We have spent many years growing our business and developing relationships with our customers and the community. We have also been developing our business philosophy, and we have come to realize that our relationship with our customers and our reputation in Alameda is the single most important factor in our success. With this in mind, every aspect of our business is geared towards building on these assets.
Honesty is at the core of our business – both in terms of our dealings with customers and in managing expectations.
We won't tell you that we can remove a stain or clean a garment safely unless we are confident that we can. We have no interest in misleading a customer for one time business; we would much rather build a trusting relationship with you so you can feel secure bringing your clothing to us in the future. In the same vein, your clothing will be ready to be returned to you when we tell you it will be. If it is at all within our control, we do not miss deadlines.
We are a family-owned business, and we value the relationships we've built with our customers over the years.
We are also proud that so many of our customers trust us enough to keep coming back, month after month and year after year. We hope that you will give us a chance to prove that we are the kind of business you can trust with your family's possessions, and that we will have the opportunity to build a relationship with you over the coming years.
Dry Cleaning
What are the benefits of dry cleaning?
Dry cleaning is a very effective cleaning process that can remove stains and dirt from clothing and other fabrics without risking shrinkage or damage. Traditional laundry services, using soap and water, can shrink, damage, or discolor clothing, while dry cleaning just cleans while protecting the clothing. For some fabrics and garments, dry cleaning is the only safe option.
What is the difference between dry cleaning and doing my laundry at home?
Dry cleaning is called "dry" cleaning because it does not use water. However, it does use liquid cleaning fluid. Here at Brite Cleaners , we employ a gentle, environmentally friendly cleaning solvent that works to remove stains without risking damage to the garment being cleaned. Doing your laundry at home can lead to damage, shrinkage, or garments losing their colors. Some clothing can be washed at home without much worry, but other types of garments should never just be thrown in a washing machine. Check your clothing's care tags before washing them.
When a garment's label says "washable" does that mean it cannot be dry cleaned?
No. This label only means that it is safe to wash the garment using traditional methods. It may or may not be safe to be dry cleaned. If you are unsure, bring the garment in and discuss it with your dry cleaner first.
Are there health problems linked to dry cleaning?
While some chemicals used in dry cleaning can be harmful when you are exposed to high levels, the amount that you will be exposed to via your clothing is not nearly high enough to cause any health problems.
Does frequent dry cleaning shorten the life of a garment?
No. On the contrary, dry cleaning actually extends the life of garments, because unlike water washing, dry cleaning does not slowly degrade the quality of the clothing. Instead, it removes dirt and stains, and can restore and preserve the integrity of the garment.
Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaning
Here at Brite Cleaners , we strive to run a green business. We are extremely environmentally conscious and always make sure that we are using only the most environmentally friendly products and cleaning methods. At the same time, we are aware that many of our clients have environmental or chemical sensitivities. If you have concerns about any products that we may be using, please do not hesitate to ask us any questions. We will do our best to find a solution that will make everyone happy.
Do you wet clean or dry clean my clothes?
Here at Brite Cleaners we employ both wet and dry cleaning. Cleaning with water or other chemical solvents both have their own particular uses, and depending on the clothing material and type of stain, it can be necessary to use one or the other. Professional cleaners like us know the best way to clean each garment without damaging it.
Do you use "perc" in your cleaning products?
Perc (short for the chemical name perchloroethylene) is one of the most common chemicals used in dry cleaning, worldwide. Unfortunately, perc is a respiratory and skin irritant, a known neurotoxin, and a carcinogen, and can lead to major health problems in people who are exposed to it. Worse, freshly dry cleaned clothes can sometimes release this chemical into the air of your home. Here at Brite Cleaners , we use a "wet cleaning" process to get your garments perfectly clean without using this harmful chemical.
Do you use any hazardous or polluting cleaning products?
No. We use environmentally-friendly, totally biodegradable soaps and conditioners to get your garments clean without negatively affecting the environment. We can safely clean "dry clean only" items without the harmful solvents and chemicals that are often used by other dry cleaners.
Are environmentally safe dry cleaning products hard on clothing?
There is a myth that environmentally friendly products are less effective, or that they ruin clothes. This is totally false. Using these products can actually extend the life of your garments, because they are much gentler than the harsh solvents used in traditional dry cleaning. We can remove tough stains without damaging our customers' health or the environment in Alameda.
Is wet cleaning more expensive than dry cleaning?
No, the prices are comparable. It is really just a difference in choice of products and methods of cleaning, and the cost works out to be about the same. If you care about being green, there is really no reason to choose traditional dry cleaning over a more environmentally friendly alternative.
