The O.F.A. - Ontario Fabricare Association

Professional Dry cleaners are responsible individuals who care about the customer, the environment, and their employees. The cleaner treats their employees well and maintains a safe working environment.

Newsletters and Trade magazines from associations like the Ontario Fabricare Association, and the International Fabricare Institute are important to us all. These associations provide relevant information to their members about fashions and fabrics, the latest in equipment, laws and regulations pertaining to the garment care industry.

Environmental rules and regulations are a prime concern to every professional Dry Cleaner. The safe handling of solvents, filters and sludge by the owner/manager will insure the safety of all employees. The removal of waste by a licensed carrier to an authorized facility accompanied by the correct documentation is mandatory.

Using a third generation or newer Dry Cleaning machine, and maintenance of other equipment, will insure the required air quality standards are met with no smell of solvent in the plant.

Attention to detail is important. Does the Dry Cleaner remove the stain without damaging the garment? Does he give an explanation if the stain is not removed?

Care labels are sewn in garments by the manufacturer to provide information about fabric content and a suitable method for cleaning the garment. There are occasions when a cleaner will ask a customer to sign a release form. This may be due to a missing care label, or trim that is not covered by the information on the care label.

Garments are inspected before they are returned to the customers. There should be no damage to garments by stapling tags through fabric or labels. To prevent wrinkling, the correct number of garments and their accessories are placed in the same poly bag.

Testing occurs on an unexposed seam or area of the item when no care label exists to determine a suitable cleaning method. A good dry cleaner classifies every load by colour and material (a raincoat and a silk blouse would not be cleaned together).

Cheaper isn't always better. The biggest danger to clothes is a cleaner who tries to cut costs by cutting corners. Quality cleaners add soap and sizing to their solvent to enhance cleaning and give the clothes additional body. Solvent is distilled after every cleaning cycle, making clean solvent available for each new load of garments to be cleaned. Filters are used to remove any impurities that the solvent picks up as it passes through the clothes.

Customer service is important. A professional Dry Cleaner will not make promises that he/she cannot keep. Your clothes will be ready when promised? If a problem does occur, they will work with you to find an equitable solution. Most Dry Cleaners will use an industry standard method such as the International Fabricare Institute fair claims guide.

Testing occurs on an unexposed seam or area of the item when no care label exists to determine a suitable cleaning method. A good dry cleaner classifies every load by colour and material (a raincoat and a silk blouse would not be cleaned together).

OFA