Marketing Feels Overwhelming—But It Doesn’t Have to Be

If you run a dry cleaning business, you already have enough on your plate.

You’re handling customers, tracking orders, managing employees—and somehow, you’re supposed to keep up with marketing too?

• You know you should be posting on social media, but who has time?
• You want to send promotions, but it’s hard to know what works.
• You hear about digital advertising, but it feels like a money pit.

It’s frustrating. You need marketing that actually works—without sucking up all your time.

That’s where AI marketing comes in.

A Better Way to Market Your Dry Cleaning Business

Imagine if your marketing ran automatically—without you stressing over what to post, when to email, or how to get customers to come back.

That’s what AI-powered marketing does.

AI can help you:

• Write and schedule social media posts so your business stays visible.
• Respond to customer reviews and messages without manual effort.
• Run smart digital ads that actually bring in new customers.
• Send personalized offers based on customer habits.
• Improve your Google ranking so more people find your shop.

It’s marketing on autopilot—with better results.

How AI Marketing Works for Dry Cleaners

You don’t need to be tech-savvy or have a huge budget. AI tools do the heavy lifting for you.

1. AI-Powered Social Media: Stay Visible Without Lifting a Finger

Your customers are scrolling Facebook and Instagram daily. But if you’re not posting, they’re not thinking about you.

With AI, you can:

• Generate engaging posts in seconds.
• Schedule content for weeks at a time.
• Design graphics that look professional.

No more wondering what to post. AI keeps your business front and center.

2. AI-Driven Customer Engagement: Never Miss a Review or Message

A single bad review—or an unanswered customer question—can cost you business.

AI helps you:

• Automatically respond to Facebook, Google, and Yelp reviews.
• Answer common customer inquiries instantly.
• Send follow-up messages after a customer picks up their order.

Better engagement = more repeat customers.

3. AI-Powered Ads: More Customers, Less Ad Spend

Running Facebook or Google ads can feel like throwing money into the wind. AI removes the guesswork by:

• Targeting the right people—busy professionals, local families, or hotels.
• Optimizing ad spend so you get better results for less money.
• Writing high-converting ad copy automatically.

With AI, you get smarter advertising that actually works.

4. AI for Personalized Promotions: Send the Right Offers to the Right People

Generic promotions don’t work. AI analyzes your customers’ habits and sends:

• Discounts to customers who haven’t visited in months.
• Upsells to people who frequently bring in bulk orders.
• Special promotions for seasonal services like wedding dress cleaning.

More relevant promotions = higher response rates = more revenue.

5. AI for Local SEO: Get Found on Google

When someone searches “dry cleaner near me,” are you showing up? AI helps you:

• Optimize your website so Google ranks you higher.
• Generate SEO-friendly blog posts to attract search traffic.
• Manage your Google My Business listing to increase visibility.

More visibility = more walk-ins.

What Happens If You Ignore AI Marketing?

Let’s be real—your competitors are going to figure this out.

The dry cleaners using AI will:

✔ Stay top-of-mind with customers.
✔ Get more positive reviews and engagement.
✔ Run cost-effective ads that actually bring in business.
✔ Attract more local customers searching for dry cleaners.

Meanwhile, businesses that don’t adapt will start falling behind.

AI marketing isn’t the future—it’s happening right now.

What Should You Do Next?

At NCA, we’re helping dry cleaners implement AI marketing in practical, easy-to-use ways—without the hype or unnecessary complexity.

Just give us a call or jump on one of our webinars dawn@nca-i.com

Satin is a luxurious fabric known for its signature luster and smooth texture. However, its delicate weave structure makes it highly susceptible to damage from abrasion, stain removal attempts, and the mechanical actions of dry or wet cleaning. Understanding the proper methods for handling satin garments is essential to maintaining their quality and appearance.

