The Truly Boning Method (Yes, We Said It)

In professional dry cleaning, few tools are as humble—and as quietly brilliant—as the boning tool. It doesn’t buzz, steam, or beep, but this smooth, bone-shaped hero has been kicking stains to the curb for over a century. Don’t let its simple looks fool you: this tool means business.

Why the boning tool works (and brushes don’t)

Unlike brushes or metal spatulas that like to bully your clothes, the boning tool is smooth, non-absorbent, and firm without being rough. Translation? You get just enough pressure to loosen and move a stain without stretching, fuzzing, or flat-out destroying the fabric. It’s especially loved by delicate divas like wool, silk, rayon, and early synthetics that absolutely do not respond well to aggressive scrubbing.

How to agitate stains—Truly style

Step one: Pad it out

To avoid sending stains on a round-trip journey from the front of the garment to the back, place a washer pad or small towel underneath the area. Think of it as a safety net for your fabric.

Step two: Apply Truly (don’t be stingy)

Apply a generous amount of Truly to the stain. 

Step three: Work with the fabric, not against it

Using the rounded edge of the boning tool, gently agitate in small, controlled movements, following the direction of the weave. No wrestling matches required.

Step four: Push, don’t scrub

You’re persuading the stain to leave, not punishing it. Encourage it to migrate into the pad below, not dig in deeper.

Step five: Check, blot, repeat

Blot, reassess, reapply if needed, and continue lightly until the stain finally gets the hint.

A tool that refuses to retire

Even in a world of fancy chemicals and high-tech machines, the boning tool still earns its place. Its staying power proves one timeless truth of garment care: patience, precision, and a little respect go a very long way—especially when stains are involved.