FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS about dry cleaning
Most misunderstood questions about professional dry cleaning
Get started with answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Can every stain be removed?
No. Not every stain can be completely removed. The result depends on the nature of the stain, how long it has been there, the type of fiber, and any previous treatments. Some fabrics react unpredictably to intensive stain removal. In those cases, preserving the fabric is more important than forcing a result.
Why does a stain sometimes reappear after cleaning?
Certain stains—such as grease, sugar, or old dirt—can become deeply embedded in the fiber structure. Residues may reappear during drying or wear. This does not mean that the cleaning was done incorrectly, but rather that the stain is structurally present in the material and can only be partially removed.
Is washing yourself always better than professional cleaning?
No. Washing with water can damage delicate fabrics by causing shrinkage, color loss, or deformation. Professional cleaning is intended for textiles that cannot be washed safely or that require controlled treatment. Washing yourself is suitable for robust clothing, but not for every material.
What does "no obligation to achieve results" mean?
Professional cleaning does not guarantee a perfect end result, but it does guarantee a professional and careful process. Each garment is assessed and treated according to the best available techniques and the care label. Because textiles and soiling vary, the result cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Why is every garment inspected beforehand?
Because no two garments are identical. Fiber type, finish, age, and previous treatments determine what is technically feasible and safe. Inspection prevents damage and ensures that the chosen treatment is proportionate to the risk to the textile.
Why does clothing sometimes smell different after dry cleaning?
During professional cleaning, old odors and residues are loosened from the fabric. This can temporarily cause a different smell, which usually disappears when aired out. Stubborn odors can be deeply embedded in the fiber structure and cannot always be completely neutralized.
Can professional dry cleaning prevent shrinkage?
In many cases, yes, but not always. Shrinkage can be caused by previous washes, tension in the fiber, or manufacturing processes. Professional cleaning limits the risk, but cannot always undo existing tension in the fabric.
Why does clothing sometimes need to be cleaned multiple times?
For certain types of soiling, one treatment is insufficient to remove deeply embedded residues. Additional treatments are only considered when this is technically justified and does not pose an unnecessary risk to the fabric.
Is professional dry cleaning harmful to the environment?
Modern dry cleaning uses controlled systems, closed circuits, and strictly regulated products. The environmental impact depends on the technology and process control. Properly performed professional cleaning is not necessarily more harmful than washing at home.
Can professional dry cleaning repair color bleeding or discoloration?
No. Once dyes have run or fibers have been chemically damaged, restoration is usually not possible. Professional cleaning can limit further damage, but cannot guarantee the original condition.
General questions
Get started with answers to the most frequently asked questions.
How to remove wine stains: why Salt, White Wine and Vinegar are no good?
Salt, white wine and vinegar are often mentioned as home remedies to remove wine stains, but they are not always the best choice. Here's an explanation of why:
Salt: also known as Sodium Chloride, is often used to draw moisture out of stains, but it can have the opposite effect with wine stains. The salt can fix the stain and push the dye deeper into the fabric, making the stain more difficult to remove. It is important to note that because of its bleaching property, it is better not to sprinkle salt on your beautiful clothes.
White wine (containing sugars): Using white wine to remove red wine stains is a common myth, but it is not always effective. Moreover, white wine may contain sugars, which can further aggravate the stain by bringing the sugars into the fabric and diffusing the red dye.
Vinegar: Vinegar is often recommended for its ability to dissolve stains, but it can permanently fix the dye in wine stains instead of removing them. In addition, vinegar can leave a strong odor in clothing.
Instead, it is usually better to act quickly by dabbing the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to soak up excess wine. Then try a specialized stain remover or have the stain treated by a professional dry cleaner, especially if delicate fabrics are involved. It is always advisable to follow the instructions on the clothing label and, if necessary, seek professional advice to increase the chances of successful stain removal.
How do you do dry cleaning?
Dry cleaning is not something you can do yourself. It is a professional cleaning process that is carried out using specialized equipment and techniques, intended for clothing that cannot be safely washed with water.
