You’re not the first to ask this question, and you won’t be the last. With unfamiliar machinery and a process that shrouded behind other people’s laundry, it’s hard to guess at how dry cleaning works. While it might be mysterious, the process is actually very simple.
1. Your clothes get tagged.
When you first drop your clothes off (or have them picked up), the dry cleaners tag and inspect them. The tags help ensure your clothes stay and are washed together. It also helps in retrieving your clothes once they’re ready for pick up/drop off.
Tagging allows the dry cleaning staff to clear your pockets of anything you wouldn’t want washed (Hello, missing airpods!) and note any pre-existing damage such as missing buttons. We take it a step further at Crest Advanced Dry Cleaners to note specific details about the garment, such as the clothing brand and color, which is packed into a barcode unique to that item.
2. Your clothes are pretreated.
If, during the inspection, the cleaner notices any stains, this is when they will be pretreated. It’s best if you alert your cleaner to the stain and, if possible, let them know the cause so they know how best to treat it.
3. Your clothes are washed.
This is where we tell you the “dry” part of “dry cleaning” isn’t entirely true. Clothes do become wet at the dry cleaners, but it is due to a cleaning solvent, not water. This solvent can differ from place to place, like how Crest Advanced Dry Cleaners use GreenEarth, a solvent free of “perc” or perchloroethylene, a human carcinogen.
To clean your clothes, dry cleaners load your garments into their washing machine and rinse it through with their solvent. This gentle cleaner will remove surface stains as well as prevent any stretching or shrinking like a domestic washing machine might cause.
4. Your clothes are checked.
While the washing process is gentler than the machine found in most homes, there is still a chance of a button getting lost or a thread being snagged. After they come out of the machine, clothes are inspected for such damage, but also any remaining stains.
5. Your clothes are pressed.
Once they pass quality control, your clothes are pressed to remove wrinkles. Sometimes this is simple ironing, but other times, special forms are used to help important garments keep their shape.
These general steps aren’t specific to Crest Advanced Dry Cleaners. Most dry cleaners will stick with this process to best care for your clothes. However, if you have special care instructions for your garments, it’s worth investigating what makes your local dry cleaner unique.
Having a full-time job is very stressful. The drain of “adulting” all day can be a bit much at times. Finding a way let loose and forget about your problems is vital when trying to avoid having too much stress in your life. Who doesn’t love hitting the bar after work? Getting a few adult beverages and hanging out with friends or co-workers is a great way to let the issues of your day melt away. Here are some of the best happy hours around you.
Going All Out in Alexandria, VA
If you are looking for a place to let loose in Alexandria, VA, then be sure to stop by The Alley Cat. They have happy hour from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday-Friday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekend. This establishment has great drink specials and a DJ spinning the hits of today and yesterday.
Have a Ball in Burke, VA
The Hopsfrog Grille is a fantastic place to get your happy hour started. Their happy hour lasts from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday. Not only do they have great drinks, but they have some of the best food in the area as well.
Call Your Friends to Join You in Centreville, VA
Alto Plaza Restaurant is a wonderful place to go have a few drinks any day of the week. From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Friday, you can enjoy their happy hour specials. They offer specials like half priced appetizers and $2.50 draft beer during their happy hour.
Get the Party Started in Clifton, VA
The Main Street Pub has great food and some of the best mixed drinks in the area. Visiting this establishment with friends will allow you to get the party started without having to spend too much money in the process.
Having Some Drinks in Herndon, VA
Jimmy’s Old Time Tavern is one of the best places to enjoy a drink or two in Herndon, VA. They have happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. You will be able to get $2.50 domestic beers and $3.25 during their happy hour.
Let the Good Times Roll in Reston, VA
Clyde’s of Reston has some of the best happy hour deals you will find. From 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday, you can enjoy happy hour at Clyde’s. They have deals like $2.50 house wines and drafts.
Sipping Suds in Springfield, VA
Looking for a great happy hour in Springfield, VA? Then Houlihan’s is a great option. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday, you can enjoy $5 signature martinis, as well as $2.50 short draft beers.
Great Drinks in Gaithersburg, MD
The Dogfish Head Alehouse in Gaithersburg, MD has some great happy hour specials. Happy hour is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and features specials like $1 off of appetizers and pizzas and $1 off of all draft beers.
Painting the Town Red in Germantown, MD
The Copper Canyon Grill has happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday. They offer specials like $2 appetizers and $1 off of all of their drinks.
Rocking Out in Rockville, MD
Letting loose in Rockville, MD is easy when taking advantage of the happy hour at Gordon Biersch. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday you can enjoy $5 appetizers, $1 off of beers and $2 off of wine glasses.
If you spill something on your shirt during your happy hour adventure, don’t worry because the professionals at Crest Cleaners can get it clean for you.
Why choose Crest Advanced Dry Cleaners?
