GreenEarth Cleaning is the world’s largest brand of environmentally friendly dry cleaning. The GreenEarth brand name refers to an exclusive dry cleaning process that replaces the petrochemical solvents traditionally used in dry cleaning with liquid silicone.
Liquid silicone is an odorless, colorless solution that is an excellent carrier for detergents, has ideal properties for fabric care and is better for the environment. Our GreenEarth Cleaning system cleans at higher temperatures that inactivates most bacteria and viruses.
Comforters and Quilts
Most of us wash our sheets and blankets fairly regularly, but the other stuff—comforters, quilts, and pillows—often don't fit in our washers, or are made of materials we don't know what to do with. At Presto Valet, we know the best ways to treat these items to make sure they are fresh, clean, sanitized and stay in good condition.
Cleaning and Laundering
How a comforter or quilt should be cleaned depends on its stuffing and fabric content. Always check care labels to see what the manufacturer recommends, but if the tag is long gone or if it never had one, here are some basic guidelines:
Cotton batting
• Comforters & quilts stuffed with cotton batting may get bunched up and clumpy if it is not sewn down throughout the comforter.
Down
• If a down-filled comforter or quilt is relatively new or in good condition, it should be safe in the washing machine.
• Down comforters can be safely dried in the dryer. Use the lowest heat setting and throw in a few clean tennis balls or clean shoes to help fluff it and prevent clumping. This may take 3 hours or more to dry completely.
• Make sure your comforter is completely dry before using or storing—mildew can grow inside damp down and ruin it.
• Do not over-clean your down comforter—the natural oils in the material may be stripped over time.
Other materials
• If your comforter or duvet has silk, velvet, or wool—even as a small embellishment—do not wash at home. These fabrics may be damaged in water. Bring it to us to be cleaned safely.
Patchwork quilts
• If a quilt is made from many different fabrics, clean it using a method that would be safe for the most delicate fabric in the mix. If you aren't sure, or if the quilt is old and fragile, bring it to us. Green Earth solution is safe for antique and heirloom fabrics, but machine washing usually isn't.
Pillows
Foam
• If your pillow is made of "memory foam," do not wash—because of its unique composition, it may take weeks to dry and mildew can grow inside. Contact the manufacturer for specific instructions.
• If your pillow is made of a different kind of foam, it may be hand washed.
• Do not machine-wash foam pillows. Bring it to us to get out dirt and oils that have sunk deep inside the foam.
• To clean just the surface of the pillow, hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent like Ivory Snow.
Kapok
• Kapok is made from Ceiba tree seed coverings. It cannot be washed. Lay pillows out in the sun for several hours to freshen them.
Polyester
• Not all polyester-filled pillows are the same. Some are washable, some are not. Check the care label and follow washing instructions. If the care label is gone, take it to a dry cleaner to be safe.
Wedding Gowns
For many women, a wedding gown is the most important clothing purchase of their lifetime. It is an investment that should be preserved with the best cleaning and storing methods available. No one wants to take chances with something as precious as a wedding gown. These are our expert tips on how to care for your gown so that it stays in perfect condition for years to come.
Cleaning
Check garment care labels or any instructions that came with your gown and follow the instructions for best results. Most will recommend dry cleaning or professional wet-cleaning. Unlike traditional dry cleaning, which uses perchloroethylene, GreenEarth solvent will not damage the intricate beadwork, sequins, lace and embroidery commonly found on wedding gowns, and won't dissolve glue that attaches embellishments to gowns. It won't shrink your gown or leave it with a funky odor. Cleaning with GreenEarth is like giving your gown a mineral bath—it will come out softer and brighter, with all special trims and details intact.
Always have your gown cleaned before putting it in storage. Check your gown for any visible stains, including graying of the hem where it touched the ground, and point them out to your dry cleaner. Stains from seemingly clear substances like body oils, perspiration, white wine and sugary substances may not appear for some time. Once these have a chance to oxidize, they may show up as light brown or yellow splotches that are difficult to remove. Have your gown cleaned soon after your wedding to prevent these kinds of surprises.
