• Frequently Asked Questions

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Schedule Pickup & Delivery

We can pick up and deliver to your home, business, or one of our numerous locker locations.

Schedule a Pickup

Find a Location

We have locations throughout Houston and Austin.
Find the one nearest you.

The Most Frequent

  • What is dry cleaning? How do you clean my clothes without getting them wet?

    Dry cleaning is any cleaning process for clothing and textiles using a solvent other than water. Tide Cleaners uses GreenEarth cleaning solvent. GreenEarth Cleaning is the world's largest brand of environmentally friendly dry cleaning. The GreenEarth brand name refers to an exclusive dry cleaning process that replaces the petrochemical solvents traditionally used in dry cleaning with liquid silicone. Liquid silicone is an odorless, colorless solution that is an excellent carrier for detergents, has ideal properties for fabric care and is better for the environment. Please visit www.greenearthcleaning.com for more information about GreenEarth.

  • How do I know which of my garments can be dry cleaned?

    Our dry cleaning professionals clean each garment according to its individual Care Label.

  • Should I attempt stain removal at home?

    Home remedies can place your garment at risk for effective stain removal and for fabric damage. So bring them to us! Our knowledgeable cleaners will remove the stain while keeping the type of material, colorfastness and the cause of the stain in mind in order to gently yet effectively remove the imperfection.

  • Do you preserve wedding gowns?

    Our wedding gown preservation specialists carefully examine your gown to determine the most suitable method of cleaning. Throughout the process your gown will be inspected again and again. While usual wedding dress cleaning cannot protect or guarantee against oxidation or "yellowing," our advanced GreenEarth preservation system guarantees that your gown will stay as perfect as the day you wore it down the aisle. Your dress will be carefully sealed in an acid-free inner box that controls humidity. Our sealed packaging allows you to view your gown and veil at any time, while protecting the gown from mold, mildew, insect damage and oxidation. The inner box is placed in an attractive, durable, long-term storage chest for additional safety.

  • How do I update my email address?

    Don’t miss out on receiving our monthly email promotions! Keep your email address current or change your preferences by clicking here. Rest assured, we never sell or share your personal information.

  • How do your prices compare to the other Dry Cleaners in our area?

    Our prices are competitive in the Austin and Houston Dry Cleaning market. Our consistent focus is to provide our guests with excellent guest service as well as exceptional quality cleaning.

  • Where is the closest location to me?

    Enter your zip code here to find the location closest to you.

  • What are your hours of operation?

    With 36 Houston dry cleaning locations and 2 in Austin, our hours vary slightly. For specific location information please enter your zip code on our location page.

  • Do you do alterations? What is the turn-around time?

    We are pleased to complete your alterations in approximately 1 — 3 business days.

  • How does the drop box work?

    Our night drop box allows guests to drop off their items during non-business hours. Just ask one of our employees for a Express Bag in order to utilize this service.

  • How does the 24-hour locker service work?

    Our secure locker system allows pre-paid guests to pick up their orders during non-business hours. We provide a unique four digit code for our guests to access the lockers anytime, day or night.

  • What kind of discounts or promotions do you offer?

    Every month we offer a printable promotion available on our website.

  • Is Tide Cleaners a Green Dry Cleaner?

    Tide Cleaners uses GreenEarth cleaning solvent. GreenEarth Cleaning is the world's largest brand of environmentally friendly dry cleaning. The GreenEarth brand name refers to an exclusive dry cleaning process that replaces the petrochemical solvents traditionally used in dry cleaning with liquid silicone. Liquid silicone is an odorless, colorless solution that is an excellent carrier for detergents, has ideal properties for fabric care and is better for the environment. Please visit www.greenearthcleaning.com for more information about GreenEarth. Also read about our other practices as green cleaners in Houston.

  • Does dry cleaning shorten the life of a garment?

    When a garment is cleaned in water, the yarns swell causing the clothing to receive more agitation in the washing process. In dry cleaning this dynamic does not occur, therefore prolonging the life of your garment.

