FAQ

Hours of Operation and Turn Around Time

When are you open?

Monday – Friday: 7am – 7pm

Saturday: 10am – 5pm

Sunday: Noon – 5pm

We are closed Memorial Day, The Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

We have limited hours around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years so please call ahead.

When will my order be ready?

Monday drop-offs are ready for pickup Wednesday 7am

Tuesday drop-offs are ready for pickup Thursday 7am

Wednesday drop-offs are ready for pickup Friday 7am

Thursday drop-offs are ready for pickup Saturday 7am

Friday-Sunday drop-offs are ready for pickup Tuesday at 7am

*Household items such as comforters require one extra day

Do you offer Next-Day or Same-Day Service?

Upon request, your order can be available the next day at 5pm upon for no extra charge.  Just give us a heads up and we will make it happen! See below for specific expedited service turnaround times.  For Friday and Saturday drop-offs, the earliest possible turnaround is Monday at 5pm. We do not offer same-day service.

Monday – Thursday: Drop-offs are ready the next day at 5pm
Friday – Sunday:  Drop-offs are ready the following Monday after 5pm

Are you open on the weekends?

We are open Saturdays 10am – 5pm  and  Sundays 12am – 5pm for pick-up and drop-off at all locations.  Garments dropped-off on Saturday and Sunday will be ready Tuesday at 7am.

Delivery

Do you deliver in my area?

We currently deliver to homes and offices in thirty zip-codes in the Austin area. Check our Delivery Area and Schedule for your area. We are always growing our delivery area. If you don’t see your zip code on the Delivery Area and Schedule, please call (512) 236-8645 to alert us of your interest.

Is there a delivery charge?

Our Pick-up and delivery service is completely FREE for orders that meet the minimum order requirement.

What is the minimum delivery requirement?

Delivery order must have at least three Wet/Dry Clean items (pants, jackets, sweaters, dresses, blouses, skirts). Laundered shirts count as ½ an item.

Do you provide a bag for my clothes? How do I get my new bag?

We provide you with one convertible eco-friendly Laundry/Garment bag. Additional bags are $12.50. Your driver will deliver your first order in your new bag.

How do I schedule a pick-up?

If you are already signed-up, just call (512) 236-8645 or email ecocleanaustin.delivery@gmail.com to schedule a pick-up. If you are not yet a registered delivery customer, sign up now (512) 236-8645.

What are my drop-off and pick-up days?

Check our Delivery Area and Schedule for your area. On our first visit, our driver will confirm your schedule.

Where do you pick-up and drop-off my clothes? Do I have to be there?

You choose the location: front porch, garage, patio, side yard, office, supply room, wherever you prefer. The location should be safe and protected from the elements. Our driver will service your pre-selected location with or without your presence.

I forgot to leave out my bag, what do I do?

Just call (512) 236-8645 to make new arrangements.

How do I pay for your door-to-door service?

Once you are registered for pick up and delivery service, we will charge your credit card when your order is delivered. Your receipt will be included with the order.

How do I tell EcoClean about a special request/issue with my garments?

Simply leave a detailed note in your bag for our EcoClean representative regarding your request.

What do I do if I have a problem with my order?

Immediately contact us by phone at (512) 236-8645.

Can you clean this?

Can you clean my dry-clean-only Item?

Yes! We can clean, cotton, silk, linen, wool, cashmere, rayon, and fabric blends. 99% of all garments that can be dry cleaned can also be safely wet cleaned. If for any reason we believe your garment is not well suited for our cleaning process, we will notify you immediately.

What CAN’T be cleaned at EcoClean?

We do not clean leather, suede, fur, feather beds, extra thick mattress toppers, items with unset dye (like Indian silks and Guatemalan cottons), damaged items or items showing signs of weakened integrity. The EcoClean staff carefully examines every item before cleaning. If we discover failing construction, weakened fabric, un-set dye, or other conditions that could worsen in the cleaning process we cannot risk cleaning the item and will return the item without charge. If you wish for us to clean an item with any of these conditions, we will request that you sign a waiver releasing us from responsibility for any damage.

Can you clean my purse/bag/luggage?

Sometimes. Soft sided fabric or nylon bags and purses are often cleanable. Our production manager will inspect the bag for possible problems before cleaning. We cannot clean items with wheels, internal plastic or metal structure, leather, suede, or plated metal that could chip or wear off in the process.

