Dry Cleaners break buttons

[whatmatrix]

Hi Styleforum,

I have some issues with dry cleaners. Over the time, dry cleaners slowly break buttons in dress shirts or cardigans. Expensive shirts tend to break quickly as they have pearl buttons, not the plastic ones.

How would you deal with breaking buttons? I replaced few buttons with spare but I can do it only once or twice. Will so-called 'Organic' cleaners do better on this?

If there is a good source of pearl buttons, that could be an answer, too. I'd like to buy few spares and replace it every few months.

 

[Ambulance Chaser]

Don't use dry cleaners to launder dress shirts. Wash them in your washing machine, then hang dry. Problem solved.

 

[whatmatrix]

That could be an option but I'd rather let the cleaners to do laundry. Pressing takes some time and I cannot afford that.

 

[jasonmx3]

I've noticed that the more "expensive" cleaners tend not to break the buttons often (or even not at all). When I was still having my shirts professionally washed (before non-iron), I would always get broken buttons from the low-end cleaners. When I shifted to a more expensive cleaner, I never got a broken button again -- and the shirt felt softer too.

I suspect this has something to do with the way they press your shirts. The cheaper ones use those giant irons set at really high temperatures, which I suspect causes the shirt buttons to break.

 

[sportin_life]

Pay extra for hand pressing. I also found that the ironing process is what seems to cause the most problems.

Do you actually get your shirts dry cleaned or just laundered at the dry cleaners? If they are being laundered, organic shouldn't make a difference at all.

 

[Cant kill da Rooster]



Pay extra for hand pressing. I also found that the ironing process is what seems to cause the most problems.

+1

This used to happen to me on cheaper shirts but I have had no problems in recent years. Try changing dry cleaners and if you can afford it, hand pressing.

 

[GBR]



That could be an option but I'd rather let the cleaners to do laundry. Pressing takes some time and I cannot afford that.

Then you must accept the consequences.

Are you really SO busy that you cannot find time to iron a few shirts - it takes little real time.

 

[fritzl]



Don't use dry cleaners to launder dress shirts. Wash them in your washing machine, then hang dry. Problem solved.

correct answer

 

[stubloom]

There is absolutely no reason why a dry cleaner/shirt laundry should scratch, chip or break your buttons. Other than "I don't give a damn".

The problem is that it takes a little effort and precaution to protect buttons that supposedly can withstand "normal" cleaning. On the other hand, if the buttons are more delicate -- MOP, corozo, metal, shank and the like -- then those buttons ought to be removed before cleaning and replaced after cleaning. The latter obviously takes more effort and precaution.

You wouldn't take your car to a car wash that displays a sign that says WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR CAR BEING SCRATCHED, CHIPPED OR BROKEN WHILE IT'S BEING CLEANED?

So why would you chose a dry cleaner/shirt laundry that doesn't make the effort and take the necessary precautions to protect your buttons? Why would you support a dry cleaner/shirt laundry that doesn't remove and then replace the more delicate buttons? Why would you even set foot in a dry cleaner/shirt laundry that displays a sign that states WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR SCRATCHED, CHIPPED OR BROKEN BUTTONS or prints verbiage to that effect on the reverse side of their receipts?

You obviously care about your garments. So why would you entrust them to a dry cleaner/shirt laundry who doesn't?

Find a cleaner who TAKES RESPONSIBILITY.

Post Script: The title of your post, "Dry Cleaners Break Buttons", reminds me of the Dave Carroll song "United Breaks Guitars". Any budding songwriters want to take a stab at this one?

 

[Makoto Chan]



Don't use dry cleaners to launder dress shirts. Wash them in your washing machine, then hang dry. Problem solved.

That could be an option but I'd rather let the cleaners to do laundry. Pressing takes some time and I cannot afford that.

Then you must accept the consequences.
Are you really SO busy that you cannot find time to iron a few shirts - it takes little real time.

The OP gave a reasonable answer, so why be a douche about it? Good advice from others though.

 

[Digmenow]

They're working on a solution.

Button Protector For Laundering, Dry-cleaning And Ironing Operations - Patent 7203999

 

[RachelatHallak]

Bad Drycleaners break buttons...working for a drycleaner that fully stands behind their product; no matter the garment, this is not the case with us. Most buttons which are delicate are removed & resewn to ensure their integrity during the cleaning process. Ask your cleaner if this is something that can be done to your garments, especially on items with more delicate or unusual buttons. Having a great relationship with most of the high-end designers and retailers, we've also been able to build up a great collection of buttons, hardware, etc., should a problem arise buttons are replaced either using our collection or the relationship developed among these retailers. These are all questions that can be asked upon leaving your clothes at a cleaner.
Our biggest concern is our business' integrity & the integrity of our clients...this too should be the thoughts of your cleaner!
Find a great cleaner & they won't break your buttons!

 

[repp_fink]

I see that stubloom has already contributed to this thread, but he's too humble to point to his previous, definitive answer to the question at hand.

http://www.styleforum.net/t/7738/dry-cleaners-shirt-launderers#post_3682194

The fault, dear whatmatrix, is not in your buttons, but in your cleaners, etc. etc.

 

[GBR]



The OP gave a reasonable answer, so why be a douche about it? Good advice from others though.

It was not a credible answer but if true then the consequences will surely follow - FACT.

 

[xyz123]

its not the cleaners manufacturers use ****** buttons. stop blaming everything on cleaners. If it was the cleaners then everyones buttons would be broken all the time