How to Know If a Garment Is Truly Cleaned — Not Just Pressed!

Admin
Jan 2
2 min read

Many people assume that if a garment looks crisp and wrinkle-free, it must be clean. In reality, pressing and cleaning are two very different processes. A garment can look fresh on the outside while still holding odors, bacteria, body oils, or contaminants within the fabric.

Here’s how to tell the difference.

1. Smell the Fabric — Not Just the Surface

A properly cleaned garment should smell neutral and fresh, not perfumed. If you notice lingering body odor, smoke, mildew, or a heavy “cleaner” scent meant to mask smells, the item may have only been pressed.

Tip: Smell areas like the underarms, collar, cuffs, and waistband—these hold the most residue.

2. Check High-Contact Areas

True cleaning removes oils and soils embedded in fibers. Look closely at:

Shirt collars
Jacket lapels
Sleeve cuffs
Waistbands and hems

If these areas feel stiff, greasy, or darker than the rest of the garment, pressing alone may have been used to improve appearance without actual cleaning.

3. Feel the Fabric

Cleaned garments feel lighter, softer, and more breathable. Pressed-only items often feel:

Overly stiff
Waxy or coated
Heavy with residue

Heat from pressing can temporarily smooth fabric, but it does not remove buildup.

4. Wrinkles Return Quickly

If wrinkles come back shortly after wearing the garment, that can be a sign it wasn’t properly cleaned. Residual oils and dirt weaken fibers and prevent them from holding their shape.

5. Ask About the Cleaning Process

A professional cleaner should be able to explain:

Whether the garment was fully cleaned or only finished
What method was used (dry cleaning, wet cleaning, specialty treatment)
How stains and odors were addressed

Transparency is a strong indicator of quality.

Why It Matters

Wearing garments that haven’t been properly cleaned can lead to:

Persistent odors
Fabric degradation
Skin irritation
Shortened garment lifespan

At a glance, pressing may look sufficient — but true cleaning protects both your clothing and your health.

Our Commitment to Proper Cleaning

At Prestige Green Touch Cleaners, garments are cleaned first and finished second—never the other way around. We focus on removing what you can’t see, not just making items look good on the hanger.

If you ever have questions about how your garment was processed, our team is always happy to explain.