What are stains?

How do dry cleaners remove stains?

Should I attempt stain removal at home?

Can I use stain removers on spills before I bring them into Hallak Cleaners?

Can anything protect ties from staining?

What should I do if I spill something on my clothes?

Should I rub a spill?

I've heard that if I put hair spray on ink marks they are easier to get out, is this true?

My son got bubble gum all over his jeans. How can I get it out?

My friends keep telling me that club soda and hair spray are two of the best things for me to use in trying to get spots out. It that true?

How do I remove deodorant and antiperspirant residue?

How can I remove stains caused by crayons?

I did everything you suggested and still the stain didn't come out! Why?

What are stains?
Stains are generally of two types. One type is caused by water based substances like food and body fluids, while other is caused by oil based substances. Inks can fall in to both categories. Those that are wet side, water removable and those that are dry side, solvent removable. Specialized chemicals are used to accelerate the ‘freeing' of certain stains and these chemicals are generally specific to wet side and specific to dry side spotting and cleaning. Extreme care should be used in applying chemicals to fabrics. Always used a test area which is inconspicuous to see if color change will occur before proceeding to the stain area.

How do dry cleaners remove stains?
Most stains must be removed prior to the cleaning process which is why it is so important that you point out any stains before the cleaning. You should also advise us what caused the stain (mustard, coffee, etc.). We use different chemicals to gently remove the stain depending on the cause of the stain. The cause of the stain, type of fabric, age of the stain and whether you pretreated the stain greatly determines our ability to remove 100% of the stain.

Should I attempt stain removal at home?
There are several home remedy stain removal products on the market, and there are home remedies formulas which have passed down from generation to generation. Without knowledge of the strength and type of fibers, color fastness, exact nature of the stain, home remedies can place your garment at risk for effective stain removal and for fabric damage. If you have a problem with a stain and want to do it at home call Hallak for advise. Stains should be removed as soon as possible. One should use extreme care in using home remedies, like hair spray as a stain remover. While the propellant may "blow through" stain particles, the residual of lacquer often found in hair spray may create even greater problems for removal. If you must do emergency spot removal for a spill such as mustard or red wine, use Club soda or purified water and a clean white towel. Do not use Tap water and paper towels which contain chlorine and bleach and can remove color from fabrics. Dab lightly do not rub.

Can I use stain removers on spills before I bring them into Hallak Cleaners?
We ask that you don't use any stain removing products prior to your visit. Store bought stain removers often react with the dry cleaning solutions we use as they are designed to work with water.

Can anything protect ties from staining?
We recommend that all men's ties are treated with a stain/water repellent, like Scotch Guard for greatest protection.

What should I do if I spill something on my clothes?
If you spill a liquid on your garments take a deep breath. Before you apply water or club soda, think again. DO NOT put these fluids on the stain!! Please don't rub the spot either, simply blot the spill with a clean, light colored cloth or paper towel. Avoid colored napkins, as the dye used to color the cloth/paper can easily be transferred to your garment. Once you are able to change your clothing, bring it Hallak Cleaners as soon as possible. The quicker we treat the stain, the more likely we are to be able to remove it. Let us do your dirty work!

Should I rub a spill?
We suggest that you simply blot the spill with a clean, dry, light colored cloth or paper towel. Avoid applying stain remover or water/club soda. Simply bring your garment to your local Hallak Cleaners.

I've heard that if I put hair spray on ink marks they are easier to get out, is this true?
Most hair sprays contain alcohol which often leaves its own stain. If you get ink on your garment let us try to work it out.

My son got bubble gum all over his jeans. How can I get it out?
Kids do have a way of getting gum stuck to themselves and their clothing! The jeans should come to us for professional cleaning care. We’re the drycleaner you can trust!

My friends keep telling me that club soda and hair spray are two of the best things for me to use in trying to get spots out. It that true?
Even water can cause problems on certain fabrics, dyes and sizing. If you want to try anything, please pre-test an unexposed seam. Wet the fabric and blot it with a white cloth. Rubbing while wet during home spotting can distort the yarns, causing light areas or chafing. Allow the area to air dry to determine if the dye or sizing have been disturbed.

How do I remove deodorant and antiperspirant residue?
Many people do not realize that prolonged contact with deodorants and antiperspirants may cause permanent damage. Combined with the effects of perspiration, the damage can be extensive. The most frequent damage is caused by overuse of these products, or infrequent cleanings. This leads to the buildup of a stiff, caked-up residue or to fabric damage. To prevent chemical damage, do not overuse the product and allow it to dry before dressing. Wear dress shield with silk garments. To remove the residue on washable garments, wash as soon as possible after wear in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Soaking in a detergent containing enzymes or an enzyme pre-soak may be necessary. If the stain remains, try using three percent hydrogen peroxide or chlorine bleach, according to fiber type or care label instructions. Before using, test for colorfastness. Better yet, bring the garment to us for residue removal.

How can I remove stains caused by crayons?
Crayon stains appear as built up, shiny and stiff stains in a variety of colors. Normally, drying - not washing - will cause these kinds of stains. Your first discovery of the stains will occur when you open the dryer door to find otherwise clean clothes covered with a myriad of colored stains. The stains appear after drying because the heat from drying melts the crayon material. The easiest way to solve this problem is to bring the garments to us, where we can remove them by running the garments through a dry cleaning machine. If any of the stains remain after cleaning, they can generally be removed by us through traditional stain removal procedures.

I did everything you suggested and still the stain didn't come out! Why?
Unfortunately, some stains we just cannot remove. There are a number of variables that affect our ability to remove stains and sometimes it’s just impossible. If this is the case, please know that we did everything possible to get the stain out.