Why Clothes Shrink?

Shrinkage usually comes down to: heat, moisture, and movement.
Natural fibres like wool, cashmere, and cotton are particularly prone to it. When exposed to
heat and agitation, the fibres tighten and contract. Synthetic blends tend to hold their shape
better, but they’re not completely immune either.

Can It Be Reversed?

The honest answer is—Not Always.
In some cases, garments can be improved quite a bit. In others, the change may only be
partial. It really depends on the fabric, how much it has shrunk, and how it’s handled
afterwards. One thing that does make a difference is time. The sooner it’s dealt with properly,
the better the chances of recovery.

What Professional Treatment Involves

Restoring a shrunk garment isn’t about stretching it back into shape—it’s a much more
controlled process.
Typically, it involves gently relaxing the fibres using steam, then reshaping the garment by
hand and allowing it to settle naturally. In some cases, mild fabric conditioners are used to
help loosen the fibres before reshaping. It’s a slow, careful process. Trying to rush it usually
makes things worse.

What to Avoid at Home

It’s tempting to try and fix it quickly, but a few common reactions can actually reduce the
chances of recovery.
Best to avoid:

• Re-washing or tumble drying
• Using heat (irons, dryers)
• Pulling or stretching the fabric aggressively
• Trying DIY chemical treatments
  Any of these can set the shrinkage further or damage the fibres permanently.

If Full Recovery Isn’t Possible

Not every garment can be brought back to its original size.
That said, it doesn’t always mean it’s unusable. In some cases, small adjustments or
alterations can still make it wearable. Sometimes it’s about making the best of what’s
possible.

Final Thought

Shrinkage may not be the end of the road always.
Handled carefully, many items can be improved more than expected. It’s always worth
getting proper advice before writing it off completely.
NovaClean Team

The Old Way — Still Widely Used

For decades, most dry cleaners used a solvent called PERC (perchloroethylene). It
works well. It removes tough stains and cleans effectively.
But it’s also a relatively harsh chemical — on fabrics, on the people working with it
regularly, and on the environment.
Despite this, it is still used by a large proportion of dry cleaners worldwide, largely
because it is familiar and cost-effective. The cost and investment required can
discourage many from upgrading to newer systems.

What Modern Machines Can Do

Newer dry-cleaning machines are built differently. They can run cleaner, more
modern alternatives — hydrocarbon-based solvents, silicone-based systems, or
professional wet cleaning methods.
These are gentler on fabrics, more comfortable for working environments, and
designed with lower environmental impact in mind.
The technology exists. The real difference is whether a cleaner has chosen to
invest in it.

What It Means for Your Clothes

Harsher solvents clean — but over time they can dull colours, stiffen fabrics, and
cause garments to age faster than they should.
Gentler modern systems clean just as effectively while helping to preserve the look
and feel of the fabric.

A Simple Question Worth Asking

Next time you use a dry cleaner, just ask:
What cleaning system do you use?
A good cleaner will answer that without hesitation.

Act Quickly—but Keep It Gentle

The longer a stain sits, the harder it becomes to remove.
As soon as it happens:

• Gently blot the area with a clean cloth or tissue
• Remove any solid residue carefully using a spoon or blunt edge
• Avoid delaying—even a short gap can make a difference
  A quick response helps—but a careful one matters even more.

Blot—Never Rub

It’s natural to want to scrub a stain away, but this often does more harm than good.
Rubbing can:

• Push the stain deeper into the fibres
• Spread it across a larger area
• Damage the fabric itself
  Instead, gently dab from the outside moving inward to contain the stain.

Cold Water Is Usually the Safest Option

For most everyday stains, cold water is your best starting point.
It helps lift the stain without setting it. Heat, on the other hand, can make certain stains
permanent—especially:

• Blood
• Milk
• Protein-based stains
  When in doubt, cold water is the safer choice.

Be Careful with “Home Remedies”

Lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda are often suggested online—but they don’t work for
every fabric.
In some cases, they can:

• Discolour delicate materials
• Weaken fibres
• Permanently set the stain
  If you’re unsure, it’s often better to avoid experimenting.

A Quick Guide for Common Stains

If you want to take a simple first step, these are generally safe:

• Coffee / Tea / Wine: Blot gently with cold water. Avoid rubbing
• Grease / Oil: Apply talcum powder or cornstarch to absorb oil, then brush off
  gently
• Ink: Blot with a dry paper towel—avoid adding water or heat
• Blood: Use cold water only and keep the area slightly damp
  One rule applies to all:
  Avoid heat—ironing or tumble drying can set stains permanently.

If You Can’t Bring It Immediately

If there’s a delay before getting it professionally cleaned:

• Keep the garment in a breathable cloth bag or pillowcase
• Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and can lead to mildew

What Helps When You Bring It In?

A little information can make a big difference.
If possible, let the cleaner know:

• What caused the stain?
• How long it has been there?
• What you’ve already tried?
  This helps in choosing the most appropriate treatment

Final Thought

Stains are part of everyday life—but they don’t have to become permanent.
Often, the difference between a stain that comes out and one that doesn’t lie in the first few
minutes. A simple, careful approach can protect your garment and give it the best chance of
recovery.
If you’re ever unsure, it’s always better to take a cautious approach rather than risk making it
worse.
NovaClean Team

Cleaning Is the Easy Part

Almost any dry-cleaning system can remove visible dirt. That’s not where the real
difference lies.
What matters is what happening to the fabric during the process — and that comes
down largely to the quality of the detergent being used.

What Cheaper Detergents Do Over Time

Lower-cost detergents clean — but they’re not always gentle.
After repeated use, you might notice:

• Whites going slightly dull
• Colours losing their sharpness
• Fabrics that once felt soft becoming flat and tired
  Most people put it down to ageing. Often, it’s the cleaning.
  The effects are gradual, which is exactly why they go unnoticed.

What Premium Detergents Do Differently

Higher-quality systems are designed not just to clean garments, but to protect them in
the process.
Professional-grade detergents, including those developed by manufacturers like
Kreussler in Germany, use balanced formulations that:

• Maintain colour vibrancy
• Reduce friction on fibres
• Prevent residue build-up over time
  You won’t see a dramatic difference after one clean. But over time, garments treated
  this way simply last better.

There’s a Hygiene Side Too

This is often overlooked.
Better professional detergents don’t just target visible stains — they also help reduce
bacteria, odours, and microbial build-up.
For workwear, occasion wear, or household fabrics like curtains, that can make a
meaningful difference.
A garment can look clean without being as fresh as it could be.

Why Nobody Talks About This

Simply because most customers never ask.
Dry cleaning is often treated as a straightforward transaction — drop off, pick up, done.
But like most things, the difference lies in the details.
Next time you use a dry cleaner, it’s worth asking one simple question:
What detergents do you use?
A good cleaner will answer that comfortably and without hesitation.

Final Thought

It’s not just about how your clothes look today.
It’s about how they continue to look after ten, twenty, thirty cleans.
The detergent is a small detail most people never consider — but over time, it becomes
one of the most important.