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.
Bridal gown cleaning explained: why to clean soon after the wedding, the stains involved, how the process works, preservation, choosing a cleaner and what to ask.
How to wash newborn and baby clothes: whether to wash before first wear, gentle detergent, temperature, stains, softeners, drying and when to use a laundry service.
Does dry cleaning remove smells? Which odours it handles, which are stubborn, what to do before you bring clothes in and how to stop smells coming back.