Understanding Satin Weaves and Their Unique Properties

Satin weaves are produced using filament yarns, which are long, continuous fibers derived from natural sources like silk and cotton or synthetic materials such as rayon, polyester, and acetate. Some variations, known as sateen, incorporate staple fibers (shorter fibers of a specific length).

Key Characteristics of Satin:

• High sheen and luster: Created by floating yarns that reflect light.
• Delicate structure: Easily prone to chafing, yarn shifting, and slippage.
• Vulnerability to damage: Particularly at high-friction areas such as underarms, waistlines, and seat areas.

Inspection Before Cleaning

Before processing satin garments, perform a thorough visual inspection to check for: ✔ Yarn slippage or shifting (appears as fabric runs)
✔ Chafing (dull spots from broken floating yarns)
✔ De-lustering at points of wear

Identifying these issues in advance helps determine the best cleaning method while managing customer expectations.

Best Cleaning Practices for Satin Weaves

The appropriate cleaning method depends on the fiber content of the satin fabric. Always refer to the care label for manufacturer recommendations.

1. Dry Cleaning Satin Weaves

Dry cleaning is the preferred method for satin garments made from silk, rayon, or acetate to prevent fiber damage. Follow these best practices:

• Use a "dry load" (no added moisture) – Excess moisture in the dry-cleaning system can lead to de-lustering.
• Turn garments inside out and place them in a net bag to minimize mechanical abrasion.
• Use a short wash cycle (3-4 minutes) or a delicate/fragile program to reduce agitation.

2. Wet Cleaning Satin Garments

Wet cleaning can be used for satin fabrics made from cotton, polyester, nylon, and some types of viscose rayon. However, silk, acetate, and some rayons should not be wet cleaned.

Steps for safe wet cleaning:

• Turn garments inside out and place them in a net bag.
• Use a fragile cycle with minimal mechanical action to prevent damage.

3. Stain Removal on Satin

Stain removal requires extra care to prevent chafing and fabric distortion.

• Always spot-treat stains from the reverse side of the fabric.
• Use a padded brush or a spotting brush covered with a handkerchief to gently tamp the stain.
• Avoid using a bone scraper, as it may damage the delicate fibers.

Pressing & Finishing Satin Garments

Satin fabrics require specialized finishing techniques to maintain their signature sheen.

• Never spray water on acetate or rayon satins – This can cause distortion, discoloration, or de-lustering.
• Use bottom (buck) steam to condition satin fabrics before applying pressure.
• Check steam valves on puffers, hand irons, and pressing machines to ensure there are no leaks, which could cause delustering or water rings.

Conclusion

Handling satin garments requires careful inspection, proper cleaning techniques, and specialized finishing methods. By following these guidelines, dry cleaners can protect the delicate nature of satin fabrics while delivering exceptional results to customers.

For more professional garment care insights, stay tuned for our weekly updates!

Treasury Department Suspends Corporate Transparency Act Enforcement for U.S. Companies

Published: March 4, 2025

In a major regulatory shift, the U.S. Treasury Department has officially announced the suspension of enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) reporting requirements for U.S. citizens and domestic reporting companies. This decision marks a significant win for small businesses across the country, many of whom have expressed concerns over the complexity and costs associated with complying with the CTA’s beneficial ownership reporting rules.

What Is the Corporate Transparency Act?

The Corporate Transparency Act, passed in 2021, was designed to combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and other illicit activities by requiring businesses to disclose information about their beneficial owners — the individuals who ultimately own or control a company. These reports were to be filed with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and non-compliance could have resulted in fines and penalties.

However, the law has faced considerable pushback from small businesses, advocacy groups, and legal experts who argued that the reporting process was overly burdensome and imposed unnecessary regulatory hurdles, particularly on small businesses and family-owned companies.

What Has Changed?

The Treasury Department’s new announcement delivers some major changes that will greatly benefit U.S.-based businesses:

• No Penalties or Fines for U.S. Companies and Citizens:
  Treasury has suspended all enforcement of CTA-related penalties or fines for U.S. citizens and domestic companies.

