When temperature, humidity, stress or activity trigger perspiration, it’s natural. But stains aren’t. Moisture combined with deodorant can create stubborn yellowing or white residue. Too much product is often the culprit – apply one thin layer and allow it to completely dry. A little is enough to do the job. Good old-fashioned dress shields or cotton undershirt protect your garment from dampness. When a stain does happen, bring the garment to us for professional stain removal. Our experts use specialized products and techniques, specific for fabric type and finish.  

Remove wet clothes ASAP to prevent mold and mildew. And leave the door open between loads. Check the pockets – loose items can damage the tub or get into the pump. Clean the lint trap if your washer has one, and for sure your dryer has one. Don’t overdose on detergent. It can cause your washing machine to work harder to rinse out the residue. 

Most loads in your washing machine are effectively cleaned with cold water. The only time you really need to use hot water (with bleach) is for virus- and germ-killing sanitation. Modern detergents are formulated to work in warm or cold water; heating water for laundry can bulk up your utility bill. Always measure detergent carefully – most people use up to twice as much as needed.  It’s a waste of money, hard on your machine, and may actually make clothes look grimy.

We’re reminded on our nation’s birthday to celebrate and protect our independence, freedom and democracy. The great Supreme Court jurist Oliver Wendall Holmes said, “One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, one nation forevermore!”     

According to the experts at Consumer Reports, white clothes can pick up grey soil from other garments in a crowded washer. Wash whites separately, don’t pack the washer and measure the detergent. If more whitening is needed, try a detergent with bleaching components, an oxidizer like OxiClean or hang clothing in the sun for natural whitening. Of course, we’re experts at keeping whites bright — removing stubborn stains and un-yellowing vintage wedding gowns are just two specialities you’ll find behind our counter.

Every trip through the washer removes more black dye and roughs up the surface, creating a fuzzy fade effect. Consumer Reports says, when you absolutely must wash, turn dark garments inside out to protect the surface, sort items by color and weight, and wash in cold water in the shortest cycle possible. Measure detergent carefully to avoid streaking and avoid bleach. Hang indoors to dry, laying sweaters flat on a lint-free towel. Dry cleaning your favorite dark items will keep the just-bought look a lot longer than laundering.    

Our expert service starts when we tag and inspect your laundry – looking for stains, tears, broken buttons, snagged zippers. You can help by telling us about, or marking with masking tape, trouble spot. Our stain removal expertise is always enhanced when we know the cause so we can use the correct pretreatment. And remember, stains only get worse with time so make sure we get to work on it as soon as possible.

Treat yourself to freshly laundered and pressed summer wear. We press knits like polo shirts to perfection and add an upscale finish to jeans, with or without crease. Summer skirts and trousers always look best with a crisp finish. And there’s just no DIY equivalent to professionally pressed linen, a summer classic. Most summer stains are no match for our stain-removal experts and professional-strength laundry products, especially on whites. We add crisp and clean to every wardrobe.

This Sunday we honor all the Dads, especially our own. As comic Rita Rudner recalls, “I gave my father $100 and said ‘Buy yourself something that will make your life easier.’ So he went out and bought a present for my mother.” How about a drycleaning gift certificate for Dad to help make his life a little easier this year?

Displaying our national symbol is actually covered by an official Flag Code. For instance, the flag should not be flown in the dark or inclement weather. It should not be used as decoration – that’s a job for bunting, streamers and decorative materials. Always display the blue part on top. When the flag is lowered, it should never touch the ground or any other objects, it should be gathered by waiting hands and arms, respectfully and ceremoniously folded (ask a veteran how). Flags should be mended and cleaned when needed – we clean American flags at no charge as a courtesy year-round.  Show your pride and fly the flag, especially this Sunday on Flag Day.