Our Cleaning and Preservation Process

Catalina & Co. offers high-grade textile cleaning and preservation service at a reasonable price. We specialize in superior customer care, detailed inspections, nonabrasive cleaning methods, and archival grade preservation materials. Unlike traditional dry cleaners who often too aggressively pursue stains, Catalina & Co. believes in a gentle approach. We use all organic solvents—no bleaches or harsh chemicals. Because each gown is exposed to a unique variety of elements, careful consultation with our textile expert determines the customized attention given to each gown. Our cleaning team has been cleaning gowns and evening wear for over 25 years and is certified by the International Fabric Institute and the National Cleaners Association. 

Our preservation materials are of the highest grade. The boxes that we use for storage actually remove harmful gases, whether airborne pollutants from outside the box or by-products of deterioration from within, preventing them from coming in contact with items being stored. Additionally, their buffered interior and exterior are specifically designed for use with protein-based artifacts such as wool or silk textiles. These museum quality archival materials guarantee the long term preservation of any garment. 

Our preservationist is responsible for maintaining the long term storage of the gowns and analyzes and assesses each gown before repairing and conserving. With an extensive biology and chemistry background and hands on apprenticeship, our preservationist has surpassed the educational requirements of the industry. In addition, she is currently continuing her education with quarterly seminars offered by Columbia University Graduate School of Architectural Planning and Preservation as well as The Institute of Fine Arts at NYU. The relationship between the quality and price-point of our service is unmatched in this market. While there are other cleaning and preservation companies, they are charging almost double the price of Catalina & Co. As a result, our services are accessible to brides who purchase couture silk gowns as well as gowns made from other materials.

Superior customer care
It is important for Catalina & Co. to make our service as transparent and personable as possible. The cleaning and preservation of your gown begins with a simple phone call, and one of our sales representatives will walk you through the entire procedure on the phone. We are devoted to promptly addressing your questions or concerns throughout all stages of the cleaning process and guarantee to respond to your inquiries within 24 hours.

Fully insured shipping and handling
Our UPS account is accessible anywhere in the continental U.S. and your heirloom textiles will be insured for their full replacement value. Your sales representative will find the most convenient UPS location nearest your home or office and arrange the shipping for you. All you need to do is simply drop off your gown and it will be packed and shipped according to our specifications.

Three points of inspection
Once received, your gown goes through a series of three inspections. The initial inspection assesses visible stains (“hem-dirt” or wine) and non-visible stains (sweat, sugar, or rainwater). After the cleaning, our experienced seamstresses re-examine the gown in detail. During the final inspection, our fiber conservationist prepares and houses the restored gown in protective archival material appropriate for safe, long-term storage.