  • What causes a ‘puckering’ and excess fabric in shirt collars and cuffs?

    Occasionally, manufactures do not select an interfacing that is compatible with the fabric on the shirt. Therefore, shrinkage occurs causing a ‘puckering’ effect.

Home Pickup & Delivery

  • How do I pay?

    We request that delivered charges are paid by credit card.

  • How do I know my credit card is safe?

    Our PCI compliant point of sale system ensures the best possible security for our guests.

  • How do I communicate special instructions for my garments?

    Special instructions can be communicated by attaching a note to specific garment.

  • Do I have to be home?

    No, it is not necessary for anyone to be home for pickup and/or delivery service.

  • What are your pickup and delivery times?

    Service times are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Are my clothes safe?

    Yes, you and your Delivery Concierge will discuss a designated area for your garments that you feel comfortable using.

  • What if I need a faster delivery time?

    Delivery times can be expedited by requesting a pickup before 8 a.m. or dropping off at your closest location for next-day delivery.

  • How often do you pick up?

    Pickup frequency is based on your service type. We can come by twice a week on a set schedule or only when you request an On Demand pickup online.

  • What if I don’t need dry-cleaning & laundry services every week? Do I call?

    We offer 4 different service types to accommodate everyone’s needs. We can help you select the right service type for yours.

  • Is there a minimum order?

    There is no minimum order requirement for service. However, we do have a small flat rate fee for delivery.

  • How do I start?

    You signup online, call (1-833-843-3253) or email our Concierge.

  • What happens if it rains?

    Weather is unpredictable however; your Delivery Concierge will never intentionally leave any garments in the rain.

  • Who can I speak to if I have more questions?

    Our Concierge is available Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. to answer your questions.

  • Is the pickup and delivery service available on holidays?

    Tide Cleaners is closed all major holiday and will not have pickup and delivery service available.

  • Where do you suggest the bags are left?

    When possible bags should be left in a covered area from any unexpected weather.

  • What if I am on vacation?

    Service can be temporarily suspended by setting a vacation date range from your online account. You can also email the Concierge to set the vacation dates.

  • Do I have to fill out any information on my garments when I leave them out?

    It is not required to complete any time of forms for your garments.

  • Can I still use coupons? Where do I put them?

    Coupons are still accepted while using pickup and delivery service. Coupons should be securely placed inside of your personal laundry bag(s).

  • What areas do you service?

    Delivery area can be determined by entering the service address in here.

  • What if I have household items that do not fit in my bag?

    You can use any disposable bag to hold the household items. Temporary Bag ID Tags can be printed from your online account.

Apartment/Office Pickup & Delivery

  • How do I pay?

    The most seamless way to pay at Tide Cleaners is by adding your Credit Card On File, online through Tide Cleaners Guest Connect, or in the future through the Tide Cleaners mobile app (available on iOS or android). Once you add your Credit Card On File we simply charge you upon delivery.

    At this point, we only accept payment via credit card.

  • How do I know my credit card is safe?

    Our secure PCI compliance point of sale system ensures the best possible security for our guests.

  • How do I communicate special instructions for my garments?

    The easiest way to set permanent special instructions on your account is to email our team at Delivery Concierge.

    For one-time special instructions, please provide them by adding a note inside your order to a specific item or email them on the day of the pickup to Delivery Concierge, and our team will make sure they get added to your order.

  • Do I have to be at my apartment or office?

    (For Buildings WITH Tide Cleaners Anytime℠ Lockers Or DropBox)

    It is not necessary for anyone to be at your Apartment or Office to receive our pickup/delivery service. New guests can put a note & their clothes in a temporary bag, with the personal info used to sign up for service (Name, Phone, Address, Email), and place their bag in a Tide Cleaners DropBox.

