1.     What is the difference between laundry and dry cleaning?

Garments sent for laundry are immersed in water during the cleaning cycle, whilst garments which require Dry Cleaning are immersed in a spirit called ‘Perclorethylene’.

When garments which are meant for dry cleaning are washed instead, the most common damages that can occur include shrinking and/or ‘bubbling’ along the interlinings of the garment, as well as permanent creasing of the material.

2.      How long does it take for a garment to be cleaned?

                                   April – July           September – March

Should you require express service, such as same day or next day service, always check with reception on 21444444 or send an email on sales@21444444.com as soon as possible.

3.     What are the costs of cleaning a garment?

Please refer to the price list which is available upon request from our staff, or alternatively you may find them on our website www.21444444.com

We also welcome requests for commercial/group rates, therefore please email sales@21444444.com with your details.

4.     If I have a stained garment, can you remove it by dry cleaning it?

If the garment has not been treated at home and the stain has not been there for more than four weeks, there is a good possibility that it will be treated and removed with the dry cleaning process. We can never guarantee that a stain can be removed completely; we always do our utmost but can never guarantee.

5.     I stained my jacket and even though it’s supposed to be dry clean only, I tried cleaning it with damp cloth. Now I have a yellow stain (water mark) can it be removed?

It is very difficult to guarantee that such stains can be removed before dry cleaning the garment. Therefore we can never guarantee that any stains are removed.

6.     Do you manage to remove colour run as I washed it at home by mistake?

It is very difficult for us to remove colour run as colour tends to pigment itself to the fabric once it dries up. We can only offer this service at your own risk.

7.     Do you manage to remove an iron mark as I ironed it at home and damaged the material?

Unfortunately in such cases the material has become permanently damaged.

8.     What does a circle mean on the cleaning label?

For a full list of cleaning symbols, please refer to our website www.21444444.com. A circle with a ‘W’ means Wet Clean, whereby a circle with a ‘P’ means that the garment needs to be Dry Cleaned.

9.     What do I do to get the colour of my trousers back if the colour has faded?

Once a garment has faded, we may attempt use an oil based colour restorer, although we cannot guarantee the results. Another alternative is to use the ‘Dylon’ dying system available from main supermarkets. We do not offer this service as the dyes available on the market are non-fast dyes, meaning that the colour will only last for a couple of washes.

10.  I have stained my trousers with bleach and the colour went off, what can I do?

Unfortunately there is no solution to restore the original colour as bleach tends to remove the dye completely. When garments have been damaged by household bleach, the damaged area will not absorb the colour as much as the rest of the fabric, the end result would be having the garment colour in different shades.

11.  How would I know if my curtains need to be laundered or dry cleaned?

We would need to see the fabric to confirm what kind of cleaning process is required. This depends mainly on the type of fabric used, the type of dye used to print the fabric and if the material has been pre-shrunk prior to the fabrication of the curtains. You can be assured that we will check and test the fabric before the cleaning process and should we have any doubts, we will contact you to inform you of any risks involved.

12.  How much would it cost to clean a carpet?

If the carpet is washed by a foam generator system, it costs €3.60 per square meter. Carpets which are either made out of wool, hand-made, or contain other materials which must be dry cleaned, cost €6 per kilo.

If in doubt, we can arrange to collect the carpet and call you with a quote before proceeding, at no additional expense to you.

13.  Can I store the garments in the plastic that you supply?

We deliver the garments in plastic packing to ensure that that the items are received in the best possible manner. Storing items in plastic packing increases the risk of mould, thus we always recommend that items should be stored in breathable packaging such as Merino blanket bags, wedding dresses bags etc. which are usually made out of cotton material. Another alternative is to store your garments in cotton sheets or vacuum packaging. Always make sure that you store garments clean and completely dry.

Nevertheless, it is always much better to send a garment for dry cleaning before it is put away for the season, rather than sending it in just before wearing it when stains have been noticed. A common mistake is when you may not realise that a garment is stained when putting it away, whereby removing stains after a garment has been in a wardrobe for a few months, makes stain removal almost impossible. Sadly, many of our customers have commented on the fact that certain ‘yellowish’ stains have only appeared on their garments, several months later during storage.

14.  What are your opening hours at Portughes Dry Cleaners outlets?

Mriehel   Monday to Friday from 7.30 a.m. until 5.00 p.m.

Saturdays from 8.30 a.m.  until 1:00 p.m.

B’Kara      Monday to Friday from 8.30 a.m. until 12.00 p.m.

As well as from 3.30 p.m. until 7.00 p.m.

Saturdays from 8.30 a.m. until 1.30 p.m.

15.  Are the prices all the same from any outlet?

Prices are always the same, irrespective whether you bring your garments to one our outlets, use our door to door services or the service of any of our agents.

16.  If I send some clothes for dry cleaning can you collect and deliver them?

Yes, you must inform us when you bring the garments for cleaning and this should be noted on the pickup note, or by contacting our head office on 21444444.

17.  What will happen if I washed my suits at home?

Domestic liquids used in washing machines contain optical brighteners which tend to lighten the colours of trousers, which would result in a colour mismatch between the trousers and the jacket. The lining contained within the lapels is not water resistant and could result in a ‘bubbling’ effect. Blazers are also known to shrink when wet washed as well.

18.  If I am not completely satisfied with the service, what can I do?

Portughes Dry Cleaning is CSQM and ISO 9001:2000 certified (assessed by TUV-ICB). We also utilize the most up to date technology and our processes are considered to be amongst the highest standards within the European Union.

Nevertheless, we always welcome suggestions on how we can possibly improve our services, thus invite you to write/email us on info@portughes.com , stating the nature of your complaint as well as any relevant details which you would like to add.

We strive to acknowledge your complaint within 2 working days.

19.  How can I thank your staff/a particular member of staff, for good service?

Likewise, we appreciate your favourable comments too! Kindly email them on info@portughes.com , thank you!