To all of our valued customers please note we will be open at all normal times over the Long Weekend and closed on Monday!
If you're travelling please stay safe on our roads!
If you're travelling please stay safe on our roads!
Wishing all our valued clients a great Easter
OUR TRADING HOURS
Good Friday — CLOSED
Easter Saturday 8.00am — 2.00pm
Easter Sunday — CLOSED
Monday 1st April — CLOSED
Normal hours will resume Tuesday 2nd April.
As seasons change so does your wardrobe
As the vibrant hues of summer fade into the warm tones of autumn, it's time to transition our wardrobes from lightweight fabrics and bright colors to cozy layers and earthy tones. With this seasonal shift comes the need for proper care and maintenance of our clothing, and that's where R&R Fabricare becomes your best friend.
During the transition from summer to autumn, it's crucial to properly clean and store your summer garments to ensure they remain in pristine condition for the following year. R&R Fabricare offer specialised services to remove any traces of sunscreen, sweat, or stains accumulated during those sun-soaked days. By entrusting your summer wardrobe to our care, you can rest assured that your favourite pieces will be ready to make a reappearance when the warmer months return.
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, it's time to embrace the textures and layers that define autumn fashion. From luxurious wool coats to cozy cashmere sweaters, autumn clothing requires special attention to maintain its quality and appearance. We employ techniques and treatments tailored to the unique needs of autumn fabrics, ensuring they remain fresh and vibrant throughout the season. So, as you embrace the change in weather and style, remember to partner with R&R Fabricare to keep your wardrobe looking its best as you transition from summer to autumn.
During the transition from summer to autumn, it's crucial to properly clean and store your summer garments to ensure they remain in pristine condition for the following year. R&R Fabricare offer specialised services to remove any traces of sunscreen, sweat, or stains accumulated during those sun-soaked days. By entrusting your summer wardrobe to our care, you can rest assured that your favourite pieces will be ready to make a reappearance when the warmer months return.
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, it's time to embrace the textures and layers that define autumn fashion. From luxurious wool coats to cozy cashmere sweaters, autumn clothing requires special attention to maintain its quality and appearance. We employ techniques and treatments tailored to the unique needs of autumn fabrics, ensuring they remain fresh and vibrant throughout the season. So, as you embrace the change in weather and style, remember to partner with R&R Fabricare to keep your wardrobe looking its best as you transition from summer to autumn.
WE'RE BACK
May 2024 bring you all
happiness and health.
|
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
|
QUEANBEYANWe are back, it has been 7 decades since we had a presence in Monaro Street, Queanbeyan.
Our new agent is Queanbeyan Clothing Alterations at 34 Monaro St next to Walshes Hotel. Alan Ryan built R&R in the late 1940's using his war repatriation funds just up the street on the Corner as you can see from the photo. This building was soon too small so in the 1950s we moved to Erin Street to bigger premises. |
|
Drycleaning Institute of Australia
|
The Drycleaning Institute of Australia is the peak industry association representing drycleaning
businesses in Australia. DIA is closely affiliated with the DLI in the United States. (Drycleaning and Laundry Institute) to allow sharing of industry expertise amongst its members. The DIA has a prime responsibility for assistance of its members in the various areas of small business and drycleaning industry related matters. These include the care labelling standards, environmental concerns, customer service, and training and education of drycleaners, the public and the manufacturing sector. Mark Ryan is the current Chairman, following in his Grandfather, Father and Uncles footsteps in acting as a director of the Board. The Board of directors changes each year, each director serves two years, half the board retires on alternate years. |
After 30 Years our Mawson Store has Closed
May 17, 2022 by rrfabric
|
“After 30 plus years at Southlands Mawson I have news that the store has now changed hands. I wanted to sincerely thank all our loyal customers who have stayed with us over many years. I wanted to inform you all that I am still providing fine Dry Cleaning and old-fashioned service from our Cooleman Court Weston Creek store. We also have nine places across town where you can leave your cleaning for us to do. Please visit us on Facebook and Instagram for news and updates.”
Mark Ryan, Proprietor R&R Fabricare |
|
Benefits of professional drycleaning
June 4, 2021 by rrfabric
Convenience: All you have to do is drop your clothes off and pick them up. Your cleaner takes care of the rest.
Why waste hours doing washing and ironing when you get quality and convenience with drycleaning?
Drycleaning is a valuable service which allows you more time to pursue all those more important things in life.
Colour and Brightness
Drycleaning protects your garments colour, brightness and softness as well as being gentler than other cleaning methods.
Drycleaning arrived in Australia in 1913 and has proven to be the best method of garment cleaning. Drycleaning uses solvents to remove soils and stains from fabrics. Among the advantages of drycleaning is its ability to dissolve grease and oils in a way that water cannot.
Natural fibres such as wools and silks dryclean beautifully, but can shrink, distort, and lose colour when washed in water. Synthetic fibres like polyester also respond well to drycleaning, whereas they can retain oily stains after washing.
Drycleaning helps to return garments to a “like new” condition using precautions to prevent shrinkage, loss of colour, and change of texture or finish.
Why waste hours doing washing and ironing when you get quality and convenience with drycleaning?
Drycleaning is a valuable service which allows you more time to pursue all those more important things in life.
Colour and Brightness
Drycleaning protects your garments colour, brightness and softness as well as being gentler than other cleaning methods.
Drycleaning arrived in Australia in 1913 and has proven to be the best method of garment cleaning. Drycleaning uses solvents to remove soils and stains from fabrics. Among the advantages of drycleaning is its ability to dissolve grease and oils in a way that water cannot.
Natural fibres such as wools and silks dryclean beautifully, but can shrink, distort, and lose colour when washed in water. Synthetic fibres like polyester also respond well to drycleaning, whereas they can retain oily stains after washing.
Drycleaning helps to return garments to a “like new” condition using precautions to prevent shrinkage, loss of colour, and change of texture or finish.
Expertise: From fashions and fabrics to stain removal to the latest cleaning technologies, drycleaners have the expertise to clean your clothes with the best results.
Extend the life of your garments: Contrary to the belief of some, frequent cleaning does not damage clothes.
Frequent cleaning extends the life of a garment by removing stains and ground-in dirt and soils which act as an abrasive on the fibres in your garments.
By drycleaning them regularly you are protecting your investment.
Finishing: Thanks to special pressing equipment, professional finishing gives garments a crisp, wrinkle-free, like-new appearance that can’t be beaten. There are no wrinkles or creases out of place. Plus, by taking your clothes to the drycleaner, you don’t have to spend your weekend standing over an ironing board and a hot iron.
Household furnishings: Cleaners don’t just clean clothes. Many cleaners also process household items such as blankets, comforters, decorative pillows, rugs, and even upholstery and curtains. Some cleaners will offer a takedown and rehang service for curtains.
Image: Your clothing is an expression of your personality and image. When you look good you feel better and are more confident
Inspection: Before they return a garment to you, quality cleaners conduct an inspection to make sure your order has met their own and your expectations. If they spot a problem, the garment gets sent back to receive further attention. Safeguards like this help ensure that your clothes will look their best when you come to pick them up.
Extend the life of your garments: Contrary to the belief of some, frequent cleaning does not damage clothes.
Frequent cleaning extends the life of a garment by removing stains and ground-in dirt and soils which act as an abrasive on the fibres in your garments.
By drycleaning them regularly you are protecting your investment.
Finishing: Thanks to special pressing equipment, professional finishing gives garments a crisp, wrinkle-free, like-new appearance that can’t be beaten. There are no wrinkles or creases out of place. Plus, by taking your clothes to the drycleaner, you don’t have to spend your weekend standing over an ironing board and a hot iron.
Household furnishings: Cleaners don’t just clean clothes. Many cleaners also process household items such as blankets, comforters, decorative pillows, rugs, and even upholstery and curtains. Some cleaners will offer a takedown and rehang service for curtains.
Image: Your clothing is an expression of your personality and image. When you look good you feel better and are more confident
Inspection: Before they return a garment to you, quality cleaners conduct an inspection to make sure your order has met their own and your expectations. If they spot a problem, the garment gets sent back to receive further attention. Safeguards like this help ensure that your clothes will look their best when you come to pick them up.
Knowledge of fabrics and fashions: You may know what wool, silk, and cotton are, but what about angora, faille or acetate?
There are numerous fabrics and fibres that drycleaners must know about in order to care best for the clothes they receive.
Each fabric can respond positively or negatively depending on the treatment administered.