    (For Buildings WITHOUT Lockers Or A DropBox)

    It is not necessary for anyone to be at your Apartment or Office to receive our pickup/delivery service. Simply coordinate with your leasing office or building security that Tide Cleaners will be coming by to pickup & deliver your dry cleaning. They'll make suggestions on where we can deliver the hanging clothes.

    Then place an order, let Tide Cleaners know you will be leaving your clothes in the leasing office OR with a leasing agent OR with the buildings front desk. If you have any difficulties, feel free contact our Delivery Concierge - our team is always happy to help!

  • What are your pickup and delivery times at my building?

    (For Buildings WITH Tide Clean Closet Lockers Or DropBox)

    Clothes placed in the DropBox by 9am, on a regular business day, will be returned on the schedule provided by your building.

    (For Buildings WITHOUT Lockers Or A DropBox)

    Our highly trained Valet arrives between 8am - 7pm. (In the future Tide Cleaners will provide tighter time window scheduling).

  • What if I need a faster delivery time to my building?

    Delivery times can be expedited by requesting a pickup online or before 9 a.m. or dropping off at your closest store location for next day delivery.

  • How often do you pick up at my building?

    (For Buildings WITH Tide Clean Closet Lockers Or DropBox)

    Clothes placed in the DropBox by 9am, on a regular business day. Pickup frequency is based on your buildings service schedule.

    (For Buildings WITHOUT Lockers Or A DropBox)

    Pickup frequency is based on your service type. We can come by twice a week on a set schedule or only when you request an On Demand pickup online.

  • What if I don’t need dry cleaning services every week at my building?

    We offer 4 different service types to accommodate everyone's needs. We can help you select the right service type for yours.

    If you have any questions, feel free to contact our Delivery Concierge - our team is always happy to help!
  • Is there a minimum order for delivery to my building?

    There is no minimum order required for the pickup delivery service.  However we do have an order minimum in store or via pickup and delivery on Tide Wash, Dry & Fold orders.

  • How do I start service at my building?

    (For Buildings WITH Tide Clean Closet Lockers Or DropBox)

    Simply register here or call (1-833-843-3253), or if you have any difficulties feel free to contact our Delivery Concierge - our team is always happy to help!

    New guests can put a note & their clothes in a temporary bag, with the personal info used to sign up for service (Name, Phone, Address, Email), and place their bag in a Tide Cleaners DropBox.

    (For Buildings WITHOUT Lockers Or A DropBox)

    Simply coordinate with your leasing office or building security that Tide Cleaners will be coming by to pickup & deliver your dry cleaning. They'll make suggestions on where Tide Cleaners can deliver the hanging clothes.

    You can schedule your first pickup on our website (TideDryCleanersTX.com) or call (1-833-843-3253). Let Tide Cleaners know you will be leaving your clothes in the leasing office OR with a leasing agent OR with the buildings front desk. New guests can put a note & their clothes in a temporary bag, with the personal info used to sign up for service (Name, Phone, Address, Email).

    If you have any difficulties, feel free contact our Delivery Concierge - our team is always happy to help!

  • Who can I speak to if I have more questions about servicing my building?

    Our Delivery Concierge is available Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. to answer your questions.

  • Is the building pickup and delivery service available on holidays?

    Tide Cleaners is closed all major holiday and will not have pickup and delivery service available.

    We strive to provide guests with the most up to date information regarding our Holiday Delivery Schedules via hang tags, emails, and signage at your building.
  • Where do you suggest the bags are left at my building?

    (For Buildings WITH Tide Cleaners Anytime℠ Lockers Or DropBox)

    New guests can put a note & their clothes in a temporary bag, with the personal info used to sign up for service (Name, Phone, Address, Email), and place their bag in a Tide Cleaners DropBox.

    Existing guests will leave their Tide Cleaners Express Bag in the DropBox by 9am, on a regular business day, will be returned the promised scheduled day.

    (For Buildings WITHOUT Lockers Or A DropBox)

    Simply coordinate with your leasing office or building security that Tide Cleaners will be coming by to pickup & deliver your dry cleaning. They'll make suggestions on where Tide Cleaners can deliver the hanging clothes.