Do you clean household items?

Yes. We clean bedding, table linens, dog beds, small rugs, and various other Household items.  Unfortunately there are many Household items that are not safe to process due to possible shrinkage, bleeding, or wear and tear. We are particularly careful about accepting drapes, cushions, and slip-covers.

Can you clean my down filled item?

Yes! The EcoClean Process is a fantastic way to clean down-filled items. Wet-Cleaning protects the feathers maintaining their integrity and loft. We can clean down-filled jackets, vests, sleeping bags and comforters.

Do you clean rugs?

We clean rugs up to 30 square feet with secure dyes and flexible non-adhesive backing. Area rugs that are too stiff to collapse into our machine or that have excessive wear and tear cannot be cleaned in our facility.

Can you remove mold and mildew?

Spores, YES! If you are concerned about mold spores in your items because they have been exposed to mold, our process kills and removes spores. Mold and Mildew Stains? Maybe. We have a great deal of success removing these stains, but as you know these are some of the most difficult stains to remove. If you discover mold or mildew stains do not wash and dry them at home. Drying the stain significantly lowers our chances of removing it.

Do you clean wedding dresses?

Yes. Please bring in your gown so we can determine if wet-cleaning is the appropriate process. We will get back to you immediately with a quote.  We can pack your wedding gown in special acid free packaging with a viewing window for safe-keeping.

Do you clean items infested with lice or bedbugs?

Sorry, we cannot risk spreading these pest to other customers’ items in our plant.

Can you get the smell out of fire/smoke damaged items?

Yes! Our process is fantastic for getting out all types of persistent odors. If you have a large quantity of smoke damaged items, please call for a consultation as we often have to clean these items at scheduled times to avoid contact with other customer’s garments.

Wet Cleaning

What is Wet Cleaning?

Wet cleaning is an environmentally friendly alternative to the dry cleaning process. Using specialized wet cleaning machines, detergents, and conditioners we are able insure safe and gentle cleaning.

What is the difference between wet cleaning and dry cleaning?

The main difference between the two technologies is that while dry cleaning relies on toxic solvents such as perchloroethylene or “perc” to clean clothes, wet cleaning machines use water and specialized, nontoxic detergent and conditioners.

How is wet cleaning different from my home washing machine?

Specialized wet cleaning systems are highly programmable to best clean different fabric types. Water temperature, saturation and agitation are all carefully controlled. Additionally, the detergents and conditioners are specially designed to better maintain color and texture of fabrics during the cleaning. All garments are professionally pressed hand finished. The other big difference is the drying process. Our dryers are designed to change the moisture level as slowly as possible. For some fabrics, the machine actually introduces steam to the drying environment to avoid shrinkage or other change to the fabric.

What fabric types can be safely cleaned using your process?

We can clean all fabric types including cotton, silk, linen, wool, cashmere, rayon, and fabric blends. In fact, extensive research has indicates that 99%+ of all garments that can be dry cleaned can also be safely wet cleaned.

Will wet cleaning shrink my clothes?

It is a common misconception that water by itself shrinks clothes. An incorrect combination of mechanical action, high temperatures and water can cause fibres to contract, as can excessive drying. Our washers and dryers have integrated computerized controls that enable us to program each separate load for multiple variables such as mechanical action, water and drying temperatures, moisture levels in dryers, as well as water and detergent volume. This flexibility allows us to set customized parameters that meet the specific cleaning needs of each type of fabric, thereby minimizing any potential for shrinkage.

How will wet cleaning affect my allergies?

Wet cleaning uses specialized detergents that are milder than most home laundry products. There are no chemical smells or residue left on clothing that could potentially trigger asthma symptoms or allergic reactions.

Will the dye in my clothes bleed using a water based process?

No. Most garments sold in the United States have properly set dye and will not bleed in the cleaning process. Additionally, our equipment is especially designed to process delicate fabrics like silk and rayon to avoid bleeding and color loss. Our garment care professionals will test all items that we suspect have poorly set dyes. The most common items with poorly set dye are ethnic or foreign purchased (i.e. India, Guatemala), hand dyed (tie-dyes) or not intended to be processed regularly (drapes, cushions, rugs).