Laundry: Drycleaners may also have commercial laundry facilities where they process shirts, cotton slacks, and other items.
With the convenience and superior level of pressing that comes with commercial laundry, it won’t just be your dryclean only clothes that look like a million dollars. Your business and casual clothes will look their best, too.
Moths and insects: Clean clothes are the first step to preventing moth and other insect damage.
Insects can damage clothes either directly or indirectly. Direct damage is caused by a group of insects feeding directly on a fabric.
Indirect damage is caused when insects feed on spilled food or perspiration on the fabric. Moths attack the garment directly, especially wool and wool blends.
Neck Ties: Ties are often made of delicate fabrics (such as silk with vibrant colours) and require special care. Whether you’ve spilled gravy on your favourite tie or are just looking to spruce it up, a high-quality drycleaner is best equipped to clean it.
Odour removal: Some cleaners specialize in odour removal and flood and fire restoration of water- or smoke-damaged items. These cleaners use ozone generators to do an ozone treatment.
The contact between ozone and the odours embedded in the textiles causes oxidation to reoccur, resulting in the elimination of the odours and the release of oxygen. This is a safe and effective process.
Preservation: Many cleaners specialize in the preservation of wedding gowns, christening gowns, and other family heirlooms. Preservation is a special type of storage that helps prolong the life of a garment for years and years. Cleaners often say that they aren’t just preserving a customer’s garment, they’re preserving a memory.
Repairs and Alterations: Professional drycleaners are full-service clothing care specialists. Alterations are one of the many services they may offer in addition to drycleaning your clothes.
Drycleaners repair loose buttons or sew on new ones, if necessary. Zip in and out: That’s how long it takes you to drop off and pick up your drycleaning. Again, convenience and quality is paramount to good drycleaning.
There are numerous fabrics and fibres that drycleaners must know about in order to care best for the clothes they receive.
Each fabric can respond positively or negatively depending on the treatment administered.
Laundry: Drycleaners may also have commercial laundry facilities where they process shirts, cotton slacks, and other items.
With the convenience and superior level of pressing that comes with commercial laundry, it won’t just be your dryclean only clothes that look like a million dollars. Your business and casual clothes will look their best, too.
Moths and insects: Clean clothes are the first step to preventing moth and other insect damage.
Insects can damage clothes either directly or indirectly. Direct damage is caused by a group of insects feeding directly on a fabric.
Indirect damage is caused when insects feed on spilled food or perspiration on the fabric. Moths attack the garment directly, especially wool and wool blends.
Neck Ties: Ties are often made of delicate fabrics (such as silk with vibrant colours) and require special care. Whether you’ve spilled gravy on your favourite tie or are just looking to spruce it up, a high-quality drycleaner is best equipped to clean it.
Odour removal: Some cleaners specialize in odour removal and flood and fire restoration of water- or smoke-damaged items. These cleaners use ozone generators to do an ozone treatment.
The contact between ozone and the odours embedded in the textiles causes oxidation to reoccur, resulting in the elimination of the odours and the release of oxygen. This is a safe and effective process.
Preservation: Many cleaners specialize in the preservation of wedding gowns, christening gowns, and other family heirlooms. Preservation is a special type of storage that helps prolong the life of a garment for years and years. Cleaners often say that they aren’t just preserving a customer’s garment, they’re preserving a memory.
Repairs and Alterations: Professional drycleaners are full-service clothing care specialists. Alterations are one of the many services they may offer in addition to drycleaning your clothes.
Drycleaners repair loose buttons or sew on new ones, if necessary. Zip in and out: That’s how long it takes you to drop off and pick up your drycleaning. Again, convenience and quality is paramount to good drycleaning.
Restoration: In addition to preservation, cleaners may specialize in the restoration of old wedding gowns, heirloom items, and antique textiles. These items often are very delicate and require great care.
Restoration specialists have the expertise to take in these items, although the level they can restore them to depends on their condition at the time they are brought in.
It is not uncommon, though, for a cleaner to restore a wedding gown originally worn by a bride-to-be’s grandmother well enough that the bride can wear it in her own wedding.
Stain removal: Drycleaners use complex techniques and special stain removal solutions to remove stains. Stains are divided into two major categories: solvent-soluble stains and water-soluble stains. Different stains require different treatments, and drycleaners are highly trained to safely remove stains.
Why risk a disaster using an over-the-counter “all-purpose” stain removal product or trying a “home remedy” when you could rely on your drycleaner’s expert stain removal abilities?
Upholstery: Professional drycleaners aren’t just clothes care specialists, they are textile care specialists. Some cleaners will even come into your home if you’d like to clean the upholstery of your couch, chairs, and other furniture. These cleaners have special, portable equipment that allows them to clean upholstery and curtains.
Wetcleaning: Wetcleaning is a gentle form of cleaning that cleaners may choose to process sensitive fabrics such as wool, silk, rayon, and linen. It gives drycleaners more flexibility in processing items that may not withstand a drycleaning process or that have soils that would be better removed in water.
Restoration specialists have the expertise to take in these items, although the level they can restore them to depends on their condition at the time they are brought in.
It is not uncommon, though, for a cleaner to restore a wedding gown originally worn by a bride-to-be’s grandmother well enough that the bride can wear it in her own wedding.
Stain removal: Drycleaners use complex techniques and special stain removal solutions to remove stains. Stains are divided into two major categories: solvent-soluble stains and water-soluble stains. Different stains require different treatments, and drycleaners are highly trained to safely remove stains.
Why risk a disaster using an over-the-counter “all-purpose” stain removal product or trying a “home remedy” when you could rely on your drycleaner’s expert stain removal abilities?
Upholstery: Professional drycleaners aren’t just clothes care specialists, they are textile care specialists. Some cleaners will even come into your home if you’d like to clean the upholstery of your couch, chairs, and other furniture. These cleaners have special, portable equipment that allows them to clean upholstery and curtains.
Wetcleaning: Wetcleaning is a gentle form of cleaning that cleaners may choose to process sensitive fabrics such as wool, silk, rayon, and linen. It gives drycleaners more flexibility in processing items that may not withstand a drycleaning process or that have soils that would be better removed in water.
For example, many items, such as wedding gowns, are often trimmed with plastic beads or sequins that may dissolve or discolour in drycleaning but generally perform well in wetcleaning.
Items with large water-soluble stains are also more likely to come clean in a wetcleaning process.
Yellowing: Frequent cleaning removes stains that, if left untreated, could oxidize and cause yellowing.
Exposure to heat or the passage of time can cause stains from food, drinks, and other oily substances to oxidize and turn yellow or brown, much the way a peeled apple turns brown after exposure to air.
Once they become yellow or brown, these stains become much more difficult to remove and often cannot be removed.
Article credit: Drycleaning Institute of Australia
Items with large water-soluble stains are also more likely to come clean in a wetcleaning process.
Yellowing: Frequent cleaning removes stains that, if left untreated, could oxidize and cause yellowing.
Exposure to heat or the passage of time can cause stains from food, drinks, and other oily substances to oxidize and turn yellow or brown, much the way a peeled apple turns brown after exposure to air.
Once they become yellow or brown, these stains become much more difficult to remove and often cannot be removed.
Article credit: Drycleaning Institute of Australia
RR Fabricare Dry Cleaning agents in Canberra
July 25, 2018 by rrfabric
RR Fabricare is pleased to announce we now have nine dry cleaning agents at convenient locations around Canberra.
Service days are Monday, Wednesday & Friday.
Important to note:
Orders in by 10am on these days will receive 48 hour turnaround. Some delicate or soiled items may take a little longer because we care about the quality of the work we do.
Leave your dry cleaning with one of our agents for pickup by RR Fabricare:
Looksmart Alterations – ‘The Canberra Centre’ Canberra City
O’Connor Post office – O’Connor Shopping Centre, Sargood St
Hughes Laundromat – Hughes Place
Jamison Newsagency – Bowman Street Macquarie
Jamison Plaza News – Jamison Plaza
Rivett Post Office – Rivett Place
RR Fabricare is pleased to announce we now have nine dry cleaning agents at convenient locations around Canberra.
Service days are Monday, Wednesday & Friday.
Important to note:
Orders in by 10am on these days will receive 48 hour turnaround. Some delicate or soiled items may take a little longer because we care about the quality of the work we do.
