Oliver writes the garment-care guides for Elegance Dry Cleaners, the independent dry cleaners and tailors at 180 Northcote Road in Clapham. He works from the questions customers bring to the counter every week, from stubborn stains and delicate fabrics to alterations, rugs and home textiles, and turns them into clear, cautious advice. Where an item is delicate, valuable or sentimental, the guides say so plainly and point you to a professional check before you try anything at home.
How to remove cigarette, bonfire and cooking smoke smells from clothes: airing, washing, vinegar and bicarbonate, dry cleaning and when smells are too deep.
What dry cleaning is, how the process works step by step, which clothes it suits, how it differs from washing and what to expect at your local cleaners.
How to clean fabric sofas and upholstery: understand cleaning codes, vacuum, spot clean common stains, deep clean, dry safely and know when to call a pro.
Does dry cleaning remove stains? Which stains it handles well, which are hard, what to tell your cleaner and what not to do before you bring a garment in.
How to remove rust stains from clothes: why chlorine bleach makes rust worse, lemon juice and salt, rust removers, washing, delicate fabrics and when to ask a pro.
How to clean curtains: dusting, checking labels, machine washing, dry cleaning lined and heavy curtains, drying and rehanging, plus when to use a professional.
How to look after a wool coat between dry cleans: brushing, steaming, airing, spot cleaning, hangers, moths and storage, so it lasts longer and cleans less often.
How to deal with sweat stains and smells in suit jackets and trousers: linings, spot treatment, airing, dry cleaning and how to prevent underarm marks.