How to Prepare Your Clothes for Pickup or Drop-Off Ironing

The Smart Way to Ensure Speedy, Spotless, and Seamless Service

When using a professional ironing service like Dry Cleaning Junction, how you hand over your garments plays a big role in ensuring flawless results. Whether you opt for pickup or drop-off, a few simple steps can help prevent delays, avoid mix-ups, and ensure every crease is smoothed to perfection.

In this guide, we walk you through the best way to prepare your clothes for professional ironing — from sorting and packaging to communicating special requests. With these tips, you’ll make the most of your service while keeping your clothes looking sharp and well cared for.

Why Proper Preparation Matters

You might think all the hard work happens during the ironing itself — and that’s true to an extent. But how your clothes arrive at our facility can impact:

• The quality of the final result
• The speed of service
• The handling and care of delicate or special items
• The ability to return items in perfect condition and order

By investing a little care upfront, you help us deliver the premium experience Dry Cleaning Junction is known for.

1. Sort Your Items by Type and Fabric

Before placing garments into a bag or basket, group them by type or fabric:

• Shirts, trousers, dresses, blouses, etc. can be grouped separately
• Delicates such as silk, chiffon, or satin should be isolated
• Heavy items like jeans or linen trousers can be grouped together
• Mixed fabrics or blends may require individual review

Sorting saves time and allows our team to quickly assess the correct temperature, steam level, and method for each group. It also reduces the risk of colour transfer or fibre damage during handling.

2. Empty Pockets and Remove Accessories

Before handing over your clothes, always double-check:

• All pockets are empty — including trousers, jackets, and shirt fronts
• Any belts, pins, detachable trims, or tags are removed
• You’ve taken off badges, brooches, cufflinks, or clips
• There are no loose coins, tissues, or receipts that could cause damage

Items left behind can not only affect the ironing process but may also go missing or cause staining during steaming. Keeping things tidy ensures a safer and more efficient treatment.

3. Mark or Separate Clothes with Special Requirements

Have something that needs a little extra attention?

Place a note inside the bag or attach a label to the hanger for any of the following:

• “Do not press sleeves”
• “Use low heat only”
• “Avoid ironing over logo”
• “Do not crease trouser legs”

Our ironing professionals follow all garment care labels, but if you have a personal preference — let us know, and we’ll tailor the treatment accordingly.

4. Fold or Hang Clothes Neatly for Transport

How your items arrive impacts how they’re handled. We recommend:

• Folded neatly in a clean laundry bag or basket
• Avoid overstuffing bags — this creates unnecessary creasing
• If possible, hang items prone to wrinkling, like linen or formalwear
• Use garment covers for delicate or high-value clothing

We also offer complimentary garment bags for returning items neatly pressed and protected. If you have specific packaging preferences, let us know at booking.

5. Use a Clean, Breathable Bag or Container

Avoid plastic shopping bags or tightly sealed containers. Instead, use:

• A laundry or tote bag that allows airflow
• A clean fabric bag with drawstrings or zip closure
• A reusable container or basket if preferred for drop-off
• Clearly labelled bags with your name and contact number

This helps prevent mildew or odours, especially if there’s any moisture or humid weather during transport. Clean containers also reflect the care you want extended to your clothes.

6. Make a Quick Inventory (Optional but Helpful)

If you’re sending more than 10 items or including special garments, it’s helpful to:

• Make a quick list of items (e.g., “3 shirts, 2 dresses, 1 blouse”)
• Photograph your items if you’d like to keep visual records
• Attach a printed copy of your list inside the bag (optional)

This supports both parties in case any clarification is needed. At Dry Cleaning Junction, we maintain strict tracking systems, but an extra list never hurts — especially with bulk orders.

7. Book a Convenient Pickup or Drop-Off Time

Whether you’re booking online or over the phone, choose a time that suits your schedule — and give us any important details:

• Leave with a concierge or neighbour? Let us know.
• Flat or business address? Include access instructions.
• Do you need your items returned folded or hung? Just say so.

We offer flexible scheduling with free collection and delivery, and we always aim to make the process seamless.

8. Communicate Any Garment Concerns in Advance

Notice a stain, rip, or weakened seam? Mention it when booking or pop a note inside the bag. While we don’t offer repairs or stain removal as part of ironing, being aware of garment conditions helps us:

• Avoid worsening existing issues
• Handle fragile areas with extra care
• Set proper expectations about the final look

We treat every item with precision, and the more we know, the better we serve.

9. Keep Items You Don’t Want Ironed Separate

If you’re sending in a mixed laundry bag, make sure to separate or clearly label:

• Items that only need steaming
• Garments that require no ironing at all
• Clothing that should remain folded or hung as-is

We follow instructions carefully, but clear labelling avoids any accidental pressing.

10. Trust Us with the Rest

Once you’ve handed your items over, relax — they’re in safe hands.

At Dry Cleaning Junction, we’re proud to combine expert ironing with attentive service. Our process includes:

• Fabric-specific treatment
• Advanced equipment for a flawless finish
• Final quality checks before packaging
• Eco-conscious care every step of the way

We return garments ready to wear, beautifully presented, and with a level of attention that makes the entire experience effortless.

Ready to Book? Here’s What to Expect

With Dry Cleaning Junction, you get more than just ironing:

• Easy online booking or phone scheduling
• Free pickup and delivery across the UK
• Professional handling and premium care
• Items returned hung or folded – your choice

Whether it’s your weekly wardrobe or a one-off bulk order, we’re here to help you look sharp without the stress.