Couture Garment Cleaning
When it comes to truly high quality, exceptional garments, it is unwise to rely on run-of-the-mill cleaners. Why risk damage to valuable and cherished clothing, when instead you can trust your couture garments to well-trained, experienced, and expert cleaners? For many years, the people of Alameda have been relying on Brite Cleaners to take exceptional care of their garments. We are extremely interested in fashion and keep up to date with all the latest material trends and the best cleaning practices. When you need a unique or high quality piece cleaned, trust Brite Cleaners to care for your garments as much as they deserve.
Do you wet clean or dry clean my clothes?
Here at Brite Cleaners we employ both wet and dry cleaning. Cleaning with water or other chemical solvents both have their own particular uses, and depending on the clothing material and type of stain, it can be necessary to use one or the other. Professional cleaners like us know the best way to clean each garment without damaging it.
Can you remove a pen stain from my suit?
Unfortunately, depending on the fabric, it is not always possible to remove an ink stain from a suit without damaging it. However, if it's at all possible, we have the expertise to do it. With an ink stain, the most important thing is that you bring it in to be cleaned as soon as possible – the longer it has time to set, the more difficult it is to remove.
Can you repair damaged clothing?
We specialize in repairing and restoring damaged or vintage couture articles. We work to revive and restore the color and texture of aged or damaged materials, bringing your precious pieces back to their original condition. With our years of experience and dedication to preserving high quality garments, we are Alameda's most relied upon cleaner.
Handbag & Accessory Cleaning
When you really love a purse or handbag, it can be hard to let it go – even once it's starting to show its age and look a bit shabby. Brite Cleaners offers handbag and purse cleaning services to our customers in the Alameda area. We will get your much-loved accessories back in top shape and looking great again.
Why do I have to clean my purse?
Of course, anyone will clean their purse when it has become visibly dirty. Spills and stains are all too common, and nobody wants to lug around a filthy handbag. However, it is important to clean your bag regularly simply for hygienic purposes. Handbags and purses are a nearly perfect breeding ground for bacteria and other germs. Even when your bag looks perfectly clean, you're still picking up these contaminants every time you touch it. Regular cleaning helps keep your bag hygienic and helps keep you healthy.
Can you restore color to my bag? How long does it take?
Yes, we can restain your leather bag to give it a uniform appearance. After your bag is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, the leather will be prepped and conditioned, and a customized color will be mixed and applied to your bag in multiple coats. After the final coat, a protective coat will be applied to seal the color, and the bag is left to dry entirely, making sure that the color is protected. This can take days, depending on the material. After drying, the bag will be inspected to make sure that the color is completely uniform, and the bag will be finished to ensure to get it looking like new. This is a very intensive process and can take days or weeks depending on our workload.
Will my bag look new after cleaning?
While a simple cleaning cannot completely restore your bag to "like new" condition, you may be amazed by how much of a difference a thorough cleaning can make. General wear and tear will still be visible on your bag, but its color will be revitalized and it will be much more hygienic.
Does cleaning harm my bag?
We work hard to ensure that we clean your bag without doing any harm to it. We use the safest possible cleaning methods, and your bag will be handled with the utmost care at all times.
Area Rug Cleaning
Brite Cleaners is able to clean area rugs at our Alameda location. All rugs are cleaned individually, and all fringes are cleaned carefully by hand to avoid damage to the weave. Due to differences in the weave, dye, and other factors, every rug must be treated as a unique cleaning problem with its own solutions.
How long does it take to clean my rug?
The time it takes to clean your rug depends on its make, colors, and other factors. Rugs must be tested for color bleed and shrinkage, and the cleaning process depends heavily on these factors. Contact us with details about your rug and we will give you an estimate.
Can you get wine stains out of my rug?
Depending on the materials, weave, and dyes in your area rug, we have a very good chance of removing wine stains and other kinds of discoloration from your rug. However, it is important to have realistic expectations and some rugs are very delicate. We will have to see your rug before we can know for sure.
Can you make my rug white again? Can you restore its original colors?
Usually, yes. For most materials and types of rugs, we are able to restore a rug to its original colors. This can be a very labor and time intensive process involving color matching and reweaving, or it can be a simple matter of removing dirt.
Will the rug dye bleed?
Some dyes will bleed under certain conditions. We test every rug we clean to ensure that we do not use any cleaning methods that would damage the rugs or cause the dyes to bleed.
Are the cleaning solutions pet safe?