Stains and Damage

What should I do, I just got a stain on my garment?

Blot the stain with a clean white or dye free towel to remove any excess liquids or solids and bring in the garment as soon as possible. Do not rub or wipe the stain—this action will press the stain further into the fabric and could rub out surface color or damage the fibers. Don’t Pre-treat! Trying to remove the stain at home will make the process of stain removal more difficult. Do not use household cleaners such as bleach, grease removers, tar removers, solvents, or stain removers. These products are often damaging to fabric and may interfere with or react poorly with professional treatments. Even home remedies like club soda and hairspray do more harm than good. If you have pre-treated a stain, it is critical that you let us know how you treated the garment and what products were used. Bring the garment in as soon as possible! Inform our staff what caused the stain to give us the best chance at successful removal. Spot removal is done by hand. Each garment is identified and treated separately based on the type and size of the spot or stain. We do our best to remove the stain without causing further damage to your garment. Most but not all stains can be completely removed by an expert. Many factors determine if a stain will be removed, including the type of stain, pre-treatment, fiber type, and the length of time the stain has remained on the fabric.

I just picked up my garments and I noticed there was still a stain, what should I do?

Please bring the garment to our attention immediately and we will gladly re-clean at no additional charge. If we have already attempted to remove the stain and were not successful, you may be asked to sign a waiver of responsibility because we have determined that further or more aggressive treatment may damage the garment.

What are these holes in my sweater?

Most likely insect damage. Insect damage is an unwelcome and unfortunately common cause of damage to garments and household items. Moths are attracted to protein fibers found in natural fabrics like wool, silk and cotton – and they do the greatest damage to garments that are left undisturbed for long periods of time; especially if they have not been cleaned prior to storage. Moths feed not only on natural fibers, but on particles and invisible stains left by food, beverages, perfumes, perspiration and body oils. You may not notice the damage caused by insects, but the next time you clean the garment, the cleaning process will remove the weakened and damaged fibers. You will then be able to see the holes caused by these pests. In severe cases, especially with wool sweaters, some of the woven fabric will unravel, leaving large holes.

See our garment care tips for instructions on how to best protect your stored items.

Why am I being asked to sign a waiver?

Multiple factors determine how an item will respond to cleaning and pressing. We carefully inspect every garment that comes in. In instances that we have identified a weakness in an item that will likely result in damage or further damage during the cleaning and finishing process, we will not be able to accept responsibility for the item. Should you want to go ahead with the cleaning, we will ask that you sign a waiver releasing us of any liability should the item be damaged during the cleaning and pressing process. The most common reasons are:

• Pre-existing damage (wear and tear, pests)
• Poorly set dye
• Handmade or vintage items
• Suspected dry–rot / sun damage
• Unfinished edges

Why did my shirt button break?

Our staff takes the utmost care in protecting buttons in the laundering process and press pads are replaced frequently. However, shirt buttons are of a varying quality and are subjected to high heat. Some buttons may break. If we find a cracked or missing button, we closely match it and replace it for you.

Pricing and Other Services

Is EcoClean more expensive than dry-cleaning?

Our prices are lower than some dry cleaners, equal to quite a few, and higher than many. We provide a service that we feel is well worth the price and are committed to keeping the prices as low as possible to maintain our standards of quality, sustainability, and service.

Can you do my regular laundry as well as my professional cleaning?

Sure, bring it on in! We offer complete Wash and Fold service for clothing and household items.  This service is priced by the pound and available both in-store and through our free delivery service.

Are you open on Sundays?

YES. All EcoClean locations are an Austin Dry Cleaner open on Sundays from Noon-5pm.

Do you recycle these pesky plastic garment bags?

Yes! Collect and bring in your plastic bags for recycling. You might consider purchasing one of our eco-friendly garment bags. It will completely eliminate the use of plastic in your garment cleaning routine.

What can I do with the hangars I am accumulating?

Collect them and bring them back in. Hangers in new condition will be reused in our process and damaged hangers will be recycled. We have handy reuseable hanger caddies for sale at the counter to help you store them at home before returning them to us. Thanks for doing your part!

Do you do alterations?

We are happy to do minor sewing like button replacement and hem repair but we currently do not do alterations.