Family Time Cleaners Dispels Common Myths About Dry Cleaning
Grenada, MS – Family Time Cleaners, a trusted name in professional garment care for over 30 years, is setting the record straight on widespread misconceptions about the dry cleaning industry. With advancements in technology, eco-friendly solvents, and precise cleaning techniques, the company aims to educate customers on the truth behind long-standing myths that often cause hesitation or misunderstanding about professional fabric care.
Breaking Down the Myths About Modern Dry Cleaning
For years, customers have entered dry cleaning establishments holding onto old rules or stories that no longer reflect how the industry operates today. Family Time Cleaners emphasizes that dry cleaning has evolved far beyond the practices of decades past, combining scientific precision with fabric-specific expertise to ensure clothing longevity and superior cleanliness.
Myth 1: Dry Cleaning Shrinks Clothes
Many people still believe that dry cleaning causes clothing to shrink. This assumption often stems from confusing home laundry issues with professional cleaning processes. Consumers may recall sweaters shrinking in the washer or dryer and assume similar results occur at the cleaner.
The Truth: Water Shrinks Fabrics, but Solvents Don’t
Family Time Cleaners clarifies that shrinkage typically occurs when natural fibers like wool, cotton, or linen absorb water and then contract with heat exposure. Since modern dry cleaning uses solvent-based cleaning rather than water, the risk of shrinkage is minimal.
Wool sweaters, for instance, are far safer in professional dry cleaning than in home washing. Family Time Cleaners’ process involves carefully regulating temperature and solvent selection to protect delicate fibers. Each garment is inspected beforehand to determine its fabric composition, ensuring the appropriate cleaning method is used. Labels marked “dry clean only” indicate fabrics that should never be exposed to water, and customers can request extra care for sensitive materials.
Myth 2: Dry Cleaning Is Only for Luxury Items
Another common misconception is that dry cleaning is reserved for designer or high-end garments. While luxury fabrics certainly benefit from professional care, Family Time Cleaners stresses that everyday clothing can also gain from solvent-based cleaning.
Everyday and Household Items Benefit from Professional Care
Cotton shirts with oil stains, wool coats, blazers, denim, and rayon items all maintain their quality better when cleaned professionally. Solvent cleaning helps prevent fading, distortion, and texture damage that can occur in water-based washing.
Beyond garments, Family Time Cleaners notes that household textiles such as curtains, drapes, linens, comforters, and duvets also benefit from professional solvent care. These large or delicate items often cannot be safely or effectively cleaned in standard home machines, making professional services both practical and protective.
Myth 3: Dry Cleaning Is Too Expensive
Price perception is another reason many consumers hesitate to use dry cleaning services. Some assume professional cleaning costs are disproportionately high compared to at-home laundry. Family Time Cleaners points out that while professional care involves a higher upfront cost, it ultimately saves money by preserving clothing and preventing premature replacement.
Why the Price Reflects Professional Expertise
Dry cleaning at Family Time Cleaners includes comprehensive inspection, stain pretreatment, controlled solvent cleaning, and precision finishing. Each step is handled by trained staff using specialized equipment designed to clean and restore garments safely.
The company highlights that solvent distillation and filtration systems ensure the purity of the cleaning solution, while professional pressing restores shape and sharpness. Stains are individually assessed and treated to maximize removal without fabric damage.
Cost Comparison – Care vs. Replacement
Cleaning a blazer: $12–$18 vs. replacing it: $150–$300
Cleaning a formal gown: $25–$40 vs. replacing it: $200–$600+
Cleaning a wool coat: $20–$30 vs. replacing it: $200–$500
Through professional care, Family Time Cleaners helps customers extend the lifespan of their wardrobes while maintaining the look and feel of their favorite pieces.
Myth 4: Dry Cleaning Removes All Stains Instantly
Some customers believe that professional cleaners can eliminate any stain completely, regardless of type or age. Family Time Cleaners explains that while their advanced processes outperform at-home methods, not every stain can be fully removed—especially if it has set into the fibers or affected the dye.
Factors That Affect Stain Removal Success
Stain removal depends on fabric type, stain composition, and how long it has been present. For example, silk and rayon absorb liquids rapidly, making wine or ink stains difficult to remove completely. Wool and linen resist water-based stains but can hold onto oil-based ones more stubbornly. In some cases, dye transfer or heat exposure further complicates removal.
What Professional Pretreatment Involves
Before cleaning, Family Time Cleaners’ staff performs detailed spot treatments based on stain type and fabric compatibility. Oil-based stains often require hydrocarbon solvents, while protein-based ones are softened with steam or enzymatic treatments before cleaning. The company encourages customers to identify stains during drop-off for the best possible outcome.
Myth 5: Dry Cleaning Is Completely “Dry”
The term “dry cleaning” itself leads to one of the most widespread misunderstandings—that the process involves no liquids. Family Time Cleaners clarifies that dry cleaning uses liquid solvents instead of water. The word “dry” simply means that water is not the primary cleaning agent.
Understanding the Role of Solvents
Solvents such as tetrachloroethylene or liquid carbon dioxide dissolve grease, oil, and stains that water-based detergents cannot. These solvents penetrate fabrics differently than water, ensuring deep cleaning without the swelling or shrinking that moisture causes.
Why the “Dry” Name Persists
The term “dry cleaning” was originally adopted to distinguish solvent cleaning from traditional washing. Although technically inaccurate, it remains widely used because of its simplicity and familiarity. Family Time Cleaners emphasizes that customers should interpret “dry” as “water-free,” not “liquid-free,” to better understand why certain fabrics require this specialized care.
A Legacy of Excellence in Fabric Care
Family Time Cleaners urges consumers to leave these outdated myths behind and experience the benefits of modern fabric care. With more than three decades of service to the Grenada community, the company continues to uphold its reputation for quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Under the leadership of founder Donnie Sultan, Family Time Cleaners provides a full range of professional garment services, including Dry Cleaning, Wash and Fold Laundry Service, and specialized care for delicate fabrics such as silk, wool, and wedding gowns.
For added convenience, the company offers free Pickup and Delivery Service across its four-county service area. Customers can contact Family Time Cleaners at 662-493-7354 or sign up online to schedule a service. The store is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, providing professional, eco-conscious cleaning solutions for every garment and household need.
About Family Time Cleaners
Founded by Donnie Sultan, Family Time Cleaners has been providing trusted dry cleaning and laundry services for over 30 years in Grenada, Mississippi. The company combines modern technology with personalized customer care, ensuring every item receives the highest level of attention. With eco-friendly solvents and precise fabric treatment methods, Family Time Cleaners remains dedicated to preserving garments, protecting fibers, and promoting sustainable cleaning practices.
Media Contact:
Family Time Cleaners
Phone: 662-493-7354
Location: Grenada, MS
Service Area: Four-county region