In practice, dry cleaning always starts with an inspection of the garment. The material, finish, and condition are used to determine which treatment is technically appropriate. Cleaning is carried out in a controlled manner, without water, to limit risks such as shrinkage, deformation, or color loss.
How long does dry cleaning take?
The duration of the dry cleaning process can vary depending on several factors, including the type of garment, the size of the garments to be cleaned and the cleaning method chosen. In general, you can expect your clothes to be ready within a few days to a week. We strive to clean your clothes quickly and efficiently so that you can enjoy them as soon as possible.
We also offer express service for urgent cleaning.
How does dry cleaning work?
Professional dry cleaning is a cleaning process in which clothing is cleaned without the use of water. Instead, controlled cleaning agents and specialized equipment are used to remove dirt and stains without exposing the fabric to shrinkage, deformation, or color loss.
Each garment is inspected in advance for material, finish, and condition. Based on this, the most suitable cleaning technique is selected. The process is controlled and tailored to the specific textile, with attention to both cleaning results and preservation of the fiber structure.
At Opuro, we consciously use modern, more environmentally friendly cleaning methods that are designed to clean thoroughly while respecting clothing and the environment. The goal is not maximum aggression, but safe and responsible treatment of every garment.
How much does a dry cleaner cost?
The price of professional dry cleaning depends on the type of garment, the material used, and the treatment required. Simple items are generally less expensive than delicate or complex garments that require more inspection and manual finishing.
For fabrics such as silk, linen, or clothing with specific details, the price may be higher due to the increased risk and the specialized cleaning technique required. For this reason, rates are usually determined per garment and not applied as a fixed amount.
To get an accurate price estimate, it is important to assess the garment itself, so that the treatment and cost are proportionate to the material and its condition.
Is Dry clean the same as steaming?
No. Dry cleaning and steaming are two different treatments with different purposes. Dry cleaning is a cleaning process in which clothing is cleaned without water to remove dirt and stains. Steaming is not a cleaning process, but a finishing technique to freshen up clothing and reduce creases.
Steaming can tackle odors and slight deformation, but does not remove deep dirt or stains. Dry cleaning, on the other hand, is intended for thorough cleaning of clothing that cannot be washed safely. Both techniques are often combined, but are not technically the same.
Can you do dry cleaning yourself?
No. Dry cleaning requires specialized equipment and chemical solvents that are not available for private use. The process is technically complex and designed to clean textiles without the risks associated with water, temperature, or mechanical friction.
Professional dry cleaning services operate under strict environmental regulations and permits to ensure these techniques are applied safely and in a controlled manner. These regulations are not only legally required, but also ensure that the cleaning process is carried out responsibly and that the environment is protected.
How often should I take my clothes to dry cleaning?
That depends on the type of garment and how intensively it is worn. In general, it is advisable to have clothes cleaned only when really necessary, and not routinely after each wear. Too frequent cleaning can put unnecessary strain on the fabric.
For delicate or shape-retaining clothing, such as suits, dresses, or coats, professional dry cleaning is recommended when there is visible soiling or when the garment loses its freshness. The aim is to maintain a balance between hygiene and preservation of the material.
New clothing does not necessarily need to be professionally cleaned before wearing. In some cases, initial cleaning may be recommended to remove production residues or improve color stability, depending on the material and finish.
Is dry cleaning safe for all types of fabrics?
No, not for all fabrics. Professional dry cleaning is suitable for a wide range of materials, but not all textiles can withstand the same treatment. That is why each garment is assessed in advance for its composition, finish, and condition.
The maintenance and composition labels are an important starting point, but they are not the only criterion. Factors such as age, wear and tear, and previous treatments also play a role in determining what is technically feasible and safe.
If the instructions are not followed or if the material proves to be too delicate, damage may occur. Professional dry cleaning is therefore not about standard treatment, but about choosing the most responsible approach for each garment.
Pickup, delivery and scheduling
Get started with answers to the most frequently asked questions.
At what hours do you visit?
Choose a time slot that works for you.
Choose the 2-hour pickup and delivery times that suit you in our app or by email. We will send an email confirmation afterwards.