Yes. We only use environmentally friendly and non-toxic cleaning products.
Can you kill fleas in my rugs?
Yes, we can eliminate fleas from your rugs. However, it is important that you also eliminate fleas at the source (your pets?) or you will find them back in your rug eventually.
Leather & Suede Cleaning
Brite Cleaners 's professional suede and leather cleaning has been keeping Alameda's garments in shape for years. Whether your suede or leather clothing simply needs a cleaning, or it needs to be repaired, redyed and conditioned, we have the experience and equipment necessary for getting you garments back into top condition. If your suede and leather clothing is in need of work, bring it into Brite Cleaners today.
Are suede and leather cleaned the same way as other fabrics?
No, suede and leather cleaning is a very specialized process. These materials cannot be subjected to the same cleaning agents and methods, and leather and suede cleaners therefore need special training in the proper techniques. Leather and suede need to be treated using cleaning products that are pH balanced for their unique composition. Commonly used cleaning products for other fabrics can cause severe damage to leather and suede.
Do you condition my suede and leather?
Yes. Leathers have natural oil content that help to keep them soft and supple. The oil content diminishes over time, and this can cause the leather to dry out and crack. Conditioning the leather replenishes these oils and vastly increases the lifespan of your leather garments.
Is it possible to repair scuffs, scratches, and tears?
Yes. Here at Brite Cleaners , we have years of experience in leather care, and we can fix almost any damage done to leather and suede garments. We have all the necessary equipment and expertise to repair and refurbish your leather and suede clothing. With proper care from experienced craftspeople, your leather and suede will be revitalized and restored to you looking like new.
Can you repair and restore all types of leather?
Yes. From untreated leather to pigmented leather, we have the expertise and equipment to repair and restore all types.
Wedding Gown Cleaning
When it comes to caring for your wedding dress, you want to take it to someone who will treat it with all the care it deserves. After all, this is one of the most important pieces of clothing that you will ever own. All of your memories of the joy and love of your wedding day are wrapped up in this one dress. You will save and treasure your wedding dress for the rest of your life, so it makes sense to make sure it is properly cleaned and cared for after your wedding. Brite Cleaners has been preserving Alameda brides' wedding gowns for years. It is especially important to make sure that your dress is properly cleaned before it is put into storage. Both visible and invisible stains have the potential to cause permanent damage to your dress if they are given time to settle in and spread. A thorough pre-storage cleaning will ensure that your dress will be a beautiful keepsake for years to come.
After cleaning my dress, will the white become off-white?
No. Regardless of the original color of your wedding dress, here at Brite Cleaners we are professional cleaners with years of experience and we will preserve your dress's color.
Is it possible my dress can get damaged?
Of course not. We use only the gentlest and safest cleaning methods to bring your precious wedding dress back to top condition. We know how important your dress is to you, and would not do anything to risk damaging it.
Can you remove wine stains?
Our ability to completely remove the stain depends on how long the wine has had to set in, which is why it's so important to bring your dress in for cleaning as soon as possible after your wedding. However, if we receive it quickly, there is a very good chance we will be able to completely eliminate the stain.
Can you preserve my dress?
Yes, we offer wedding dress preservation services. After your dress is cleaned, we will store your dress in a specially designed, acid-free storage box that will help to prevent the natural aging of the fabric and keep your wedding dress beautiful for many years.
Clothing Repairs
Even though it is worn and torn, you never had the heart to cast your favorite shirt into the clothing graveyard. It hangs in your closet waiting to be reborn.
That's where we come in
Clothes-lovers ourselves, we at Brite Cleaners know what an important role your clothes play in your life. Clothes aren't just clothes, they are trusted friends that help make memories. We understand that you have a special relationship with your wardrobe. When your favorite shirt or jacket becomes worn or torn, it saddens us to relegate them to a hanger in the dark end of the closet. Brite Cleaners can help to bring those old friends back to life. Allow us to mend and repair your trusted clothing.
No job is too big or too small
We have years of experience performing the following: Shortening and lengthening pants; Hemming jackets, sleeves, dresses; Replacing broken zippers; Relining jackets; Mending holes and tears; Taking in/out waistline.
How long will the repair take?
Brite Cleaners always aims to reunite you with your clothing as quickly as we can, without cutting any corners. Please bear in mind that some repairs are more time consuming than others.
For professional sewing and clothing repairs, please give us a call
Don't leave your old friends hanging. If you are in the Alameda area and in need of a trust-worthy and reliable tailor, please give us a call. We are looking forward to meeting you!