    You can schedule your first pickup on our website (TideDryCleanersTX.com) or call 1-833-843-3253. Let Tide Cleaners know you will be leaving your clothes in the leasing office OR with a leasing agent OR with the buildings front desk. New guests can put a note & their clothes in a temporary bag, with the personal info used to sign up for service (Name, Phone, Address, Email).

    Existing guests will leave their Tide Cleaners Express Bag in the leasing office or in the lobby with building security.

    If you have any difficulties, feel free to contact our Delivery Concierge - our team is always happy to help!

  • Can I still use coupons? Where do I put them for my building delivery order?

    Coupons are still accepted while using pickup and delivery service. Coupons should be securely placed inside of your personal laundry bag(s).

  • What buildings do you service?

    (For Buildings WITH Tide Clean Closet Lockers Or DropBox)

    Search for your building online using our Locker Location tool.

    (For Buildings WITHOUT Lockers Or A DropBox)

    Delivery area can be determined by entering the service address in here.

Wash & Fold FAQs

  • How do I place my first order?

    Contact your local Tide Cleaners store to start. You can place your order in any bag you choose, and we'll return it in a reusable Wash & Fold bag for your future orders.

  • What kind of detergent do you use?

    We stick with our favorite detergent, Tide. If you prefer an unscented wash cycle, let us know when you place your first order. We save your preferences for future orders.

  • How do I know how much my laundry weighs?

    That's a great question. A typical laundry load weighs 8-10lbs. The average person will wear about 15-18lbs of laundry in a week. Add in towels and you land at an average of 20lbs. But what is average? Keep in mind, that we weigh clothes when they are dry, at their lightest weight. If you dry-clean a majority of your clothes, you may only have 10lbs per week and if you're active, you may have up to 30lbs.

  • Is there a minimum order size for Wash & Fold?

    There is no minimum order size for your Wash & Fold order.

  • How will my laundry come back?

    If you are like us, you like your home clean and organized. Nothing creates a tidy environment like retail-style folding. Your clothes come back impeccably folded and hand-packaged, ready to immediately be put away on shelves or drawers.

  • What is not considered Wash & Fold?

    Things that you would want to be dry-cleaned or ironed/pressed are not Wash & Fold. Wool items, silk items, suits, most dresses, or your finer garments should not be put through Wash & Fold service.

  • What happens if an item is lost or damaged?

    If an incident occurs where we are at fault, we quickly resolve the issue no matter what it takes, including replacement or reimbursement.

  • How do I prepare my laundry?

    You do not need to sort your laundry. We handle all preparation before the wash including sorting, checking pockets, and checking for stains. All you need to do is place your clothes in a bag, we'll handle the rest.

  • How will I know the total cost?

    Tide Cleaners prices by the pound so there's no need to worry about how full your bag is, or even how many bags you have. Pricing varies by location so contact your store for the latest information.

  • Can I put anything I want to wash in the bag?

    You can place anything that would typically go into a washing machine. Items that require pressing are not included.

  • How do you weigh my laundry?

    We weigh your laundry as soon as it comes in, before any washing so that your laundry is dry and at its lightest.

  • What goes in the bag?

    Wash & Fold laundry service covers anything you'd normally put in a machine. Think basic laundry - t-shirts, underwear, socks, sheets, and towels. Anything that doesn't require pressing.

  • When do I get my laundry back?

    If you brought your laundry into a store, we'll have it ready in two-business days. If you used our free delivery service, we'll bring it back to your home in two-business days, or your next scheduled route day.

  • Can you wash by hand or hang dry?

    We do not have the capacity to offer hand wash or hang dry service.

Rug Cleaning FAQ's

  • How often should I clean my rugs?

