Two of the most common complaints we receive from new customers are related. "My shirts do not have enough starch!". And the equally popular, " My shirts are too stiff!"
Yes, they are related. Some of the problems are due to shirt selection by the customer. The higher the cotton content, the more starch a shirt will hold. Unfortunately many cleaners and shirt laundries today have pre-programmed machines that pump in liquid soaps, liquid "starch" and other laundry chemicals. In many cases, it is so automated that it is impossible to manage the amount of soap, starch, etc. necessary for the proper size of the load. These cleaners were never taught to properly classify and sort the loads of shirts, and how to run the washers based on the load. Just press start and the machine will do the rest!
And of course the liquid "starch" they pump into the washer is not a starch at all. It is a polymer. Starch is made from corn, wheat, and other natural products. It will rinse out with each washing. Polymers do not wash out so easy. So if your shirt is too stiff, or too limp, it may be because your cleaner just knows how to press start!
If you want a nice crisp shirt, always look for at least 60% cotton. Find a cleaner that has some experience, and enjoy the results.
John Elwell and his wife Sherry are veteran dry cleaners with over 25 years of experience each. They currently own and operate Cambrian Plaza Dry Cleaners in San Jose. For more information about Cambrian Plaza Dry Cleaners, visit their website, www.cambrianplazacleaners.com
