Every garment entering the plant should be inspected carefully before processing begins.

Inspection should happen in two places:

• At the counter during intake
• At the spotting board before stain removal begins

The goal is simple: identify conditions that may lead to claims before the garment is processed.

Certain defects are not caused by cleaning. They are the result of manufacturing issues, fabric weakness, or prior consumer damage. If these conditions are not identified early, the cleaner may appear responsible for damage that already existed.

Three warning signs should always trigger a pause before spotting, pressing, or cleaning.

1. Dye Migration

Dye migration occurs when dyestuffs release from one portion of a fabric and transfer to another area.

This issue is frequently seen in:

• Printed garments
• Color-blocked garments
• Bright or saturated dyes

Migration may occur because of defective dye application during manufacturing, or it may develop from perspiration, staining substances, or wear.

In many cases, once dye migration occurs it cannot be corrected without risking additional damage.

If a garment appears to contain unstable dye, a preliminary test may be performed at the spotting board.

Place the garment over a white towel and apply drycleaning solvent to an unexposed area. If dye transfers to the towel, the dye system is unstable.

Even this test has limits. Some dyes are heat sensitive and may migrate only during drying or during the reclamation cycle.

If dye instability is suspected, inform the customer and obtain a release of liability before processing.

2. Fiber Distortion

Fiber distortion typically indicates weak yarn construction.

When yarns lack sufficient tensile strength, the fabric may show:

• Pilling
• Chafing
• Yarn separation
• Unraveling

Minor pilling may sometimes be corrected, but chafing and yarn separation are permanent conditions.

Fiber distortion may also result from improper stain removal attempts by the customer. Harsh rubbing or chemical use can weaken fibers and cause localized damage.

Any distortion or weakened areas should be documented and shown to the customer before cleaning.

Clear documentation protects both the cleaner and the customer.

3. Bonded or Fused Fabrics

Many garments rely on bonding or fusing to maintain structure.

These fabrics use adhesive binders that are cured under heat and pressure to hold layers together.

If the bonding process during manufacturing was faulty, the outer fabric may:

• Separate from the backing
• Bubble or pucker
• Delaminate during cleaning

Drycleaning solvents can dissolve some adhesives, and the heat used during drying or finishing can further weaken defective bonds.

Unfortunately, there is no completely reliable way to test bonded or fused fabrics before processing.

If separation or puckering is visible during inspection, the customer should be advised of the garment’s defective condition before cleaning.

The Professional Approach

Professional garment care begins with inspection.

Stopping early when red flags appear can prevent unnecessary claims and protect both the cleaner and the garment.

When these warning signs appear:

Stop.
Test when possible.
Document the condition.
Communicate clearly with the customer.

Careful inspection remains one of the most important skills in professional garment care.