Leave your dry cleaning with one of our agents for pickup by RR Fabricare:
Looksmart Alterations – ‘The Canberra Centre’ Canberra City
O’Connor Post office – O’Connor Shopping Centre, Sargood St
Hughes Laundromat – Hughes Place
Jamison Newsagency – Bowman Street Macquarie
Jamison Plaza News – Jamison Plaza
Rivett Post Office – Rivett Place
Mark Ryan, Proprietor R&R Fabricare
Save time and Money
Unless you’re a nudist (and let’s be honest in Canberra that’s a poor life choice in Winter) you wear clothes day in and day out.
Washing machines are in every home, but the truth is they do more damage to your clothes that you know, clothes aren’t cheap, and you need to prolong the life of your investments, and dry-cleaning is a process that is gentle on clothes and gentle on the environment. Think about the time you spend washing, hanging out clothes or drying them, ironing and putting them away.
When dry-cleaning, you take a lot of that time wastage out of the equation, but it really is better for your clothes, here’s why.
Dry-cleaning is tough on stubborn stains, but it is gentle on clothes. Did you see the recent photo on our Facebook page of the 2 tissues? No, well here it is…..
Washing machines are in every home, but the truth is they do more damage to your clothes that you know, clothes aren’t cheap, and you need to prolong the life of your investments, and dry-cleaning is a process that is gentle on clothes and gentle on the environment. Think about the time you spend washing, hanging out clothes or drying them, ironing and putting them away.
When dry-cleaning, you take a lot of that time wastage out of the equation, but it really is better for your clothes, here’s why.
Dry-cleaning is tough on stubborn stains, but it is gentle on clothes. Did you see the recent photo on our Facebook page of the 2 tissues? No, well here it is…..
One of them had been in the washing machine, the other had been through the dry-cleaning process, if dry-cleaning is this gentle on a tissue, you now know how gentle it is on your clothes. Our professional team not only undertakes regular training, we are the only dry-cleaners in Canberra with 4 generations of knowledge in the art.
We know through years of hard work that garments that are professionally dry cleaned last longer. So, you can continue wearing that same clothes week in and week out and they’ll look their best for much longer. Looking good is an investment. Protect it by taking care of it the best way you know how — dry cleaning.
R&R Fabricare has been dry cleaning Canberra since 1933. We are one of the oldest and respected names in the dry-cleaning industry and that continues today with a fresh new look. Combining experience with local knowledge and a friendly staff to assist you with your dry-cleaning needs.
We know through years of hard work that garments that are professionally dry cleaned last longer. So, you can continue wearing that same clothes week in and week out and they’ll look their best for much longer. Looking good is an investment. Protect it by taking care of it the best way you know how — dry cleaning.
R&R Fabricare has been dry cleaning Canberra since 1933. We are one of the oldest and respected names in the dry-cleaning industry and that continues today with a fresh new look. Combining experience with local knowledge and a friendly staff to assist you with your dry-cleaning needs.
Mark Ryan, Proprietor R&R Fabricare
Off to the slopes? Make sure you look your best!
Instead of sulking over the brutal snowy winter, how about embracing it with some fun activities such as snowboarding or skiing? Whether you are spending a ski weekend in Thredbo, Perisher or maybe you’re heading overseas to Queenstown in New Zealand, your ski jackets, pants and gloves do get soiled at the end of the day.
Ski apparel is often waterproof or water resistant and using your everyday laundry detergent may damage its water repellence. If your ski wear is soiled in some areas, spot clean it with water and mild soap. For heavily soiled ski apparel, or after many uses, it would be best to have it professionally cleaned.
We’ve been looking after Canberra’s garments since 1933 so there’s nothing we haven’t cleaned at R&R Fabricare, and given the slopes are within hours of our backdoor, you’d be crazy not to get in some skiing this Winter.
We will clean your ski garments so that you always look great and feel comfortable wearing them on the slopes.
Ski apparel is often waterproof or water resistant and using your everyday laundry detergent may damage its water repellence. If your ski wear is soiled in some areas, spot clean it with water and mild soap. For heavily soiled ski apparel, or after many uses, it would be best to have it professionally cleaned.
We’ve been looking after Canberra’s garments since 1933 so there’s nothing we haven’t cleaned at R&R Fabricare, and given the slopes are within hours of our backdoor, you’d be crazy not to get in some skiing this Winter.
We will clean your ski garments so that you always look great and feel comfortable wearing them on the slopes.
Mark Ryan, Proprietor R&R Fabricare
Colour Loss
Colour loss has a number of causes
What causes colour loss?
There are many substances consumers may encounter in the course of the day that can cause colour loss. In many instances, discolouration does not appear until the item is cleaned. This will depend upon the composition and concentration of the staining substance, the type of fibre and dye stuff and the length of contact time. Typical colour loss problems are listed below.
At R&R Fabricare we are professional DIA members and we have years of experience with garments of all shapes and sizes, avoiding colour loss is something we are well versed in when it comes to dry-cleaning methods, and we always take the utmost care with our Canberra Dry-cleaning clients garments.
There are many substances consumers may encounter in the course of the day that can cause colour loss. In many instances, discolouration does not appear until the item is cleaned. This will depend upon the composition and concentration of the staining substance, the type of fibre and dye stuff and the length of contact time. Typical colour loss problems are listed below.
- Silk and acetates can be affected by alcohol products such as perfumes, colognes, hair spray and of course alcoholic beverages.
- Bleaches come in many products including hair care products, skin lotions, cleaning products and disinfectants.
- Exposure to light, either sunlight or artificial light, can cause colour fading or loss of colour where the ultraviolet rays can alter the chemical structure of dyes.
- Wear abrasion colour loss can typically occur in the neck line, elbows, seat, knees and pockets or folds. The friction rubs off the dye on the surface of the fabric which will then be flushed away by the action of the cleaning process.
At R&R Fabricare we are professional DIA members and we have years of experience with garments of all shapes and sizes, avoiding colour loss is something we are well versed in when it comes to dry-cleaning methods, and we always take the utmost care with our Canberra Dry-cleaning clients garments.
Mark Ryan, Proprietor R&R Fabricare
Shrinkage
Shrinkage remains one of the top five problem areas in dry-cleaning. However, well over half of the shrinkage problems are determined to be manufacturer related. There are 3 types of shrinkage – Progressive, relaxation, and felting.
Progressive shrinkage
Unstabilised fabrics can shrink on a cumulative or progressive basis. A small amount of shrinkage can occur with every clean which may go unnoticed until it becomes unsatisfactory to the customer.
Relaxation shrinkage
Relaxation shrinkage is attributed to the release of tension introduced to the fabric during manufacture. When the fabric is moistened during cleaning, the strain from the manufacture is released and the fabric returns to its more normal relaxed dimension.
Felting shrinkage
Felting shrinkage will occur in animal hair fibres such as wool, angora, cashmere and others. The surface of the fibres become entangled when exposed to heat, water, agitation, detergent or pressure, making the fabric become thick and compact. This type of shrinkage is not recoverable.
Dry-cleaning can cause shrinkage, but at R&R Fabricare we are professional DIA members and we know how to handle precious garments, so the risk is minimised or eliminated completely.
Progressive shrinkage
Unstabilised fabrics can shrink on a cumulative or progressive basis. A small amount of shrinkage can occur with every clean which may go unnoticed until it becomes unsatisfactory to the customer.
Relaxation shrinkage
Relaxation shrinkage is attributed to the release of tension introduced to the fabric during manufacture. When the fabric is moistened during cleaning, the strain from the manufacture is released and the fabric returns to its more normal relaxed dimension.
Felting shrinkage
Felting shrinkage will occur in animal hair fibres such as wool, angora, cashmere and others. The surface of the fibres become entangled when exposed to heat, water, agitation, detergent or pressure, making the fabric become thick and compact. This type of shrinkage is not recoverable.
Dry-cleaning can cause shrinkage, but at R&R Fabricare we are professional DIA members and we know how to handle precious garments, so the risk is minimised or eliminated completely.
Mark Ryan, Proprietor R&R Fabricare
What you need to know about Trims
Sequins beads and glitter
Sequins, beads, glitter and ornamental trimming are back in style, especially with the Winter Ball Season on the way in Canberra. You will find them on dresses, jackets, sweaters and handbags. If you have purchased or plan to purchase a garment with this attractive trim, please be aware:
Sequins are always delicate, but they can be serviceable if they are made properly. Unserviceable sequins can lose colour, lose shine or curl. If the thread holding them is inferior, it may break and allow the sequins to unravel. Unserviceable beads can dissolve or transfer dye to the surrounding fabric. Glitter which is glued on will almost always fall off during dry-cleaning or washing.