• Future Rules Will Exclude Domestic Companies:
  Treasury also announced plans to narrow the Corporate Transparency Act’s scope, so that only foreign-owned companies will be required to file beneficial ownership reports. Domestic companies will no longer be covered under the CTA after these changes take effect.

• Support for Small Businesses:
  This action is being framed as part of President Trump’s regulatory reform agenda, which focuses on cutting unnecessary red tape to help small businesses thrive.

What Does This Mean for Your Business?

If your business is formed in the U.S. and is owned by U.S. citizens or residents, you can breathe easier. You will no longer be required to submit beneficial ownership reports to FinCEN, and any reports previously filed will not result in penalties for non-compliance.

For foreign-owned companies, the beneficial ownership reporting requirements will still apply, and Treasury will release a proposed rule soon to formalize these changes.

Why This Matters

This is a huge win for small businesses across the country. For many local businesses, navigating the CTA’s reporting requirements would have required hiring lawyers or compliance experts, adding unnecessary expenses and stress. By exempting U.S.-owned companies from these rules, Treasury is removing a significant regulatory burden — allowing business owners to focus on growth, innovation, and serving their customers.

What Comes Next?

The Treasury Department has promised to release a proposed rule that will outline the specifics of this shift, followed by a public comment period. Businesses and stakeholders will have the opportunity to weigh in before the rule becomes final.

In the meantime, if you have questions about how this change might impact your business or if you’re a foreign-owned company that still needs to comply, we’re here to help.

Final Thoughts

At the National Cleaners Assocation, we’re committed to keeping you informed about regulatory changes that affect your operations. This suspension of the Corporate Transparency Act’s domestic enforcement is just one of the key updates we’re following, so be sure to check back for further developments.

If you have any questions or want guidance on compliance requirements for your business, feel free to contact us today

At the National Cleaners Association (NCA), we know that dry cleaning businesses have unique insurance needs that can’t be met with one-size-fits-all policies. That’s why we’ve partnered with World Insurance Associates (WIA) to offer tailored insurance solutions designed specifically for dry cleaners. This new collaboration ensures that you have the right coverage for your business, without unnecessary costs or gaps that could leave you vulnerable.

A Personalized Approach to Insurance

Unlike standard business insurance plans, the coverage available through NCA’s partnership with WIA is crafted with dry cleaners in mind. From protecting customer garments to ensuring business continuity after an unexpected event, our goal is to provide comprehensive, affordable, and effective coverage that truly meets your needs.

What makes this program different? Personalized service. We’re not just offering a policy—we’re providing a partnership. With WIA’s industry expertise and NCA’s commitment to dry cleaner success, we work with you to review your existing coverage, identify potential risks, and recommend the best solutions.

Why Your Renewal Date Matters

A critical part of getting the best insurance coverage is timing. Many dry cleaners don’t realize they could be overpaying for policies that don’t fully protect them—until it’s too late. That’s why we’re asking every NCA member to submit their renewal date so we can:

✅ Review your current coverage and make sure you’re getting the best value.
✅ Identify missing coverage areas that could put your business at risk.
✅ Provide a competitive quote before your current policy renews, giving you time to explore better options.

This simple step ensures that you’re never caught off guard, and you have the opportunity to switch to a more cost-effective, comprehensive insurance solution before you’re locked into another year of coverage that may not fully protect you.

Coverage Designed for Dry Cleaners

Through this exclusive partnership, NCA members can access industry-specific insurance programs, including:

• Bailees Insurance – Protects against lost, damaged, or stolen customer garments.
• Business Interruption Insurance – Provides financial security in case of fires, equipment breakdowns, or unforeseen closures.
• Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPL) – Covers lawsuits related to wrongful termination, discrimination claims, and employee disputes.
• General Liability & Property Insurance – Protects against property damage, theft, and liability risks.
• Boiler & Equipment Breakdown Insurance – Covers costly machine repairs and downtime.
• Cyber Liability Insurance – Shields your business from cyberattacks, fraudulent transactions, and data breaches.

