Dry cleaning in Cheras | Superman Laundry

What does dry cleaning actually do?

The name is misleading. Clothes are still cleaned in a liquid, just not in water. Dry cleaning uses a cleaning solvent instead. The garments are gently moved through the solvent, the solvent is removed, and the clothes are then finished and pressed.

The reason to avoid water is simple: some fibres and constructions react badly to it.

Wool can shrink and felt when it is washed and agitated in water.
Rayon, viscose and acetate can shrink, lose their drape, or come out looking crinkled.
Silk can lose its sheen and pick up water marks.
Tailored jackets and coats have hidden layers inside, like interfacing and padding, that can pucker or bubble after a wash.

Solvent also dissolves oily marks, such as body oils on a collar, makeup, and cooking grease, which water alone struggles with.

What is dry cleaning good at?

It is good at keeping structured clothes in shape, keeping colours from bleeding, and lifting oil-based stains.

It is not magic. Some stains, like sweat, sugary drinks and many food spills, are water-based. They are usually treated separately, so it helps to tell the counter what the stain is and roughly how old it is. Old stains, or stains that have been ironed over, may lighten without disappearing completely.

How do you read a care label?

The symbols on the label are your best guide.

A plain circle means professional cleaning.
A circle with a letter inside (usually P or F) means the item can be dry cleaned. The letter tells the cleaner which solvent is suitable.
A circle with a W means professional wet cleaning, a careful water-based process done by a professional.
A crossed-out circle means do not dry clean.
A washtub means it can be washed with water. A hand in the tub means hand wash only.

The wording matters too. “Dry clean only” is the maker telling you water is a real risk. Plain “dry clean” is often a recommendation rather than a rule, but unless you are confident about the fabric, treat it as a warning.

Which clothes usually need dry cleaning?

Suits, blazers and structured coats, especially wool
Wool and wool-blend trousers and skirts
Silk blouses, dresses and scarves
Rayon, viscose and acetate pieces, which covers a lot of flowy dresses and tops
Lined dresses and skirts, where the lining and outer fabric may shrink at different rates
Beaded, sequinned or heavily embroidered evening wear
Traditional and occasion wear with songket, metallic thread, brocade or delicate trims, such as a special baju kurung, a cheongsam, or a silk saree
Leather and suede items, which need specialist care

Which clothes usually do not?

Cotton T-shirts and everyday shirts
Most jeans
Polyester work clothes and school uniforms
Gym and sportswear
Towels, and everyday cotton baju kurung or baju Melayu (check the label)

These do perfectly well with a normal wash. Sending them for dry cleaning is just extra cost. At our shop in Cheras, everyday wash and fold loads are never mixed with other customers’ laundry. One machine serves one customer at a time.

When is a hand wash enough?

Some delicate pieces can take water but not a machine. Think of a light knit, a fine cotton blouse, or a handkerchief. For these, a gentle hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent, no wringing, and drying flat in the shade usually works well. We also wet-clean pieces like this at the shop, including hand wash and stain removal.

Shoes are not a dry-cleaning job. Every pair is hand-washed at our shoe counter. For thick bedding in wet weather, see how to keep a comforter fresh.

How do you look after dry-clean clothes between visits?

The best way to make these clothes last is to clean them less often, and look after them properly in between.

Air them out after wearing. Hang a jacket or dress somewhere with good airflow overnight before putting it back in the wardrobe.
Use proper hangers. Shaped hangers for jackets, and clip hangers for skirts and trousers.
Brush wool. A soft clothes brush removes dust and lint and freshens the fibres.
Blot, do not rub. If you spill something, blot with a clean cloth. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper and can damage the surface of silk.
Never iron over a stain. Heat can set it permanently.
Watch the humidity. In Kuala Lumpur’s damp weather, clothes stored sealed in plastic can trap moisture and start to smell. For long-term storage, a breathable cotton garment bag in a dry, airy wardrobe is better.

What should you do before you drop clothes off?

Empty the pockets. Point out any stains and tell us what they are if you know. Mention if a piece has beads, sequins or delicate trims. And bring matching pieces, such as a suit jacket and trousers, together so they are cleaned the same way and stay the same colour. Visit the shop to drop them off. We do not collect from your home.

Questions about dry cleaning

Is dry cleaning bad for clothes?

Not when it is done for the right items. Done too often, any cleaning wears fabric, so air and brush clothes between cleanings.

Can I wash a dry-clean item at home?

Sometimes, if it is a sturdy fabric and the label says dry clean rather than dry clean only. It is still a risk, especially with wool, silk, rayon, and anything lined or tailored.

Will dry cleaning remove every stain?

Not always. Fresh stains have the best chance. Tell us what the stain is when you drop the item off.

How long does dry cleaning take?

Usually ready within 3 working days; express service available.

What does dry cleaning cost, and how do you visit?

Dry cleaning at our shop is priced per item. For example, a shirt or a pair of trousers is RM14, a jacket or coat is RM24, and a baju kurung set (2 pcs) is RM31. The full dry clean and wet clean lists are on our price list.

Superman Laundry is at 17-1, Lorong Durian, Taman Cheras, 56100 Kuala Lumpur. We are open Monday to Saturday from 9AM to 7PM and closed on Sunday, with public parking nearby. Not sure whether something needs dry cleaning? WhatsApp us or call 013-833 5526.