At RR Fabricare we are DIA professionals and we have the know-how to preserve the beauty of these fashionable and expensive garments, unless they are trimmed with inferior or unserviceable sequins, beads and trimming. You should return unserviceable garments to your place of purchase.
Reputable dry-cleaners should have a fair policy on these types of garments.
Sequins, beads, glitter and ornamental trimming are back in style, especially with the Winter Ball Season on the way in Canberra. You will find them on dresses, jackets, sweaters and handbags. If you have purchased or plan to purchase a garment with this attractive trim, please be aware:
Sequins are always delicate, but they can be serviceable if they are made properly. Unserviceable sequins can lose colour, lose shine or curl. If the thread holding them is inferior, it may break and allow the sequins to unravel. Unserviceable beads can dissolve or transfer dye to the surrounding fabric. Glitter which is glued on will almost always fall off during dry-cleaning or washing.
At RR Fabricare we are DIA professionals and we have the know-how to preserve the beauty of these fashionable and expensive garments, unless they are trimmed with inferior or unserviceable sequins, beads and trimming. You should return unserviceable garments to your place of purchase.
Reputable dry-cleaners should have a fair policy on these types of garments.
Mark Ryan, Proprietor R&R Fabricare
Silk – Caring for that precious garment
Silk is one of the oldest known textile fibres and is recognized for its beauty, lustre and comfort. At R&R Fabricare we ask that you consider taking some simple steps to your silk garment looking its very best.
R&R Fabricare has been dry cleaning Canberra since 1933. We are one of the oldest and respected names in the dry-cleaning industry and that continues today with a fresh new look. Combining experience with local knowledge and a friendly staff to assist you with your dry-cleaning needs.
- Always store silk in a cool dry place. Never expose silk to prolonged sunlight.
- Be aware that perspiration and some deodorants can combine to create some of the most common causes of discoluoration, colour loss and deterioration of silk fibres – clean your silks regularly if permanent damage is to be avoided.
- Some dyes on silk fabrics may bleed when wet with solutions containing alcohol – such as perfumes, cosmetics, some antiperspirants and alcoholic drinks etc Consult our professional dry-cleaning team in Canberra for expert advice if you are not 100% sure on what you are doing with such a delicate garment.
- Never attempt to remove stains from silk by rubbing especially when damp, silk fibres are delicate and are easily damaged, always seek a dry-cleaner with experience in dealing with silk.
- Do not store silk in a soiled state. Consult a Dry-Cleaning Institute of Australia Industry Professional and point out any stains that are not readily apparent, they will advise on an appropriate course of action.
R&R Fabricare has been dry cleaning Canberra since 1933. We are one of the oldest and respected names in the dry-cleaning industry and that continues today with a fresh new look. Combining experience with local knowledge and a friendly staff to assist you with your dry-cleaning needs.
Mark Ryan, Proprietor R&R Fabricare
Care Labels
Care labelling outlines how a user should care for a garment or textile item. Garment manufacturers are required to attach a label providing appropriate and adequate directions for the care of the article, so the article is not damaged when the user follows the instructions.
The care label must be easy to find, permanently attached, written in English and remain legible throughout the life of the garment. The manufacturer must have a reason for the recommended care instructions and must warn about any part of the care method that would harm any component of the garment or other garments that may be dry-cleaned or laundered with it. A care label must also warn when there is no method for cleaning—these typically read: “Do Not Dry Clean,” “Do Not Wash.”
Providing overly cautious instructions such as ‘dry-clean only’ or ‘hand wash in cold water only’ on a garment that a user can safely wash using other methods may breach the mandatory standard. Where an article can be laundered or dry-cleaned or both, care instructions for both treatments must appear on the label.
Specific and prohibited care instructions
Care instructions may include both specific and prohibited instructions. Specific instructions provide advice on what a user should do with the article.
Examples include:
Prohibited instructions provide advice on what a user should not do with the article.
Examples include:
For articles that can be neither laundered nor dry-cleaned, suppliers should indicate this on the care label and adequately describe the recommended care treatment. Delicate and multiple components Sometimes delicate components of articles such as trims or padding in furniture or bedding cannot or should not be removed. When an article is made of different materials, suppliers must provide care instructions that are suitable for all materials, including those most sensitive.
Articles with multiple parts
Each detachable or separate part of an article must have a care label, even if the care instructions are the same for all parts.
Care Symbols
In Australia, care instructions must be written in English and they can also include care symbols, but this is not mandatory
Consumers can rely on the Dry-cleaning Institute of Australia as a resource for interpreting non-conforming instructions and symbols.
Using a care method not specified on the label
If a different care method is undertaken, there is some risk. Professional Cleaners may, at times, suggest an alternative method based upon their knowledge, skill, or the type of soil or stains on the garment; or you may request a different method. Either way, the Professional Cleaner will carefully consider all options and advise you before beginning any requested process and may ask that you sign a release from responsibility form.
If there Is no label
All garments sold in Australia must have a care label. An appropriate care label must also be made available when purchasing fabric that will be used for clothing. Removing the care label entails some risk since care information or warnings are no longer available.
What If there is a problem after care instructions are followed exactly?
If a garment is damaged or ruined at home even though care instructions were followed, you should return the garment to the retailer. If the retailer is not helpful, you may wish to contact the local Office of Consumer Affairs or alternatively, it may be possible locate the manufacturer via the Internet.
If the garment was damaged at a dry-cleaning store, speak to them directly. If they did not follow the care instructions, they have a responsibility for the results. If they did follow the care instructions, they may be able to assist you with a settlement from the retailer.
To make contact and resolution with a retailer go more smoothly, you should:
Common Care Label Terms and What They Mean
As you can see, there’s more than meets to the eye to the humble care label on your clothing.
R&R Fabricare has been servicing Canberra since 1933 and can now be found in 3 convenient locations, Weston, Yarralumla and Mawson, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail and have the knowledge to decipher care labels to ensure your garment gets the best care possible.
This article contains information from the Drycleaning Institute of Australia of which R&R Fabricare is a member.
The care label must be easy to find, permanently attached, written in English and remain legible throughout the life of the garment. The manufacturer must have a reason for the recommended care instructions and must warn about any part of the care method that would harm any component of the garment or other garments that may be dry-cleaned or laundered with it. A care label must also warn when there is no method for cleaning—these typically read: “Do Not Dry Clean,” “Do Not Wash.”
Providing overly cautious instructions such as ‘dry-clean only’ or ‘hand wash in cold water only’ on a garment that a user can safely wash using other methods may breach the mandatory standard. Where an article can be laundered or dry-cleaned or both, care instructions for both treatments must appear on the label.
Specific and prohibited care instructions
Care instructions may include both specific and prohibited instructions. Specific instructions provide advice on what a user should do with the article.
Examples include:
- dry flat
- cool iron
- dry-clean only.
Prohibited instructions provide advice on what a user should not do with the article.
Examples include:
- do not iron
- do not tumble dry.
For articles that can be neither laundered nor dry-cleaned, suppliers should indicate this on the care label and adequately describe the recommended care treatment. Delicate and multiple components Sometimes delicate components of articles such as trims or padding in furniture or bedding cannot or should not be removed. When an article is made of different materials, suppliers must provide care instructions that are suitable for all materials, including those most sensitive.
Articles with multiple parts
Each detachable or separate part of an article must have a care label, even if the care instructions are the same for all parts.
Care Symbols
In Australia, care instructions must be written in English and they can also include care symbols, but this is not mandatory
Consumers can rely on the Dry-cleaning Institute of Australia as a resource for interpreting non-conforming instructions and symbols.
Using a care method not specified on the label
If a different care method is undertaken, there is some risk. Professional Cleaners may, at times, suggest an alternative method based upon their knowledge, skill, or the type of soil or stains on the garment; or you may request a different method. Either way, the Professional Cleaner will carefully consider all options and advise you before beginning any requested process and may ask that you sign a release from responsibility form.
If there Is no label
All garments sold in Australia must have a care label. An appropriate care label must also be made available when purchasing fabric that will be used for clothing. Removing the care label entails some risk since care information or warnings are no longer available.
What If there is a problem after care instructions are followed exactly?
If a garment is damaged or ruined at home even though care instructions were followed, you should return the garment to the retailer. If the retailer is not helpful, you may wish to contact the local Office of Consumer Affairs or alternatively, it may be possible locate the manufacturer via the Internet.
