Identify the fibre blend and garment construction, inspect for moth or abrasion damage, check colour and stains, follow the care label and approved tests, then select and control the appropriate process and finishing method.
Identify and inspect before cleaning
The service decision begins with the physical item, not the page title or brand. Read the care label, identify all materials and inspect how the item has been constructed.
- Pure wool, blends and surface finishes
- Tailored, knitted or loosely constructed garments
- Interlining, shoulder pads, canvas and adhesives
- Moth holes, abrasion and weakened areas
- Perspiration, food, grease and beverage stains
- Previous shrinkage, shine or pressing damage
Explain the main risks before accepting the work
The cleaner should distinguish removable soil from physical wear, fading, fibre loss, finish damage and construction failure. These conditions can remain or become more visible after soil is removed.
- Felting and dimensional change
- Tailoring distortion or interlining problems
- Colour movement and local rings
- Damage becoming visible where moth or abrasion weakened the fibre
- Glazing and seam impressions
- Stretching during hanging, wet handling or finishing
Do not guarantee a result that depends on unknown dye, adhesive, previous treatment or hidden damage. Record the agreed service and limitations clearly.
Use a controlled professional decision process
Follow the care label, SDS, equipment instructions, approved workplace procedures and professional tests. The list below is a decision framework, not a chemical recipe.
- Inspect fabric, construction, care label and weak areas
- Document moth damage, holes, shine and previous distortion
- Test colour or trims where required
- Choose the approved dry-cleaning or wet-cleaning process
- Control mechanical action, moisture, temperature and drying
- Inspect before and after finishing for shape and surface change
Finish, inspect and present the result
Finishing is part of the cleaning result. Confirm shape, surface, components, remaining marks and the agreed presentation before the item is marked ready.
- Use steam, vacuum and appropriate forms to rebuild shape
- Press tailored sections in the correct sequence
- Avoid crushing pile or glazing dark wool
- Check lapels, seams, hems, pockets and lining
- Explain physical wear, moth damage and irreversible shine
This page provides general operational awareness. Always follow care labels, safety data sheets, equipment instructions, workplace procedures, testing requirements and professional judgement.