How much do you pay for dry cleaning?

[Puzzicato]

A lot of bellydance costumes can't be washed because of the beading and sequins and dry cleaners won't touch them. Some you can spot clean with vodka, some you "smoke" over incense to freshen. Could you maybe try those techniques with your vintage textiles?

Actually, I have a friend who is studying fashion curation, which I believe has an element of conservatorship, so I will ask her opinion on caring for these delicate textiles.

 

[CaramelSmoothie]

I only do bulk dry-cleaning. They charge about 1 or 2 bucks per pound and many times I get my clothing back the same day.

 

[Idledame]

It does seem you have to try a few cleaners to find a careful one. I always point out that it is vintage and show them any problems like rotting threads, beads, stains etc. I often ask that the item be put in a net bag before it's cleaned (so it doesn't get tangled up while it's tumbling around with all the other clothes-especially if it's lace or beaded). I make sure I take care of any loose beading and buttons before I send it in. The fact is that these are very unusual items for most dry cleaners. They have no way of predicting what will happen to unknown fabrics and decorations. Sometimes stains seem to actually be holding the fabric together! They can try putting a bit of fluid on suspect sequins or buttons, but obviously they can't test every button and bead that comes in.

My dad and brother were dry cleaners and even now there are some expensive clothes being produced that say dry clean but can't be dry cleaned because the decorations and buttons melt in dry cleaning fluid! But be aware that if the cleaners take reasonable care and the item comes out in shreds or discolored that's just the way it goes, and they will not pay you for what you paid for the item. It doesn't mean they are bad cleaners, just that the item wasn't dry cleanable.