Let’s Build a Safer Future for Your Business

We’re committed to protecting and strengthening the dry cleaning industry, and this partnership is just one more way NCA is working to bring added value to our members.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—send us your renewal date today and let us help you secure the best coverage for your business.

 Contact us at info@nca-i.com or call: 212-967-3002 to give us your infomration and schedule a consultation.

By working together, we can ensure that your business is protected, prepared, and positioned for success.

Wrinkle-resistant cotton shirts have become increasingly popular with customers who want to avoid the hassle of ironing. However, as professional cleaners, it’s critical to understand the unique challenges these garments present — both to the cleaning process and their long-term durability.

Proper education and care recommendations can help set customer expectations and reduce the risk of complaints or damage claims.

The Science Behind Wrinkle Resistance

Wrinkle-resistant cotton shirts are treated with resins that bond to the fibers, creating a stiffer structure that resists wrinkling. The quality of the wrinkle-resistant finish depends heavily on:

• Proper application of the resin during manufacturing.
• Precise temperature, pressure, and curing time.

Even when applied correctly, wrinkle-resistant shirts rarely maintain a fully wrinkle-free appearance after home laundering. This is why customers bring them to you — the professional cleaner — for that crisp, just-pressed look.

The Hidden Problem: Trapped Chemicals

One major concern for dry cleaners is the way wrinkle-resistant finishes trap residual chemicals from the fabric’s manufacturing process. During initial scouring and dyeing, fabrics are exposed to bleaching agents and acids. Normally, these chemicals are rinsed out after a few home washes.

However, when the wrinkle-resistant resin is applied, it seals these chemicals into the fibers, preventing them from washing away. When heat is applied during professional laundering and pressing, these trapped chemicals can reactivate — leading to:

• Fabric weakening.
• Premature holes, tears, and rips after just a few cleanings.

This type of damage is often unpredictable, showing up in random places on the shirt — even after seemingly normal handling.

Resin Friction: Another Cause of Wear

The resin itself changes the texture and flexibility of the fabric, stiffening the fibers and making them more prone to abrasion damage. Every time the fabric bends, flexes, or rubs during wear or cleaning, it experiences stress that gradually weakens the yarns. This is particularly common in:

• Cuffs and collars.
• Seams.
• Elbow areas.

This gradual wear is known as resin friction, and it’s a known issue for these garments — regardless of how carefully they’re processed.

The Shrinkage Factor

Another issue with wrinkle-resistant shirts is shrinkage. During the application of the resin, the fabric is held under tension (stretched). When exposed to laundering, especially professional laundering, the fabric tries to relax back to its original dimensions. This results in two types of shrinkage:

• Relaxation shrinkage — noticeable after the first cleaning.
• Progressive shrinkage — occurring gradually over multiple cleanings.

This is particularly noticeable in collars, cuffs, and the placket, where customers may complain that their shirts feel tighter or don’t button properly.

Care Labels vs. Commercial Laundering

Most wrinkle-resistant shirts carry care labels instructing laundering in warm water and ironing at a low temperature. However, standard shirt laundering processes in commercial operations often involve:

• Hot water wash cycles.
• Pressing equipment that reaches 300°F or higher.

This combination of high heat and residual chemicals trapped in the fabric can accelerate the breakdown of the fibers — shortening the lifespan of the garment and increasing the likelihood of holes and tears.

Recommended Best Practices for Dry Cleaners

To better serve your customers and protect these fragile garments, consider:

1. Informing customers upfront about the limitations of wrinkle-resistant shirts.
2. Offering a wetcleaning and hand-finishing option for these garments.
3. Lowering wash temperatures when processing wrinkle-resistant shirts.
4. Using gentle detergents to minimize chemical activation.
5. Inspecting garments thoroughly for signs of resin friction or pre-existing damage.