If the garment was damaged at a dry-cleaning store, speak to them directly. If they did not follow the care instructions, they have a responsibility for the results. If they did follow the care instructions, they may be able to assist you with a settlement from the retailer.
To make contact and resolution with a retailer go more smoothly, you should:
- Be prepared with a purchase record or an estimate of approximately when the garment was purchased
- Estimate of the number of times the garment has been washed or dry-cleaned
- State a resolution that would be satisfactory
Common Care Label Terms and What They Mean
- DRYCLEAN: Any dry-cleaning process can be used and may include moisture, pressing by steam or steam-air procedures, and drying up to 700C.
- PROFESSIONALLY DRYCLEAN: The item may be cleaned by varying from a normal dry-cleaning process. The care label must provide specific instructions.
- SPOT CLEAN ONLY: The only thing that can be done is stain removal without immersing or otherwise cleaning the entire garment.
- HAND WASH: This is a gentle soaking process with very limited agitation by hand. Other information may include specific water temperature and drying requirements.
As you can see, there’s more than meets to the eye to the humble care label on your clothing.
R&R Fabricare has been servicing Canberra since 1933 and can now be found in 3 convenient locations, Weston, Yarralumla and Mawson, we pride ourselves on our attention to detail and have the knowledge to decipher care labels to ensure your garment gets the best care possible.
This article contains information from the Drycleaning Institute of Australia of which R&R Fabricare is a member.
Don’t Use Express or 1-hr Dry-Cleaners, Here’s Why
February 22, 2018 by rrfabri
A work life encourages an extremely busy schedule, and while that’s exceptionally great for the person in question, it’s factual that a busy schedule also means you won’t be getting any time to do your normal tasks, such as cleaning in general including your clothes. Fortunately, there are plenty of Dry Cleaning services available in each area to make this task a lot easier than it would be otherwise.
While these services are exceptionally great for busy individuals, people do tend to get worked up over the amount of time most dry-cleaning services take to return clothes to their customers. Urging and pushing them to deliver the clothes sooner might seem tempting to the impatient customer, but it’s actually better if you just give the dry cleaner a significant amount of time to do their job. Here’s why:
The Quality of the Service
While everyone has their own style of getting their work done, not everyone thrives under pressure. In the same way, if you keep pushing and pressurizing your dry cleaner to give you your clothes sooner than the date they’re giving to you, then expect a significant decline in the quality of the dry cleaning too. This has less to do with the dry cleaner procrastinating and a lot more to do with the length of the time for the correct process.
It’s a Long Procedure
Contrary to popular belief, dry cleaning isn’t just the procedure of putting your clothes into the machine, pushing a button and handing them over to the customer. Dry cleaning is a long procedure of cleaning, softening, pressing, packaging and then handing it over. For female clothing items, many dry cleaners even have to go the extra mile to take out buttons and embellishments before the cleaning process, after which they have to sew the embellishments back on to the clothing item, and carry on with the rest of the process.
All of this takes time, and when pushed to work at a faster pace than normal, your dry cleaner obviously will not be able to do all of that as professionally as they would have done it otherwise.
Chances of Your Order Getting Messed Up
You must already be aware of the fact that no dry cleaner actually creates a separate batch for each and every customer they have. Dry cleaners make separate loads depending on the material, the color or the type of the clothing item that needs to be dry-cleaned. For instance, whites in one, and dark colors in one – this is done to ensure that the color of one clothing item doesn’t mix with the others, delicates and heavy items are another sub category entirely.
However, if you push your dry cleaner to give you your clothes early instead of giving them significant time, they might get confused under pressure and make mistakes. Not only will that cause trouble for the dry cleaner, but even you won’t be able to wear the clothing item then and there. Hence, giving your dry cleaner a good amount of time is the best thing for you as well as for them.
R&R Fabricare has been dry cleaning Canberra since 1933. We are one of the oldest and respected names in the dry-cleaning industry and that continues today with a fresh new look. Combining experience with local knowledge and a friendly staff to assist you with your dry-cleaning needs.
Contact us on 02 6286 3695 or visit one of our 3 Canberra locations at Yarralumla, Mawson and Weston for all your dry-cleaning needs.
A work life encourages an extremely busy schedule, and while that’s exceptionally great for the person in question, it’s factual that a busy schedule also means you won’t be getting any time to do your normal tasks, such as cleaning in general including your clothes. Fortunately, there are plenty of Dry Cleaning services available in each area to make this task a lot easier than it would be otherwise.
While these services are exceptionally great for busy individuals, people do tend to get worked up over the amount of time most dry-cleaning services take to return clothes to their customers. Urging and pushing them to deliver the clothes sooner might seem tempting to the impatient customer, but it’s actually better if you just give the dry cleaner a significant amount of time to do their job. Here’s why:
The Quality of the Service
While everyone has their own style of getting their work done, not everyone thrives under pressure. In the same way, if you keep pushing and pressurizing your dry cleaner to give you your clothes sooner than the date they’re giving to you, then expect a significant decline in the quality of the dry cleaning too. This has less to do with the dry cleaner procrastinating and a lot more to do with the length of the time for the correct process.
It’s a Long Procedure
Contrary to popular belief, dry cleaning isn’t just the procedure of putting your clothes into the machine, pushing a button and handing them over to the customer. Dry cleaning is a long procedure of cleaning, softening, pressing, packaging and then handing it over. For female clothing items, many dry cleaners even have to go the extra mile to take out buttons and embellishments before the cleaning process, after which they have to sew the embellishments back on to the clothing item, and carry on with the rest of the process.
All of this takes time, and when pushed to work at a faster pace than normal, your dry cleaner obviously will not be able to do all of that as professionally as they would have done it otherwise.
Chances of Your Order Getting Messed Up
You must already be aware of the fact that no dry cleaner actually creates a separate batch for each and every customer they have. Dry cleaners make separate loads depending on the material, the color or the type of the clothing item that needs to be dry-cleaned. For instance, whites in one, and dark colors in one – this is done to ensure that the color of one clothing item doesn’t mix with the others, delicates and heavy items are another sub category entirely.
However, if you push your dry cleaner to give you your clothes early instead of giving them significant time, they might get confused under pressure and make mistakes. Not only will that cause trouble for the dry cleaner, but even you won’t be able to wear the clothing item then and there. Hence, giving your dry cleaner a good amount of time is the best thing for you as well as for them.
R&R Fabricare has been dry cleaning Canberra since 1933. We are one of the oldest and respected names in the dry-cleaning industry and that continues today with a fresh new look. Combining experience with local knowledge and a friendly staff to assist you with your dry-cleaning needs.
Contact us on 02 6286 3695 or visit one of our 3 Canberra locations at Yarralumla, Mawson and Weston for all your dry-cleaning needs.
Mark Ryan, Proprietor R&R Fabricare
Customer Satisfaction – The How’s and Why’s of Dry Cleaning
February 14, 2018 by rrfabric
Everyone gives their clothes to the dry cleaner from time to time, but have you ever taken a minute to sit and think about the how’s and whys of dry cleaning? It doesn’t take five minutes for one to lash out on the dry-cleaning service provider if it was found that they messed up your order in some way.
Before you send your next batch of clothing items to the dry cleaner, or have even been reconsidering your decision to use the current dry-cleaning service, read the following:
Commercial Dry-Cleaning Procedure
Contrary to popular belief, the process of dry cleaning clothing items is anything but ‘dry’ but it’s not like washing your clothes in your home machine. Many people also believe that dry cleaning is a one or two-step procedure, but in actuality, it takes a lot more than just one or two steps. Many dry-cleaning service providers even prefer sending a load of clothing items to a factory where the cleaning procedure is conducted, instead of taking care of it at their own shop. Why? Because it saves money and time. At R&R Fabricare Canberra, your clothes are cleaned on our premises, by trained and educated staff.
Tagging: In order to ensure that the clothing items of different customers don’t get mixed up, dry cleaners always opt for garment tagging. As the name suggests, the garments are tagged with a piece of paper or cloth with an item or customer number on them before being sent forward.
Dry cleaning companies do not go through such a hefty and lengthy procedure just because they like doing it, for example you’ll pay $14 for a pair of pants to be dry cleaned, did you know your pants are handled 14 times in the process? They do this so that their customers and clients are happy with their services and enjoy the quality of their clothes upon receiving them from the dry cleaners. It’s for customer satisfaction and it’s something we are very particular about at R&R Fabricare Canberra.