How long does it take?
How do I give the clothes to the driver?
Do I have to be home when you come over?
If you have not set delivery preferences in your online account, you must be home when our drivers come to pick up and deliver your items. If you will not be home or if you want someone else to pick up your order, you can specify a preferred contact (neighbor, housekeeper, janitor) in your delivery preferences.
If you miss a pickup or delivery and have not notified us at least 12 hours before the deadline, you will be charged 12 € for your order to cover the driver's visit.
Do not hesitate to contact us in time, we are very understanding, we will find a solution together.
Can I also place an order by mail?
Yes, if you are not sure how to make a booking online, you can always contact our customer service by email info@opuro.be. They will be happy to help you and send you an email with a booking confirmation.
What locations do you serve?
We serve a wide range of locations in Belgium, with a focus on the following provinces and municipalities:
Brussels Capital Region.
In Flemish Brabant, we serve municipalities such as Affligem, Asse, Beersel, Boortmeerbeek, Buggenhout, Dilbeek, Drogenbos, Grimbergen, , Kampenhout, Kapelle-op-den-Bos, Keerbergen, Kraainem, Lennik, Liedekerke, Londerzeel, Machelen, Meise, Merchtem, Opwijk, Ternat, Tervuren, Vilvoorde, Wemmel, Wezembeek-Oppem, Zaventem, Zemst and many more.
We also deliver in the province of Antwerp, as well as numerous municipalities in East Flanders,
In addition, we are constantly expanding our coverage, so if your specific zip code is not yet available in our app, please let us know.
We strive to serve more and more locations and can work with you to see if there is anything we can do to take the burden off of you. Our goal is to make our services accessible to as many customers as possible, so rest assured we will continue to grow and expand where there is demand for our services.
Can I book a subscription?
Yes! You can book a fixed pick-up and drop-off slot (once a week or twice a week) directly in your online account (just click "Book a recurring booking".
You can also call us at 052/372682 and one of our staff can reserve it for you. This prevents you from having to place an order over and over again, and you can cancel it at any time if you don't need delivery that week or go on vacation.
What is your minimum order value?
There is a minimum order of 100 € for clothing and 150 € for carpets and curtains. Please note that there is a 14 € delivery charge if the total value of the order is less than 100 €. For orders over 100 € for clothing and 150 € for curtains and carpets, pick-up and delivery to your home or office within our region is free of charge.
By "our region" we mean a driving distance of 10 km from our starting point at Stoofstraat 41 at 1785 Merchtem.
If you have any questions, email us, we are happy to help.
How can I pay?
You can pay with the credit card you entered during the registration process on our website or through our Opuro App.
In addition, you can also easily and quickly pay with a debit or credit card at the driver's door via a user-friendly payment terminal.
Unfortunately, we do not accept cash payments.
How can I check the status of my booking?
Can I change my details or cancel my booking?
Sometimes you get surprised with different arrangements - we fully understand that.
You can change your booking date and time until 5 p.m. on the day before the originally scheduled slot. If you do not know when you will be free next time, you can cancel your booking and place a new one when you are ready. Please note that if you need to change your address information for a new zip code, you may need to choose new pickup and delivery times.
Do you also offer rush delivery for urgent orders?
Yes, we offer express delivery for urgent orders. Please contact us and we will assess the situation and propose a customized solution. Please note that this service is tailored to your needs and may involve additional costs due to the unique transport and deployment of all necessary resources to ensure successful express delivery.
Why may my order be refused or delayed?
There are several factors that may affect our ability to process and deliver your order. During certain periods, such as holidays, vacation periods, or unforeseen circumstances such as extreme weather conditions or other logistical challenges, we may experience limitations in our operational capacity.
Additionally, there may be situations where the processing and delivery costs of an order are higher than the order's value, especially for orders outside our usual delivery area. In such cases, we may be forced to refuse or delay the order to avoid operational and logistical costs not being covered.
We are committed to providing you with the best possible service and appreciate your understanding and patience. If you have any questions or would like to discuss alternative solutions, we are here to assist you.