Educate Your Customers

Proactively educating your customers about the inherent limitations of wrinkle-resistant shirts helps manage their expectations. Wrinkle-resistant doesn’t mean wear-and-tear-proof, and shirts will have a shorter lifespan than untreated cotton shirts — even with proper care.

Let your customers know that professional care can extend the wear life, but no method can fully prevent the natural breakdown of these fabrics.

Bottom Line

Wrinkle-resistant shirts may be easy for customers to wear — but they’re challenging to clean. By understanding these challenges and communicating them clearly, you not only protect your business from unfair complaints but also build trust by demonstrating your expertise.

5 AI Skills Every Dry Cleaner Needs to Stay Competitive

AI isn’t just for tech companies or giant corporations — it’s already making its way into small businesses like dry cleaners, and it’s changing the game fast. From automating customer communication to streamlining inventory management to helping create marketing content, AI agents can save time, cut costs, and even help you attract new customers.

But here’s the thing — just having AI tools isn’t enough. To get real results, you need to understand how to use AI agents effectively. Think of it like training a new employee. If you don’t give them the right instructions and processes, they’re not going to perform the way you need them to.

Here are 5 essential skills dry cleaners need to master to make AI work for their businesses:

1. Understanding How AI Agents Work Together

AI agents aren’t just individual tools — they work best as a team, with each agent handling a specific part of your business.
Think of it like your staff — one person handles customer service, another works in production, someone else manages the books. When everyone knows their role, things run smoothly.

The same applies to AI agents.

·         One agent could handle texting customers about orders.

·         Another could create your social media posts.

·         A third could track and analyze your sales data.

Without a clear structure, they step on each other’s toes — and you end up with more problems than solutions.

2. Writing Effective Prompts for AI Agents

AI agents follow your lead — the better your instructions, the better their results.
Writing prompts for AI isn’t just asking for “a social post about dry cleaning.” It’s about being clear, detailed, and specific, so the agent knows exactly what you want.

For example:
✅“Write a Facebook post announcing our new VIP express service, focusing on speed and convenience for busy professionals.”

Vague prompts lead to confusing (or just plain wrong) results.
Good prompting takes practice, but once you get the hang of it, it saves you tons of time.

3. Fitting AI into Your Existing Business Processes

AI works best when it enhances what’s already working in your shop — not when you throw it into a mess and hope for the best.
Before adding AI into the mix, make sure your processes — from order intake to delivery — are solid.

For example, if you want an AI agent to follow up with customers after their orders are ready, make sure:
✅ Your POS system tracks completed orders accurately.
✅ Your customer contact info is up to date.
✅ Your follow-up process is already working manually.

AI doesn’t fix broken processes — it just speeds up the mess

4. Combining Your Expertise with AI Insights

AI is powerful, but it’s not a mind reader. It doesn’t know your regulars or your seasonal slowdowns unless you teach it.
The most successful cleaners using AI today are the ones who blend their own knowledge with AI’s speed and automation.

For example:

• Use AI to write your monthly email campaigns, but add your personal touch.
• Let AI analyze sales trends, but you make the call on promotions based on your years of experience.

AI works best when paired with real-world business smarts — yours.

5. Constant Learning and Adaptation

The AI tools you use today will change — probably faster than anything else in your business.
The best way to stay competitive? Stay curious, keep learning, and adapt as new tools and updates roll out.

NCA is here to help with that. We’ll be sharing:
✅ Webinars and tutorials on the latest AI tools for dry cleaners.
✅ Real-life case studies from cleaners already using AI successfully.
✅ Step-by-step guides to help you test AI solutions in your own business.

If you sit back and wait, your competitors will pass you by.
In this fast-changing landscape, staying flexible is your biggest advantage.

Ready to See What AI Can Do for Your Dry Shop/Boutique?