R&R Fabricare has been dry cleaning Canberra since 1933. We are one of the oldest and respected names in the dry-cleaning industry and that continues today with a fresh new look. Combining experience with local knowledge and a friendly staff to assist you with your dry-cleaning needs.
Before you send your next batch of clothing items to the dry cleaner, or have even been reconsidering your decision to use the current dry-cleaning service, read the following:
Commercial Dry-Cleaning Procedure
Contrary to popular belief, the process of dry cleaning clothing items is anything but ‘dry’ but it’s not like washing your clothes in your home machine. Many people also believe that dry cleaning is a one or two-step procedure, but in actuality, it takes a lot more than just one or two steps. Many dry-cleaning service providers even prefer sending a load of clothing items to a factory where the cleaning procedure is conducted, instead of taking care of it at their own shop. Why? Because it saves money and time. At R&R Fabricare Canberra, your clothes are cleaned on our premises, by trained and educated staff.
Tagging: In order to ensure that the clothing items of different customers don’t get mixed up, dry cleaners always opt for garment tagging. As the name suggests, the garments are tagged with a piece of paper or cloth with an item or customer number on them before being sent forward.
- Inspection: Prior to being cleaned, each and every clothing item is inspected for missing buttons, tears or rips, or items left in the pockets. The items found are then returned to the rightful owner and rips and tears (if any) are noted as issues that were already there.
- Stain Treatment: Prior to the solvent procedure, each clothing item is checked for stains and depending on the intensity of the stains, the cleaning procedure is conducted.
- Machine Dry Cleaning: Once each clothing item is inspected and the stain removal is done, a pile of soiled clothes is loaded into a drum machine filled with eco-friendly solvents to dry clean the clothes with – there are at least two rounds of rinsing and repeating in this step.
- Post Spotting: There is a possibility that some stains weren’t able to get cleaned through the machine dry cleaning, so the dry cleaner inspects clothing items once again to ensure that the clothing items are spotless and fresh.
- Finishing: Once the clothes are clean, any buttons or other repairs that were to be made are completed. After that, the dry cleaners press or steam finishes your clothes, hang and then fold them to return to the customers.
Dry cleaning companies do not go through such a hefty and lengthy procedure just because they like doing it, for example you’ll pay $14 for a pair of pants to be dry cleaned, did you know your pants are handled 14 times in the process? They do this so that their customers and clients are happy with their services and enjoy the quality of their clothes upon receiving them from the dry cleaners. It’s for customer satisfaction and it’s something we are very particular about at R&R Fabricare Canberra.
R&R Fabricare has been dry cleaning Canberra since 1933. We are one of the oldest and respected names in the dry-cleaning industry and that continues today with a fresh new look. Combining experience with local knowledge and a friendly staff to assist you with your dry-cleaning needs.
Mark Ryan, Proprietor R&R Fabricare
Separation Anxiety – when it comes to dry-cleaning, it’s a good thing
January 28, 2018 by rrfabric
When you want to look your best for a meeting, an interview or even a wedding, you put on your best clothes in order to look and feel absolutely fantastic. There are certain materials that cannot be hand washed or machine washed, hence people turn to their trusted dry cleaners in order to ensure that the clothes they wear on their important day are in their best form.
However, most people just look for dry cleaners that guarantee stain removal and timely service, but are these really the only things you should look for when in search of the ideal dry-cleaning service?
While these two things will ensure that the dry cleaner of your choice is certainly one of the better ones, you should look for one that ensures load separation as well. Why? Here are some points that will help you understand the importance of separating your load before going to the dry cleaners.
Save Your Light Clothing Items
It’s a known fact that your dry cleaner has a lot of other customers who have their own large load of clothes. Thus, it’s possible that if they’re in a hurry to just get done with their work of the day, they might mix light clothes with dark ones unintentionally. And there’s nothing worse than coming to collect your favorite white shirt just to find that it has streaks of pink and purple across it. Thus, it’s best to separate your light and dark clothes and let the dry cleaner know beforehand.
Some Materials Don’t Go Well Together
Sometimes, materials don’t go well together. Some of them need regular dry-cleaning while some of them need delicate touch. If you separate the clothing items before taking it to the dry cleaners, they’re obviously going to make sure you’re not disappointed when you come to collect clothes.
New Clothes Can Bleed
New clothes can bleed colour. Please let your dry cleaner know if your garment has not been dry cleaned before.
R&R Fabricare has been dry cleaning Canberra since 1933. We are one of the oldest and respected names in the dry-cleaning industry and that continues today with a fresh new look. Combining experience with local knowledge and a friendly staff to assist you with your dry-cleaning needs.
When you want to look your best for a meeting, an interview or even a wedding, you put on your best clothes in order to look and feel absolutely fantastic. There are certain materials that cannot be hand washed or machine washed, hence people turn to their trusted dry cleaners in order to ensure that the clothes they wear on their important day are in their best form.
However, most people just look for dry cleaners that guarantee stain removal and timely service, but are these really the only things you should look for when in search of the ideal dry-cleaning service?
While these two things will ensure that the dry cleaner of your choice is certainly one of the better ones, you should look for one that ensures load separation as well. Why? Here are some points that will help you understand the importance of separating your load before going to the dry cleaners.
Save Your Light Clothing Items
It’s a known fact that your dry cleaner has a lot of other customers who have their own large load of clothes. Thus, it’s possible that if they’re in a hurry to just get done with their work of the day, they might mix light clothes with dark ones unintentionally. And there’s nothing worse than coming to collect your favorite white shirt just to find that it has streaks of pink and purple across it. Thus, it’s best to separate your light and dark clothes and let the dry cleaner know beforehand.
Some Materials Don’t Go Well Together
Sometimes, materials don’t go well together. Some of them need regular dry-cleaning while some of them need delicate touch. If you separate the clothing items before taking it to the dry cleaners, they’re obviously going to make sure you’re not disappointed when you come to collect clothes.
New Clothes Can Bleed
New clothes can bleed colour. Please let your dry cleaner know if your garment has not been dry cleaned before.
R&R Fabricare has been dry cleaning Canberra since 1933. We are one of the oldest and respected names in the dry-cleaning industry and that continues today with a fresh new look. Combining experience with local knowledge and a friendly staff to assist you with your dry-cleaning needs.
Mark Ryan, Proprietor R&R Fabricare
Dry-Cleaning Do’s and Don’ts
January 4, 2018 by rrfabric
AT R&R Fabricare we pride ourselves on our customer experience because when you’re happy we are happy, and we wanted to take a little time on our Blog, to make the process even easier for you and us. A few simple steps that will ensure we get to focus on making your garment look it’s best.
AT R&R Fabricare we pride ourselves on our customer experience because when you’re happy we are happy, and we wanted to take a little time on our Blog, to make the process even easier for you and us. A few simple steps that will ensure we get to focus on making your garment look it’s best.
#1 Business Shirts
Please ensure your shirts are off the hanger and the buttons are undone, we know how easy it is to slip them over your head after a long day at work, but this simple task means we can get to work straight away on making you look great for your next meeting.
#2 Suit Bags and Hangers
If you are bringing in a suit of any kind into us for some TLC, please leave the hangers and the suit bag at home, we don’t need them, and we don’t have the space, and we’ll just send you home with them anyway.
#3 A Quick Check
Keys, watches, tissues, condoms, wedding rings and pens are just some of the items we find on a daily basis as we get garments ready for cleaning. I quick search through your pockets before you drop your dry-cleaning into any of our 3 Canberra locations saves heartache, embarrassment and a mess for us.
#4 Mobile Phones
There’s no doubt mobiles have made our daily lives better in many ways, but when we are trying to serve you and get pertinent information about any stains or specials requests from you, please don’t use your mobile phone, we know it’s something Herb our Great Grandfather and Alan our Grandfather didn’t have to contend with in 1933 when they started R&R Fabricare, but it’s something we see and hear on a daily basis, we know the call is important to you, but clear communication makes our job and your results so much better, plus it is just a common courtesy.
#5 Give us Time
We can turn around jobs in 1 hour if we need too, but the dry-cleaning process isn’t a simple one, and to do things right, we need time with your garments and furnishings to deliver you the results you love to see. So please keep this in mind when using the services of Canberra’s longest operating dry-cleaning firm.
