Q. “It’s that time of year to wear more wool garments. Do you have any suggestions for proper care?”

A. After each wearing, brush your garment with a soft but firm bristled brush to remove the dust that collects between the fibers. When hanging garments, be sure to empty pockets, hang on a wooden hanger in a space where they can breathe. Wool needs air to renew its shape. Always fold knit garments and store flat or folded over a padded rod of a hanger to prevent shape distortion.

If you notice any surface stains, rinse with cool water before putting away. Clean wool garments regularly – cleaning removes soil that is abrasive to fibers. If you need wool sweaters cleaned, use the 25% off coupon for January.

Q. “I like the idea of same day service, but does it really get the job done?”

A. Same day service is fine for most clothes without stains. As long as they are brought by the time specified by the cleaner, the clothes can be cleaned, dried and pressed and ready for pick up by the end of the day. Some clothing items do need special attention and require more time. When in doubt, point out the item and ask your drycleaner.

Q. “Why do some cleaners charge less for a man’s dress shirt than they do for a woman’s blouse?”

A. About 20 years ago a controversy erupted over gender-based pricing in the drycleaning industry and the International Fabricare Institute stated that similar garments should cost the same amount to clean, regardless of who’ll be wearing them. Men’s shirts are often constructed in the same simple way – so they can be laundered and pressed on automated equipment. Women’s shirts that are similarly constructed and can be laundered should be priced the same as men’s laundered shirt. If any men’s or women’s shirt needs to be drycleaned because of fabric, ruffles or ornamentation, it will cost more than a laundered shirt, but the drycleaning price should be the same regardless of gender.

Q. . “ I don’t like the chemical smell that sometimes is in my clothes when I get them back from the drycleaner. What is this and is it harmful?”

A. Dry cleaning uses a chemical solvent (instead of water) that removes dirt and stains without shrinking or damaging fabrics. Some cleaners may “filter” chemicals or use the same chemicals repeatedly. At Anton’s, we recycle chemicals using a sophisticated distillation process. We are one of a few cleaners to use totally clean solvent with each load of clothes. We also randomly test cleaned garments with a halogenated detector to ensure there’s no measurable residue when you pick up your order.

Q. “My husband has a lovely cashmere scarf that he only wears on special occasions. I insist on cleaning it at the end of the winter season and he says I am foolish because he has not worn it frequently. Who is correct?”

If you have clothing care questions, please ask Arthur Anton, Jr. Just email him your question, and he'll respond promptly. To Ask Arthur, click here.