At NCA, we’re committed to helping dry cleaners stay ahead of the curve — including making sure you know which AI tools actually work for our industry (and which ones are just hype).

Want to learn more? Stay tuned for upcoming webinars, hands-on workshops, and exclusive member content designed to help you put AI to work in your business.

AI isn’t the future — it’s already here. Let’s make sure you’re ready to use it to your advantage.

Click Here to download the article:

Feel free to reach out 212-967-3002

In the News Updated on 2/27/2025

WASHINGTON––Today, FinCEN announced that it will not issue any fines or penalties or take any other enforcement actions against any companies based on any failure to file or update beneficial ownership information (BOI) reports pursuant to the Corporate Transparency Act by the current deadlines. No fines or penalties will be issued, and no enforcement actions will be taken, until a forthcoming interim final rule becomes effective and the new relevant due dates in the interim final rule have passed. This announcement continues Treasury’s commitment to reducing regulatory burden on businesses, as well as prioritizing under the Corporate Transparency Act reporting of BOI for those entities that pose the most significant law enforcement and national security risks.

No later than March 21, 2025, FinCEN intends to issue an interim final rule that extends BOI reporting deadlines, recognizing the need to provide new guidance and clarity as quickly as possible, while ensuring that BOI that is highly useful to important national security, intelligence, and law enforcement activities is reported.

FinCEN also intends to solicit public comment on potential revisions to existing BOI reporting requirements. FinCEN will consider those comments as part of a notice of proposed rulemaking anticipated to be issued later this year to minimize burden on small businesses while ensuring that BOI is highly useful to important national security, intelligence, and law enforcement activities, as well to determine what, if any, modifications to the deadlines referenced here should be considered.

FinCEN's full anouncement: Read Here

Dear NCA Members,

We want to bring your attention to a critical regulatory requirement that may affect your dry cleaning business. The Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) filing is now a mandatory process for most U.S. small businesses under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), overseen by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). If your business meets the criteria, you must file to remain compliant and avoid potential penalties.

What is BOI Filing?

BOI filing requires businesses to report details about individuals who own or control at least 25% of the business or exercise significant control over it. The purpose is to prevent illicit financial activity by increasing transparency in company ownership.

Who Needs to File?

Most LLCs, corporations, and similar entities created or registered in the U.S. must submit a BOI report, unless they qualify for specific exemptions. If your dry cleaning business is structured as an LLC or corporation, you are likely required to file. Sole proprietorships are generally exempt unless they operate under a formal business entity.

New Filing Deadline: March 1, 2025

For businesses formed before January 1, 2024, the new filing deadline is now March 1, 2025 (originally January 1, 2025). If your business was created on or after January 1, 2024, you have 90 days from the date of formation to file.

How to File

1. Gather Required Information – This includes:
   • Business legal name and address
   • Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN/EIN)
   • Full legal name, date of birth, and address of beneficial owners
   • A copy of an identifying document (driver’s license or passport) for each beneficial owner
2. Submit the Report via the FinCEN website: https://www.fincen.gov/boi
3. Keep Records Updated – If there are changes in ownership, address, or other key information, you must update your BOI filing within 30 days of the change.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to file or submitting false information may result in civil penalties of up to $500 per day and criminal penalties, including fines and possible imprisonment.

Removing stains is often like solving a mystery—especially when dealing with the toughest culprits: combination and unknown stains. These tricky stains can be labor-intensive to eliminate, particularly if they've had time to oxidize. But with the right approach, even the most stubborn stains don't stand a chance.

Understanding the Stains You're Up Against

Combination stains contain two or more different components, making them complex to treat. Meanwhile, unknown stains are those mysterious marks whose ingredients can't be easily identified. Knowing what you're up against is the first step in effective stain removal. Here's a quick breakdown of common stain types:

1. Dryside Stains: Grease, oil, wax, or plastic-based.

2. Sweet Stains: Contain sugar (including corn syrup), salt, or starch.

3. Tannin Stains: Derived from vegetable matter (excluding vegetable oils).

4. Protein/Albuminous Stains: Come from animal or protein sources.

Examples of Combination Stains:

• Coffee with Milk: A mix of tannin and protein.