R&R Fabricare has been servicing Canberra since 1933 and can now be found in 3 convenient locations, Weston, Yarralumla and Mawson.
Please ensure your shirts are off the hanger and the buttons are undone, we know how easy it is to slip them over your head after a long day at work, but this simple task means we can get to work straight away on making you look great for your next meeting.
#2 Suit Bags and Hangers
If you are bringing in a suit of any kind into us for some TLC, please leave the hangers and the suit bag at home, we don’t need them, and we don’t have the space, and we’ll just send you home with them anyway.
#3 A Quick Check
Keys, watches, tissues, condoms, wedding rings and pens are just some of the items we find on a daily basis as we get garments ready for cleaning. I quick search through your pockets before you drop your dry-cleaning into any of our 3 Canberra locations saves heartache, embarrassment and a mess for us.
#4 Mobile Phones
There’s no doubt mobiles have made our daily lives better in many ways, but when we are trying to serve you and get pertinent information about any stains or specials requests from you, please don’t use your mobile phone, we know it’s something Herb our Great Grandfather and Alan our Grandfather didn’t have to contend with in 1933 when they started R&R Fabricare, but it’s something we see and hear on a daily basis, we know the call is important to you, but clear communication makes our job and your results so much better, plus it is just a common courtesy.
#5 Give us Time
We can turn around jobs in 1 hour if we need too, but the dry-cleaning process isn’t a simple one, and to do things right, we need time with your garments and furnishings to deliver you the results you love to see. So please keep this in mind when using the services of Canberra’s longest operating dry-cleaning firm.
R&R Fabricare has been servicing Canberra since 1933 and can now be found in 3 convenient locations, Weston, Yarralumla and Mawson.
Mark Ryan, Proprietor R&R Fabricare
Invisible Stains
December 10, 2017 by rrfabric
Hypothetically speaking, you have a shirt that looks absolutely clean, until you iron it. Once you iron the shirt, yellow patches start to show up on your previously clean shirt. What do you think caused these stains to come when there were absolutely no stains or marks on the clothing item prior to the ironing? They’re known as invisible stains.
What Are Invisible Stains?
Although it might sound highly unlikely to someone who has never heard of an invisible stain before, they actually do exist. Invisible stains are stains that are caused by beverages, oil substances or food. The stain might be rather visible when it’s wet, but once it dries up, it becomes invisible meaning that it disperses into the fabric.
After some time has passed, the stain will show up either by being exposed to heat, or as time passes and the stain is normally brown or yellow in color. The physics behind this is the process of caramelisation of sugar or oxidation that is present in the staining matter. Simply put, the process is the same as it would be if you leave a peeled apple in open air – it’ll turn brown.
Stains that result from oils are specifically challenging and highly stubborn when trying to get rid of. Often times, dry cleaning is the ideal way to get rid of these stains with the least bit of effort.
How Do Dry Cleaners Get Rid of Invisible Stains?
Dry cleaners are practically trained and know all there is to know about the process of getting rid of stains and similar nuisances. Invisible stains, particularly, are not the kind that will go away with the regular dry cleaning and ironing procedure that takes place for most clothing items. For the purpose of removing invisible stains from any piece of clothing item, dry cleaners ensure that they treat the stain specifically, before they put the clothing item through the normal procedure of dry cleaning.
However, if the invisible stain is given the time to oxidize, there’s a high possibility that getting it off the clothing item will be a serious challenge even for the dry cleaner. This is because once the stain is oxidized, it’ll turn brown or yellow and it will become almost impossible to remove it from the clothing item. This happens most often with oil stains and is caused because of the irregularity of the ‘cross pattern’ formed by the oil as it moves along the border of the stain following the fibers in the fabric.
Always Inform Your Dry Cleaner about Invisible Stains
When you’re giving your batch of laundry to the dry cleaner, examine each clothing item in order to ensure that there are no invisible stains present – at least, to your knowledge. In case you do know that your clothes will have invisible stains, inform your dry cleaner beforehand so they can treat the stain before anything else. This way, once the clothing item is pressed, there will be no stains on the clothing item and you won’t have to face the hassle of going back and forth.
R&R Fabricare has been dry cleaning Canberra since 1933. We are one of the oldest and respected names in the dry-cleaning industry and that continues today with a fresh new look. Combining experience with local knowledge and a friendly staff to assist you with your dry-cleaning needs.
Hypothetically speaking, you have a shirt that looks absolutely clean, until you iron it. Once you iron the shirt, yellow patches start to show up on your previously clean shirt. What do you think caused these stains to come when there were absolutely no stains or marks on the clothing item prior to the ironing? They’re known as invisible stains.
What Are Invisible Stains?
Although it might sound highly unlikely to someone who has never heard of an invisible stain before, they actually do exist. Invisible stains are stains that are caused by beverages, oil substances or food. The stain might be rather visible when it’s wet, but once it dries up, it becomes invisible meaning that it disperses into the fabric.
After some time has passed, the stain will show up either by being exposed to heat, or as time passes and the stain is normally brown or yellow in color. The physics behind this is the process of caramelisation of sugar or oxidation that is present in the staining matter. Simply put, the process is the same as it would be if you leave a peeled apple in open air – it’ll turn brown.
Stains that result from oils are specifically challenging and highly stubborn when trying to get rid of. Often times, dry cleaning is the ideal way to get rid of these stains with the least bit of effort.
How Do Dry Cleaners Get Rid of Invisible Stains?
Dry cleaners are practically trained and know all there is to know about the process of getting rid of stains and similar nuisances. Invisible stains, particularly, are not the kind that will go away with the regular dry cleaning and ironing procedure that takes place for most clothing items. For the purpose of removing invisible stains from any piece of clothing item, dry cleaners ensure that they treat the stain specifically, before they put the clothing item through the normal procedure of dry cleaning.
However, if the invisible stain is given the time to oxidize, there’s a high possibility that getting it off the clothing item will be a serious challenge even for the dry cleaner. This is because once the stain is oxidized, it’ll turn brown or yellow and it will become almost impossible to remove it from the clothing item. This happens most often with oil stains and is caused because of the irregularity of the ‘cross pattern’ formed by the oil as it moves along the border of the stain following the fibers in the fabric.
Always Inform Your Dry Cleaner about Invisible Stains
When you’re giving your batch of laundry to the dry cleaner, examine each clothing item in order to ensure that there are no invisible stains present – at least, to your knowledge. In case you do know that your clothes will have invisible stains, inform your dry cleaner beforehand so they can treat the stain before anything else. This way, once the clothing item is pressed, there will be no stains on the clothing item and you won’t have to face the hassle of going back and forth.
R&R Fabricare has been dry cleaning Canberra since 1933. We are one of the oldest and respected names in the dry-cleaning industry and that continues today with a fresh new look. Combining experience with local knowledge and a friendly staff to assist you with your dry-cleaning needs.
Mark Ryan, Proprietor R&R Fabricare
Busting the Myth – How Dry Cleaning Actually Works
November 20, 2017 by rrfabric
A lot of people have a lot of misconceptions about dry cleaning and the ways in which the procedure is carried out. Although some of these myths are true to the bone, there are tons of them which simply are nowhere near the truth. However, if you’re new to the system, you might be under the impression and mistake these myths to be the truth when they’re absolutely false in reality.
Myth # 1: Are My Clothes Washed?
Yes, they are, but not in water. The dry-cleaning process uses synthetic solvents and spotting agents. The cleaning medium, think large front load washing machines. Dry cleaners today have access to advanced washing technology called wet cleaning, to handle those “do not dry clean” garments and furnishings. Some clients prefer a “solvent free” cleaning method and at R&R Fabricare Canberra, we offer that choice.
Myth # 2: Dry-Cleaning harms my clothes and shortens their life…
Wrong – The dry-cleaning process actually extends the life of your clothes by removing the abrasive dust and dirt particles plus general soiling. We can dry-clean a tissue and it comes out of our machines as a tissue, imagine that in your washing machine (and the mess it makes). The dry-cleaning process does not swell or distort the fibres in the fabrics.
Myth # 3: Colours run and garments shrink in the dry-cleaning process
Yes, they do run (bleed) and they do shrink, at times. Dry-cleaners cannot prevent this from happening because the manufacturers are supposed to pre-shrink and pre-wash the fabrics to avoid this. Many do not as it cuts their production costs, leaving us and you- the customer to deal with the problem.
Myth # 4: All Dry-Cleaners are the same – WRONG! Dry-Cleaning is expensive – compared to what?
