Parkway Custom Drycleaning Shares Expert Guide for Wrinkle-Free Business Travel

North Bethesda, United States - October 13, 2025 / Parkway Custom Drycleaning /

Parkway Custom Drycleaning Shares Expert Travel Guide for Wrinkle-Free Business Trips

North Bethesda, MD – Parkway Custom Drycleaning has unveiled a comprehensive on-the-go guide designed to help business travelers keep their dress shirts fresh, polished, and professional throughout their journeys. The guide offers step-by-step advice on packing, garment care, and post-travel maintenance — transforming how professionals prepare for and manage their wardrobes on work trips.

The Importance of Looking Polished While Traveling

Parkway Custom Drycleaning recognizes that the outfits chosen for work trips are just as important as those worn in the office. First impressions remain vital in conference rooms, client lunches, and networking events — even when a wardrobe must endure airport security, tight luggage spaces, and long hours in transit before reaching its destination.

According to the company, looking polished after a day of travel is all about strategy. Every decision — from the type of folds to the choice of protective layers — plays a critical role. When done correctly, unpacking becomes as effortless as hanging garments and getting dressed, allowing travelers to focus on their meetings instead of ironing out wrinkles.

Pack Each Shirt in a Protective Garment Bag

Parkway Custom Drycleaning emphasizes that a garment bag serves as the first line of defense against wrinkles, dirt, and accidental spills while in transit. By placing each dress shirt in its own protective cover, friction between garments is minimized, preserving the shirt’s freshly pressed look. This approach also prevents dust, lint, and lingering hotel odors from clinging to the fabric.

1. Choose the Right Type of Garment Bag

The guide recommends selecting lightweight, breathable materials such as cotton or non-woven fabric. Plastic bags, which can trap moisture and lead to musty odors, should be avoided.
Garment bags with clear panels allow quick identification without unzipping, while properly sized options prevent shirts from shifting and creasing.

2. Fold Carefully for Travel

Travelers are advised to button shirts completely to help maintain shape and fold along natural seams, avoiding sharp creases that can be difficult to remove later. Placing tissue paper between folds acts as a buffer, reducing friction and fabric-on-fabric wrinkling.

3. Store Garment Bags in a Flat Position

When packing, bags should be laid flat on top of other items to reduce downward pressure. If space is limited, gently rolling the garment bag is a better alternative to folding it. Shirts should also be kept away from shoes or toiletry kits to avoid odor transfer or accidental spills.

By using individual garment covers, travelers are more likely to arrive looking conference-ready — no ironing board required.

Hang Shirts as Soon as You Arrive

Parkway Custom Drycleaning stresses that hanging shirts immediately upon arrival allows the fabric to relax naturally, helping maintain a crisp appearance. Even when closet space is limited, finding a spot to hang shirts prevents new wrinkles from forming.

1. Use the Right Hangers

Wide, rounded hangers are ideal for dress shirts, providing proper shoulder support. Thin wire hangers can cause stretching and unwanted marks. For convenience, a collapsible travel hanger is an excellent companion for frequent flyers.

2. Create Space in the Closet

The guide suggests separating shirts from heavy garments such as jackets or sweaters that can crush delicate fabrics. Using extra hangers to create space ensures airflow, and briefly airing out the closet can help eliminate stale odors left behind by previous guests.

3. Hang in a Steamy Bathroom for Wrinkle Release

For travelers without access to steamers, hanging shirts in a steamy bathroom after a hot shower can help soften wrinkles. Shirts should be kept away from direct splashes, and lightly smoothing the fabric by hand afterward enhances results.

The sooner shirts are hung after unpacking, the less effort is required to restore them to a meeting-ready state.

Use a Travel-Size Steamer

Unlike hotel irons, which can be unpredictable, travel steamers offer a gentler, more reliable option. Parkway Custom Drycleaning highlights that steamers efficiently smooth wrinkles without creating shiny spots and can handle a variety of fabrics, from cotton to delicate blends.

1. Pick a Reliable Model

The company recommends selecting a model with a quick heat-up time — ideally under 60 seconds — and a spill-proof design to prevent water marks. A compact, lightweight build ensures the steamer fits easily in carry-on luggage.

2. Steam with Proper Technique

For best results, travelers should hold the steamer upright, keeping the nozzle about an inch from the fabric. Working from top to bottom allows gravity to assist in pulling out wrinkles. Lingering too long in one area should be avoided to prevent over-saturation.

3. Use Distilled Water

To prevent mineral buildup, distilled water is preferred over tap water. If hotel tap water must be used, emptying and rinsing the tank after each session helps preserve performance and extend the device’s life.

A travel steamer acts as “wrinkle insurance” — offering quick, safe, and dependable results for busy professionals.

Freshen Between Wears with a Light Fabric Spray

Parkway Custom Drycleaning notes that not every shirt needs a full wash after a single wear, especially for brief engagements. A high-quality fabric freshening spray helps remove light odors and keeps shirts feeling crisp without harsh chemicals.

1. Choose the Right Spray

Ideal sprays are alcohol-free to prevent fabric damage, feature subtle scents that won’t compete with colognes, and use eco-friendly formulas safe for skin contact.

2. Apply Correctly

Shirts should be hung before spraying to ensure even distribution. Holding the bottle 8–10 inches away allows a fine mist, with focus on high-contact areas like collars and underarms.

3. Let It Air Out

After application, shirts should hang in a well-ventilated area for 10–15 minutes. Packing them too soon can trap moisture. Hanging near an air vent or open window offers best results.

Fabric sprays offer a convenient solution for maintaining freshness on the go.

Handle Stains Immediately

Parkway Custom Drycleaning emphasizes that quick action is the difference between saving a shirt and losing it to a stain. Even without full cleaning facilities, travelers can minimize damage with basic tools.

1. Know Your Fabrics

Cotton shirts respond well to gentle blotting with cold water or club soda. For delicate fabrics like silk or blends, dabbing instead of rubbing is essential. Suede trims should never be treated with water; instead, a dry suede brush should be used.

2. Carry a Portable Stain Pen or Wipe

Compact stain removers fit easily into briefcases or pockets, allowing immediate treatment before stains set. Following product instructions carefully helps avoid discoloration or rings.

3. Plan for Professional Cleaning Later

Even after spot treatment, a thorough professional cleaning is advised. Parkway Custom Drycleaning suggests locating same-day services nearby, ideally with eco-friendly options to preserve both garments and the environment.

Acting quickly ensures shirts remain wearable for the remainder of the trip.

Parkway Custom Drycleaning Offers Expert Care Before Every Trip

Before zipping up a suitcase, Parkway Custom Drycleaning invites professionals to stop by for precision shirt care. With three service tiers — Standard, Deluxe, and Premium — each garment receives fabric-specific treatment, hand finishing, and meticulous inspection.

The company’s Pickup and Delivery Service, available across most of the metro area for just $2.50 with a $20 minimum, ensures that busy professionals can travel light without compromising appearance.

Address: 5455 Randolph Rd, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Phone: 301-453-4423
Email: admin@parkwaydrycleaning.com

Parkway Custom Drycleaning remains committed to helping business travelers look sharp, confident, and ready for success — wherever their work takes them.