• Coffee with Artificial Creamer: Contains sugar, tannin, and oil.

• Tea with Sugar: A blend of tannin and sweet.

• Pasta Sauces & Salad Dressings: A complex combo of oil, animal fats, tannin, and proteins.

Pro Tip: Get to know the ingredients in common foods and products—it can make stain identification (and removal) much easier. A quick trip to the supermarket to study condiment labels can save time in the long run.

Step-by-Step Stain Removal Procedures

1. Dryside Stain Removal

These greasy, oily stains require specific treatments to break them down effectively.

• Step 1: Apply O.T.P.R or P.O.G.

• Step 2: (Optional) Add Volatile Dry Solvent (VDS) for better solubilization.

• Step 3: Use mechanical action—tamp with a spotting brush and gently work with a spatula.

• Step 4: Apply amyl acetate alongside O.T.P.R or P.O.G to tackle vegetable-based stains.

• Step 5: Repeat mechanical action.

• Step 6: Flush with steam or VDS, depending on the solvent used.

Note: Avoid amyl acetate on fabrics containing polyurethane or acrylic.

2. Tannin Stain Removal

Since tannin formulas include neutral lubricants, you can skip the sweet stain procedure.

• Step 1: Flush with steam.

• Step 2: Apply a prepared tannin formula (or substitute with a neutral lubricant + 28% acetic acid).

• Step 3: Use mechanical action—tamp with a spotting brush and work it with a spatula.

• Step 4: Repeat if necessary.

• Step 5: Flush and feather if the stain is removed.

If the stain persists:

• Step 6: Apply Oxalic Acid or a rust remover containing it (avoid hydrofluoric acid due to its corrosive nature).

• Step 7: Test with heat on an inconspicuous area before applying.

• Step 8: Apply heat—no mechanical action.

• Step 9: Use a general formula, test with heat, then apply mechanical action.

• Step 10: Flush with steam.

3. Protein/Albuminous Stain Removal

Protein-based stains need gentle yet effective handling.

• Step 1: Mist the area with water.

• Step 2: Flush with steam.

• Step 3: Apply a Protein Formula or a mixture of neutral lubricant and 26⁰ Ammonia.

• Step 4: Use mechanical action—tamp with a spotting brush and work it with a spatula.

• Step 5: Repeat if necessary.

• Step 6: Flush and feather if the stain is gone.

If the stain remains:

• Step 7: Apply 3% Hydrogen Peroxide.

• Step 8: Apply heat from the spotting gun (no mechanical action).

If stubbornness persists:

• Step 9: Combine 3% Hydrogen Peroxide with 26% Ammonia.

• Step 10: Apply heat (no mechanical action).

• Step 11: Neutralize with 28% Acetic Acid.

Important: Always test for colorfastness on an inconspicuous area before applying ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, or heat.

One last thought:

While combination and unknown stains can be frustrating, having a clear, step-by-step strategy can make the process manageable—and even satisfying. Remember to familiarize yourself with common stain components and follow procedures carefully to avoid damage and achieve spotless results!

The dry cleaning industry is at a crossroads as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces sweeping changes under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The final rules ban all uses of trichloroethylene (TCE) and severely restrict the use of perchloroethylene (PCE), the primary solvent used in dry cleaning. This landmark decision signals a new era of environmental and worker safety but also presents challenges for small businesses in the industry. Here's what dry cleaners need to know and how they can adapt to these significant changes.