    It is better if you clean your rug once a week. But if it experiences a lot of foot traffic, then vacuum your rug at least twice a week. It is advised to ask for professional assistance every 8-10 months. They can provide deep clean-up services to remove the dirt from the deepest part of the fiber and increase the longevity of the rug.

  • Do you provide rug services in my area?

    We proudly present our rug maintenance, rug repair, rug cleaning, and protective pads throughout the Houston area.

  • Do you provide pick-up and delivery services?

    Yes, our experts will pick up your rug at your convenience and will deliver it back after the services. * some restrictions apply.

  • Can I wash the rugs in the washing machine?

    No. Cleaning your rugs in a washing machine is not recommended unless the manufacturer's labeling specifically says it's okay. Though without the right tools and methods, cleaning your rugs in a machine might cause severe damage.

  • Do pet stains disappear during rug cleaning?

    Standard cleaning can not remove pet stains altogether. But our experts offer exceptional cleaning services that removes pet stains and makes your rug look new.

  • My pet had an accident. What should I do?

    If your pet has an accident on your rug, it's important to quickly absorb as much of the liquid as possible. After that, cover the area with a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water then blot (do not rub) the solution up. Over-the-counter spot removers are typically too harsh, containing ingredients such as bleach, and should be avoided.
  • Is padding necessary for oriental and area rugs?

    Rug pads are highly recommended for any rug. They can prolong the life of a rug, as well as prevent slippage and reduce noise.

  • Why do oriental rugs have color variations that appear as horizontal bands?

    The color variations are simply the nature of any hand-made item. One of the most common characteristics of true oriental rugs is the color variation known as abrash. Abrash variations may appear as horizontal bands and can be subtle in shade or very distinct. These variations should not be considered defects, but seen as characteristics of the many variables that went into creating the rug.

  • Why do rug fringes darken and wear so quickly?

    Fringes deteriorate easily with normal foot traffic, vacuuming, cleaning, and other conditions. Because of their tenuous nature, fringes need to be replaced periodically.

  • What causes dye bleeding?

    Dye bleeding can be caused by any number of things. Sometimes when rugs are washed, the dyes may weaken and bleed during the cleaning process. This can be due to defective dyes or dye methods, after-market painting or even pet urine and over-the-counter spot removers.

  • Are oriental rugs identified only by design?

    Design is just one of many elements that can identify oriental rugs. The entire process is a technical analysis, which includes the materials used to make the rug, method or construction, dyes and design

  • Do all oriental rugs appreciate in value?

    Most oriental rugs made after World War II, including those made today, will not appreciate in value.

  • Is knot count the best indication of a rug’s value?

    Mass produced rugs are partially priced depending on the knots per square inch - the higher the knot count the higher the price. However, this does not have an effect on resale value on the secondary market. Some Persian and silk rugs are, in part, valued based on their knot count.
  • Are Persian (Iranian) rugs better than rugs from other countries?

    Some older, traditional pre-World War II Persian rugs, such as Ferahan Sarouk, Motashem Kashan, Tabriz, Bijar and Heriz pieces, will always have a market. However, beginning in the 1960′s, the quality of Persian rugs has gradually deteriorated. Since the fall of the Shah of Iran in 1979 and the embargo on Persian goods in 1987 (which was lifted in 1999), other countries have improved the quality of their rugs and increased their output. It is our opinion that the quality of Persian rugs will return slowly.

  • Is it common for the latex on the back of a rug to deteriorate?

    Latex is an adhesive that anchors tufts to the primary backing, adds dimensional stability, and attaches a secondary backing to the rug. Latex will commonly break down due to things like gases in the air, floor waxes, traffic and sunlight. Deterioration generally appears as bubbles, powdery residue, or backing separation.

  • Why do little white knots appear on the surface of a rug after cleaning?

    White knots are caused by breaks in a rug's foundation when it is still on the loom. The breaks are spliced together by tying two knots at each end of the break. When the rug is new, the full length of the pile can obscure these white knots. Eventually foot traffic, as well as a thorough cleaning, will reveal these knots. They should never be cut, which would create a weakness in the rug's foundation.