Your clothes are a personal possession and a big investment. You chose a reputable mechanic to service your car, your wardrobe should be no different. Choose a dry-cleaner that is a member of the DIA – The Dry-Cleaning Institute of Australia. DIA members have quality standards to keep, and are bound by a code of ethics.
R&R Fabricare has been dry cleaning Canberra since 1933. We are one of the oldest and respected names in the dry-cleaning industry and that continues today with a fresh new look. Combining experience with local knowledge and a friendly staff to assist you with your dry-cleaning needs.
Myth # 1: Are My Clothes Washed?
Yes, they are, but not in water. The dry-cleaning process uses synthetic solvents and spotting agents. The cleaning medium, think large front load washing machines. Dry cleaners today have access to advanced washing technology called wet cleaning, to handle those “do not dry clean” garments and furnishings. Some clients prefer a “solvent free” cleaning method and at R&R Fabricare Canberra, we offer that choice.
Myth # 2: Dry-Cleaning harms my clothes and shortens their life…
Wrong – The dry-cleaning process actually extends the life of your clothes by removing the abrasive dust and dirt particles plus general soiling. We can dry-clean a tissue and it comes out of our machines as a tissue, imagine that in your washing machine (and the mess it makes). The dry-cleaning process does not swell or distort the fibres in the fabrics.
Myth # 3: Colours run and garments shrink in the dry-cleaning process
Yes, they do run (bleed) and they do shrink, at times. Dry-cleaners cannot prevent this from happening because the manufacturers are supposed to pre-shrink and pre-wash the fabrics to avoid this. Many do not as it cuts their production costs, leaving us and you- the customer to deal with the problem.
Myth # 4: All Dry-Cleaners are the same – WRONG! Dry-Cleaning is expensive – compared to what?
Your clothes are a personal possession and a big investment. You chose a reputable mechanic to service your car, your wardrobe should be no different. Choose a dry-cleaner that is a member of the DIA – The Dry-Cleaning Institute of Australia. DIA members have quality standards to keep, and are bound by a code of ethics.
R&R Fabricare has been dry cleaning Canberra since 1933. We are one of the oldest and respected names in the dry-cleaning industry and that continues today with a fresh new look. Combining experience with local knowledge and a friendly staff to assist you with your dry-cleaning needs.
Mark Ryan, Proprietor R&R Fabricare
Dry Cleaning Drapes
October 11, 2017 by rrfabric
Drycleaners often encounter difficulties when cleaning drapes. The Household has many different environmental conditions, which contribute to the deterioration of the fabrics.
Water damage from window condensation, prolonged exposure to moisture, humidity and sunlight, all affect the fabrics, causing yellowing and the weakening of the fibres. Shrinkage of drapes during dry-cleaning is a possibility, up to 3% in length in not uncommon, however drapes often retain their original length after hanging for some time.
Drycleaners often encounter difficulties when cleaning drapes. The Household has many different environmental conditions, which contribute to the deterioration of the fabrics.
Water damage from window condensation, prolonged exposure to moisture, humidity and sunlight, all affect the fabrics, causing yellowing and the weakening of the fibres. Shrinkage of drapes during dry-cleaning is a possibility, up to 3% in length in not uncommon, however drapes often retain their original length after hanging for some time.
Are my drapes dry cleanable?
A test clean of a drape may assist in determining whether a drape is dry cleanable, however the test does not guarantee anything totally, because different windows receive varying amounts of light intensity during the day, that said, given R&R Fabricare’s experience, we have worked with most drape/curtain fabrics over the year’s and know what can normally be treated.
Our Canberra staff check for care labels, this is a legal requirement, and they should be endorsed by the soft furnishings association. De-laminating is a common problem that can occur if the drapes/curtains are over 5 years of age and or effected by sunlight. This means the rubber backing can bubble or peel off rendering the drape permanently damaged. This is often difficult to predict prior to cleaning.
Use a qualified drycleaner
Please ensure you trust the cleaning of your soft furnishings and draperies to a qualified drycleaner who is a member of the Dry-Cleaning Institute of Australia. R&R Fabricare has been servicing Canberra since 1933 and can now be found in three convenient locations, Weston, Yarralumla, and Mawson, and yes, we are member of the Dry-Cleaning Institute of Australia.
A test clean of a drape may assist in determining whether a drape is dry cleanable, however the test does not guarantee anything totally, because different windows receive varying amounts of light intensity during the day, that said, given R&R Fabricare’s experience, we have worked with most drape/curtain fabrics over the year’s and know what can normally be treated.
Our Canberra staff check for care labels, this is a legal requirement, and they should be endorsed by the soft furnishings association. De-laminating is a common problem that can occur if the drapes/curtains are over 5 years of age and or effected by sunlight. This means the rubber backing can bubble or peel off rendering the drape permanently damaged. This is often difficult to predict prior to cleaning.
Use a qualified drycleaner
Please ensure you trust the cleaning of your soft furnishings and draperies to a qualified drycleaner who is a member of the Dry-Cleaning Institute of Australia. R&R Fabricare has been servicing Canberra since 1933 and can now be found in three convenient locations, Weston, Yarralumla, and Mawson, and yes, we are member of the Dry-Cleaning Institute of Australia.
An insight into R&R Fabricare from the City News August 2010
September 28, 2017 by rrfabric
Mark Ryan jokes that he has solvent in his blood. “I’ve got really vivid memories of being 5 years old and going into my grandfather’s dry-cleaning vans – I can really remember the smell,” he says. “Some things never leave you.”
Reflecting a proud Dry Cleaning heritage
In 2010 Mark rebranded his Canberra Dry Cleaners business in Mawson as R&R Fabricare to reflect its history and his heritage. “This dry cleaner was set up by myself and my father back in 1985, as a small, customer service-oriented dry cleaner based in Cooleman Court, and another now at Mawson” explains Mark. “But it was always an ambition of mine to resurrect the family business name.”
Generations of Dry Cleaning ExpertiseIn 1933, Mark’s great-grandfather, Herbert, his brother Gus, son Alan and friend Leo Robins set up R&R in Goulburn; and in 1942, Alan opened another in Monaro St, Queanbeyan. Alan’s four sons all joined the business, and it was Mark’s father Peter, who opened Canberra dry Cleaners in 1985. “The new name is a tribute to my Grandparents and the hard word they did raising 7 kids in Queanbeyan, and my grandfather as an entrepreneur. He rally laid the foundation for this business,” Mark says. “I’ve been a bit surprised by the reaction to the rebranding. A few of our customers thought we’d left or been taken over by multinational, and they were actually really relieved when they found out that wasn’t the case! I’m the fourth generation of Ryans in the industry and a lot of things have changed in dry-cleaning over those generations, but not the professionalism”.
Techniques of changed for example Mark says: dry cleaners now need to be up-to-date with water-based cleaning as well. You need to be able to offer your customers a choice.
“We also need to be environmentally aware solvent to totally license these days and it’s really important to be up to speed on current legislation and housekeeping. Housekeeping’s an important word in this industry. The big difference between my work and my grandfather’s era is the back then, a lot of the solvents were petroleum-based white spirits, emissions won’t even regulated!”
R&R Fabricare is still basically the same business as Canberra Dry Cleaners Mark says “garment care is still all about customer service, and we’ve got staff have been here 20 years or more. It’s all about our customers image about how they feel when they wear their clothes: how nicely they present themselves. Our customers are handing over their personal possessions and that image to us, and it’s like a lot of other relationships, with their hairdresser or chemist or doctor; people are always looking for a good drycleaner and they talk when they find one! There is a drycleaner on every street corner, but not too many with my pedigree.
“We also need to be environmentally aware solvent to totally license these days and it’s really important to be up to speed on current legislation and housekeeping. Housekeeping’s an important word in this industry. The big difference between my work and my grandfather’s era is the back then, a lot of the solvents were petroleum-based white spirits, emissions won’t even regulated!”
R&R Fabricare is still basically the same business as Canberra Dry Cleaners Mark says “garment care is still all about customer service, and we’ve got staff have been here 20 years or more. It’s all about our customers image about how they feel when they wear their clothes: how nicely they present themselves. Our customers are handing over their personal possessions and that image to us, and it’s like a lot of other relationships, with their hairdresser or chemist or doctor; people are always looking for a good drycleaner and they talk when they find one! There is a drycleaner on every street corner, but not too many with my pedigree.
Mark Ryan, Proprietor R&R Fabricare
