Tell your cleaner everything you know about a stain. Even if the stain is obvious, tell your cleaner everything you know about it, including the staining substance, any home removal attempts and how long ago the stain occurred. Cleaners use several different procedures to remove stains, depending on the fabric and type of stain. Fruit juices, oily stains, soda, coffee, and other substances are difficult to remove and require special attention. Some stains are impossible to remove. A good cleaner is able to remove about 95% of all stains.

Don't allow a stain to set in. The sooner a stained garment is cleaned, the more likely the stain can be removed. Do not iron stained or soiled clothes--it will set the stain and drive the soil deeper into the fabric. Never rub a stain, only blot it, it is not recommended to try home remedies on dry clean only garments. If you do it wrong, it can make it impossible for your cleaner to remove the stain. Why risk ruining your favorite garment just to save a few bucks?

Tell your cleaner about any "invisible" stains. Sometimes stains seem to disappear when they dry. It's important to point out ALL stains to your cleaner. They'll know how to treat invisible or lightly - stained areas prior to cleaning. If your cleaner isn't aware of the stain, the heat of drying and finishing may set the stain permanently. Especially watch out for stains from white wine, soft drinks and sugary substances, as these tend to become "invisible".

Never store your clothes in a plastic bag. The plastic bag your dry cleaner uses is only to protect your garments on your way home. If you leave your garment in one, it causes humidity to condense in the bag, weakening the fibers and sometimes discoloring your clothes. Have items cleaned prior to storing them and do not keep them in places where there is excessive heat or moisture, such as attics or basements.

Protect your clothing. Avoid contact with perspiration, perfume and hair products, especially on silk items. The alcohol in some of these products can affect some dyes, as well as cause stains. Allow them to dry before you dress. Put a towel around your shoulders before you use hair spray. Body oils and perspiration can also create a permanent yellow discoloration and weaken the fabric. Use garment shields when possible to avoid body contact. And don't delay in taking your clothes with these types stains to your cleaner.