When you hand your clothes to a Pilgrim team member, it's easy to assume they disappear into a machine and come back clean a few days later.
The reality is much more involved.
Every garment receives individual attention before, during, and after the cleaning process. From inspecting fabrics and identifying stains to choosing the proper cleaning method and performing a final quality check, our team follows a detailed process designed to protect your clothing and deliver consistent results.
Here's a behind-the-scenes look at what happens after your clothes leave the counter.
Step 1: Checking In Your Garments
Every order begins by identifying each garment and attaching it to your account.
This helps ensure your clothing stays together throughout the cleaning process and is returned to the correct customer.
During check-in, our team also looks for anything that may require special attention, including:
- Missing buttons
- Loose hems
- Torn seams
- Existing stains
- Delicate trims or embellishments
- Care label instructions
If we notice something unusual, we'll make note of it before cleaning begins.
Step 2: A Professional Garment Inspection
Not every garment should be cleaned the same way.
Before cleaning, experienced team members inspect each item to determine the safest and most effective cleaning method based on the care label. They also take into consideration:
- Fabric type
- Construction
- Color
- Trim
- Embellishments
- Visible stains
This evaluation helps reduce the risk of damage while delivering the best possible results.
Step 3: Spot Treating Stains
One of the biggest misconceptions about dry cleaning is that stains simply disappear during cleaning.
In reality, many stains require individual attention before the garment is ever cleaned.
Our team evaluates each stain to determine what type it is, whether it's fresh or set, and the safest treatment method for the fabric.
Common stains include:
- Coffee
- Wine
- Makeup
- Grease
- Food
- Ink
- Dirt
Because every stain is different, there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution.
Step 4: Following the Care Label to Determine the Right Cleaning Method
Not everything is dry cleaned.
Depending on the garment care label, it may receive:
- Professional dry cleaning
- Professional wet cleaning
- Laundering
- Specialty cleaning
The goal is always to use the cleaning method that's safest for the fabric while providing the best possible results.
Step 5: Professional Pressing and Finishing
Cleaning is only part of the process.
After garments are cleaned, they are professionally pressed, steamed, or finished to restore their appearance.
This step helps:
- Remove wrinkles
- Restore shape
- Improve presentation
- Prepare garments for inspection
Many garments are finished by hand to ensure they look their best before leaving our facility.
Step 6: A Final Quality Inspection
Before an order is packaged, every garment is inspected again.
Our team checks for:
- Remaining stains
- Missing buttons
- Loose threads
- Proper pressing
- Overall appearance
If something doesn't meet our standards, it may go through additional treatment before it's returned to the customer.
Step 7: Packaging Your Order
Once everything has passed inspection, garments are assembled with the rest of your order and prepared for pickup or delivery.
The goal is simple: Return your clothing clean, properly finished, and ready to wear.
Why This Process Matters
Professional garment care isn't just about removing stains. It's about helping extend the life of your clothing.
Proper cleaning and finishing can help:
- Maintain fabric appearance
- Preserve color
- Reduce wear signs
- Protect delicate materials
- Keep garments looking newer longer
That's why every step in the process matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every garment get inspected?
No. For our Wash, Dry, and Fold laundry program does not get inspected as that program is for standard laundry only.
Are all clothes dry cleaned?
No. Depending on the garment care instructions, we may use professional dry cleaning, wet cleaning, laundering, or another specialty cleaning method that's best suited for the fabric.
Can every stain be removed?
Not always. Some stains become permanent if they've set over time or have damaged the fabric. Treating stains quickly often provides the best chance for successful removal.
Why do some garments take longer to clean?
Certain fabrics, specialty items, or garments requiring additional stain treatment or finishing may take longer because they need extra care.
What happens if you find damage before cleaning?
If we notice concerns such as loose buttons, torn seams, or delicate embellishments, we document them and consider them as part of the cleaning process to help avoid making existing issues worse.