  • Are all rug cleaning businesses the same?

    The rug care industry is no different than other industries. The most qualified rug care specialists distinguish themselves by their experience, in-depth knowledge of rugs, technical excellence, and customer service. For example, the best rug care specialists will be able to identify your rugs based on rug type, where and when it was made, and how it was constructed. This information is necessary to determine the best cleaning method.

  • What types of soils are found on rugs and carpets?

    There are three types of soils typically found on rugs. The first is spots, which can be removed, and stains, which can be permanent. The second is unattached surface litter, such as gritty dirt tracked in by feet, pet hair, lint, etc. Gritty soil scratches and dulls fibers and should be vacuumed at least once a week to reduce damage and extend the life of the carpet. The third type of soil is oil and greases containing tiny pieces of soil material, which adhere to the fibers in rugs and carpets. Professional cleaning can remove this type of soil. However, the longer it is on the fibers the more difficult it is to remove.

  • How much does it cost for area rug cleaning?

    The size of the rug will determine the cost of area rug cleaning. Once the square footage (Length X Width) has been calculated, the per-square-foot rate is multiplied.

  • What types of rugs do you clean?

    We provide cleaning services for various types of rugs.

  • How does Tide Cleaners clean rugs?

    We use a 10-Step Cleaning Process to clean dirt and debris from the deepest part of the rug fibers. This process ensures that even the tiniest stain is thoroughly cleaned and removed.

  • Are the cleaning materials environment-friendly?

    Yes, the chemicals we use for cleaning are safe and pose no threat to the environment and pets. You can use your rug as soon as we deliver.

  • Are all old rugs valuable?

    A rug's value depends on many things, including the type of rug, how and when it was made, its artistic merit, and its condition. An old rug in poor condition is just an old rug; however some old rugs are worth repairing to restore their beauty, usefulness, and value.

  • Why are your prices different from your competitors?

    Sadly, we get rugs from other rug cleaners often. They offer cut-rate prices but are unable to provide proper cleaning methods (sometimes done in your home which should never be done) or clean them at a sub-par facility that does not have specialized cleaning or drying equipment. Other rug cleaners offer pricing that seems too good to be true and can often result in problems that we end up having to correct.

  • What makes you different from others?

    We clean each rug with the most advanced equipment available to this day. Tide Cleaners always ready to solve any rug-related problems. Trust us with your rug's well-being.

  • Can rugs be professionally cleaned in my home?

    Rugs should never be cleaned at your home unless there are extenuating circumstances, such as size or weight, which prohibit them from being transported for cleaning. This is not an issue when doing business with qualified, professional rug cleaners. In-home cleaning leaves soap and residuals in the rug that causes it to re-soil quickly. In addition, the fringe cannot be cleaned in-home, and inadequate drying may cause the rug to mildew.
  • Is it safe to vacuum Oriental rugs?

    Oriental rugs can and should be vacuumed often. Most of the soil in rugs is dry particle matter, which can act as sand paper to accelerate wear if it is not removed. Thicker rugs even run the risk of the soil being impacted over time, rendering them near impossible to clean completely.
  • How does periodic professional cleaning improve the beauty and value of my rug?

    Periodic cleaning by a qualified professional removes the soil that dulls color and reduces the luster of wool. Regular cleaning can also prevent problems such as moth infestations, which can damage and seriously affect the beauty and value of a rug. Oriental rugs should be cleaned every one to five years, depending on their location and traffic, to maintain their appearance, condition, and value.
  • What type of rug services does Tide Cleaners provide?

    We provide rug cleaning, rug repair, rug pads, pet odor removals, and protective coatings.

Additional Information

Schedule Pickup & Delivery

We can pick up and deliver to your home, business, or one of our numerous locker locations.

Schedule a Pickup

Find a Location

We have locations throughout Houston and Austin.
Find the one nearest you.