporating simple yet effective maintenance routines, you can extend the lifespan of your dress suits and keep them looking impeccable. One essential step in suit care is to brush off any surface dirt or lint regularly.
Invest in a high-quality clothes brush or lint roller specifically designed for suits. Before wearing your suit, take a few moments to gently brush off any loose dirt, lint, or particles that may have accumulated. Pay attention to the lapels, shoulders, sleeves, and trouser legs, as these areas are prone to collecting debris. This simple act will help maintain the pristine appearance of your suit and prevent dirt from becoming embedded in the fabric.
When using a clothes brush, brush in the direction of the fabric's grain to avoid damaging the fibers. For stubborn lint or pet hair, a lint roller can quickly and effectively remove them. Roll the lint roller over the suit’s surface, applying light pressure to remove debris. Keep a clothes brush and lint roller handy in your wardrobe, so you can easily remove any surface dirt or lint before wearing your dress suits.
By incorporating regular brushing and lint rolling into your suit care routine, you'll keep your suits looking clean and fresh and preserve their overall quality and appearance. These small steps go a long way in maintaining the elegance and longevity of your dress suits, ensuring you always look sharp and well-groomed.
Spot clean any stains or spills immediately using a mild detergent and a clean cloth.
In addition to brushing off surface dirt and lint, another important aspect of suit care is addressing stains or spills promptly. Accidents happen, but by spot-cleaning stains immediately, you can prevent them from setting in and potentially ruining your suit. Here are some practical examples of how to effectively spot-clean your dress suits:
Identify the stain: Determine the type of stain you're dealing with, whether it's food, beverage, oil, or ink. Different stains may require specific cleaning techniques.
Blot, don't rub: Take a clean cloth or paper towel and gently blot the stain, starting from the outer edges and working your way inward. Avoid rubbing the fabric, as it can spread the stain and damage the fibers.
Use mild detergent: Dilute a small amount of mild detergent in lukewarm water. Test the solution on an inconspicuous area of the suit to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.
Dab the stain: Dip a clean cloth or sponge in the detergent solution and gently dab the stained area. Be careful not to saturate the fabric. Continue blotting until the stain begins to lift.
Rinse and dry: After removing the stain, dampen a clean cloth with plain water and gently blot the treated area to remove any residue. Allow the suit to air dry naturally, away from direct heat or sunlight.
Remember, it's essential to spot-clean the stain as soon as possible to prevent it from setting. If you need help treating a particular stain or if it's stubborn, it's best to seek professional help from a trusted dry cleaner.
By promptly addressing stains and spills with spot-cleaning techniques, you can maintain the pristine appearance of your dress suits and ensure they continue to make a polished impression wherever you go.
One additional consideration - consider using garment bags to protect your suits from dust and moisture when storing them. Read Suit Care 101: Using a Garment Bag to Protect Your Suit