Vinegar’s back! This inexpensive miracle worker gives brighter, cleaner, fresher laundry. For instance, it removes sweat and deodorant stains, replaces fabric softener to reduce static and boosts detergent power while eliminating buildup from powdered cleaners. Add a half cup to your next load and see the difference on your summer laundry.

Choosing a garment that’s flattering and fits body and budget is not enough. Some fabrics actually irritate or harm skin. Bamboo, for instance, is often treated with harsh chemicals during manufacture. Synthetics are the worst. Polyster, for instance, doesn’t breathe, traps odors, feeds bacteria and releases irritating chemicals The latest wrinkle-resistant fabrics are treated with irritant formaldehyde. Natural fabrics like cotton, merino wool, cashmere, hemp, silk and linen are the most skin-friendly – of course we’re experts at cleaning and finishing natural for long life and crisp looks.

Every time you wash a garment you shorten its life, and use water, energy and time. Now there are garments designed to be odor-resistant. Merino wool products promise days or weeks of no-wash wear. Adding anti-microbial nanosilver particles help prevent odor from bacteria that thrive on perspiration. No-wash clothing does come with a healthy price, like $65 for a tee. Get the complete story at Vox.

Make a local, sustainable choice that supports your community by patronizing neighborhood merchants. Born and raised in your hometown, local businesses create jobs and contribute to our community in many ways. The numbers are impressive: three-quarters of every dollar stays here in your community compared to about 40% when shopping at a large chain company.

White canvas shoes are perfect for summer – until they start looking beige. Scrub away dirt stains with shampoo on a nail brush, wipe residue away with a damp sponge. Use dish soap on grass stains, and nail polish remover on grease or tar. After you’ve removed as much as possible, apply oxygen bleach with a nailbrush or toothbrush to any remaining off-white areas. If you don’t mind losing the new look, canvas shoes can usually be machine washed on a gentle cycle with warm water. Hang to air dry.

Your bathing suit is made from very special fabrics, usually polyamide, spandex and lycra are used to add stretch and shape. But they’re not made to stand up to machine washing. The best way to wash swimwear is by hand, in lukewarm water, using natural hand soap.  Gently massage and squeeze out excess water (never wring) and wrap it in a clean towel and gently press. Lay the suit flat in the shade and let it dry naturally. 

We always inspect your laundry – looking for stains, tears, tissues in the pocket, broken buttons or snagged zippers. You can help by telling us or noting and tagging with a piece of masking tape anything that needs special attention. Our stain specialists can almost perform magic, but it’s always better if you let us know what caused the problem.

They’re summer’s best treat and their bright colors can stain like nothing else. Stain removal starts with stretching the stained fabric over a large bowl, then pour boiling water through the fabric. This should remove most of the stain, but any lingering color can be released by dabbing the stain with white vinegar before soaking in cold water and laundering. Or easier yet, bring the garments to our stain removal experts. 

Summer boating adds a chance you’ll bring home more than memories. Rust stains are common wherever there’s water and metal. We use concentrated professional products but for home use, try Oxyclean or Wink. Mold and mildew can stain sailing whites in a second—diluted laundry bleach removes just as fast. There’s always grease and oil whenever there’s an engine, and when heavy-duty petroleum soaks into fabric, you’re going to need professional help.  We take most stains out almost every time. 

The first rule: keep the spotlight on the bride by avoiding white, cream or pale pastels. Prints with light backgrounds are fine, as long as they don’t read as “white” from a distance. If the ceremony is in a house of worship, cover your shoulders with a sleeved dress or jacket. If the wedding’s outdoors, skip the heels and wear comfortable flats that won’t sink into the lawn. A fancier evening reception demands a cocktail dress or the classic little black dress. Beachside festivities are casual, time for a graphic sundress with a cardigan or short denim jacket for after dark. And don’t forget the sunscreen.