Our son got married Saturday. The temperature was a record-breaking high, and the banquet room was downright hot. We were more than "dewy" for most of the evening.

Therefore, DH's brand new suit got pretty moist and will have to be cleaned before storing it away for the next big occasion. Problem is, I don't trust dry cleaning establishments further than I can spit. They've ruined so many of our good clothes and drapes, I no longer buy anything that can't be washed.

I always thought smaller, independent businesses might be better than discount chain places, but the two closest ones to me have both ruined things I took there. In one case, it wasn't the cleaning but the pressing. They ironed all the life out of the nice wool fabric.

How can I find a genuinely reputable place that actually cares whether they do a good job or not? This is a working class kind of area populated by a majority of retirees. Would it help to travel further to an upper class suburb that has more experience with business suits than the ones here?

Please give me your best hints. I desperately don't want this new suit to be ruined.

I would ask someone who wears business suits regularly (and yes that dress code is harder to find these days.)
Do you know any corporate types? Relatives, neighbors, investment bankers? The ones who use the local DC'ers regularly would be the ones in the know.

Perhaps the store that sold your DH the suit, especially if it's a store specializing in menswear, can steer you to a good drycleaners. On occasion, they've no doubt had to get a good returned suit drycleaned.

I agree with asking in an upper bracket store.

I've never had a problem with cleaners. But I hear by word of mouth in the area. Most of the time it has been fellow employees who have told me which one to go to and I've always been very happy with the results.

netty, going to send you a pm!

I appreciate all your responses.

I decided to check the Better Business Bureau's site. Went to the "accredited dry cleaners" section for my city... Then looked at the two nearest my house. One had 4 complaints lodged, but 3 of those were from one person (making the validity of the claims suspect, IMO). But the closest, longest-operating shop had no complaints at all. Then, DH quizzed his friends, and one recommended that one. So that's where the suit has been taken.

Now... "Accreditation" only means the business has met the requirements of the BBB in regard to number of complaints, their response to them, etc.; it doesn't guarantee the quality of the services or goods, but it's somewhere to start.

quote:

Therefore, DH's brand new suit got pretty moist and will have to be cleaned

Was this a tuxedo or regular suit? Checking with a Tux place may be helpful.