What the New EPA Rules Mean for Dry Cleaners

1. Complete Ban on TCE
   Trichloroethylene (TCE), widely recognized for its toxic effects, is now banned in all consumer and most commercial uses. For dry cleaners, this means any product or process involving TCE must be eliminated. Although TCE use is less prevalent in the dry cleaning sector compared to PCE, those relying on it for specialty applications will need to transition immediately.
2. 10-Year Phaseout for PCE in Dry Cleaning
   Perchloroethylene (PCE), the cornerstone solvent of traditional dry cleaning, will face a complete phaseout over the next decade. Here’s how the timeline looks:
   • Six Months: Dry cleaners are prohibited from purchasing new machines that use PCE.
   • 10 Years: All existing PCE-based equipment must be phased out. Machines with older designs will face tighter deadlines, with newer models allowed slightly more time.

Why the Ban Matters

The EPA’s decision is grounded in science. PCE and TCE are associated with severe health risks, including liver, kidney, and brain cancers, as well as neurotoxicity and reproductive harm. These risks are not limited to workers in the industry but extend to consumers and nearby communities exposed to these chemicals.

Additionally, this ban aligns with President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot initiative to reduce cancer risks across the country. The EPA emphasizes that safer alternatives are readily available, making this shift both necessary and achievable.

Challenges for Dry Cleaners

While the ban aims to safeguard health and the environment, it places dry cleaners in a challenging position. Transitioning to alternative solvents or cleaning methods will require:

• Investment in New Equipment: Replacing PCE machines can cost tens of thousands of dollars, posing a financial burden for small businesses.
• Learning Curve for New Processes: Adopting alternative solvents or wet cleaning systems may require retraining staff and adjusting workflows.
• Compliance with Regulations: Dry cleaners using PCE during the transition period must adhere to stringent workplace safety standards, including exposure monitoring and chemical protection plans.

Safer Alternatives for Dry Cleaners

As the industry pivots away from PCE, several alternatives offer promising solutions:

1. Hydrocarbon Solvents: These low-toxicity solvents are compatible with many existing machines and offer a smoother transition for cleaners.
2. Silicone-Based Solvents: Known for their eco-friendly properties, silicone solvents, like GreenEarth®, are gaining popularity among dry cleaners and consumers.
3. Professional Wet Cleaning: This method uses water and biodegradable detergents, eliminating the need for solvents altogether. While it requires specialized equipment, wet cleaning is widely regarded as the most sustainable option.

How Dry Cleaners Can Prepare

1. Plan Equipment Upgrades
   Begin assessing your current equipment and budget for replacements. Machines that use PCE will need to be replaced with models compatible with alternative solvents or wet cleaning systems.
2. Seek Financial Assistance
   The EPA has announced plans to provide grants and funding to small businesses transitioning to TSCA-compliant practices. Stay informed about these opportunities to ease the financial burden.
3. Train Your Team
   Adopting new cleaning methods requires a skilled workforce. Invest in training programs to ensure your team is prepared to handle alternative solvents or wet cleaning techniques effectively.
4. Stay Updated on Compliance Guidelines
   The EPA will release compliance guidance in the coming months. Regularly check for updates to ensure you meet all regulatory requirements and avoid penalties.

Opportunities for Innovation

While these changes present challenges, they also open doors for innovation:

• Position Yourself as a Green Leader: By transitioning to eco-friendly cleaning methods, your business can attract environmentally conscious consumers.
• Expand Service Offerings: Wet cleaning and other alternative methods allow you to handle specialty items like delicates and household textiles, creating new revenue streams.
• Enhance Brand Reputation: Aligning your business with environmental and worker safety initiatives boosts trust and loyalty among customers.

The EPA’s ban on PCE and TCE marks a turning point for the dry cleaning industry. While the path ahead may seem daunting, proactive preparation and adoption of safer alternatives can position your business for long-term success. At the National Cleaners Association, we are committed to supporting dry cleaners through this transition with training, resources, and advocacy. Together, we can ensure a sustainable future for our industry.

Are you ready to make the transition? Contact us today to learn how we can help you navigate these changes and embrace the future of dry cleaning.