If reusable fabric face masks have become part of your routine, you probably know that keeping masks clean is critical. Ideally, you’ll wash your mask after each wearing, using a mild detergent in the machine or mild dish soap when hand-washing. Bleach, ammonia or fabric softeners aren’t recommended. Heat kills the virus, so either use hot water or a hot dryer. Ironing with a steam iron adds a crisp look and extra virus-killing. Don’t share masks and treat a used (worn) mask as potentially contaminated, toss it in a plastic bag until you can properly clean it. Yes, it’s a bit of extra work, but you’re helping stop the spread of corona virus and avoiding filling the garbage with disposable masks.

Do turn your clothes inside out before washing. That’s the way they were assembled, and especially on dark items, you’ll be helping preserve the rich dark tones (and any applied graphics) from unnecessary friction. Do use a delicates mesh bag to prevent snagging, tearing and stretching. Do separate fabric types when you can. Cottons and polysters need different temperatures and spin cycles. Don’t overload your washing machine or use too much detergent. And don’t use hot water unless you need to. Today’s machines and laundry detergents work just great with cold or cool water. Check the garment care instructions.

As business slowly gets back to “the before times”, don’t slack on your appearance.  Meeting face to face requires a different dressing strategy than Zoom. When you want to make a first-rate impression, nothing beats your best suit. Make sure the details are right: crisp shirt, snug tie, cuffs showing just about ¾ inch. Always brush for lint with a fabric brush or a sticky lint remover. Clean, shined shoes? Make sure your trousers have a proper hem — pants should rest on the top of the shoe with a small “break ” and should only be shorter if the pants have a cuff. Remember, professional alterations are almost always a good investment on any off-the rack suit.

Are precious keepsake garments taking up valuable closet space? Christening gowns, ceremonial attire, letter jackets, afghans and wedding gowns all take up space and seldom come out of storage. Your keepsake items can be cleaned and preserved for future generations, and the boxing makes them easy to store on a shelf or in the attic. We not only clean and package wedding gowns, we also do prom dresses, dress uniforms and those precious baby outfits.

It seems most every item you buy has a care label that reads “hand wash.”  Labeling laws only require listing one method of cleaning, and “hand wash” is more acceptable to retailers than “dry clean only.”  Sadly, hand washing requires your time, fussy handling, a large sink, and air flow and low moisture levels for gentle drying. Finishing is even more trouble — home irons just can’t press properly on cool settings.  If the label says “hand wash,” usually the best cleaning not in your bathroom or kitchen, it’s in our professional cleaning plant. Our staff is trained to advise you on best practices – on any garment.

Wedding planners suggest you arrange cleaning and preservation of your gown well before the ceremony.  Our professional staff will care for your gown after the ceremony, cleaning and expertly packaging it for long-term storage.  Not sure if you are going to save your gown or sell it? Gowns that have been professionally cleaned and preserved bring a higher price than those left ‘as worn.’ We’re ready to help with cleaning, pressing and last minute alterations for everyone in the wedding party.

Is your favorite coat looking rippled? Modern outerwear is often constructed using adhesive to bond outside and inside layers, adding shape and form without bulk.  Time, wear and exposure to the elements can break down the adhesive, creating a bubbled, rippled appearance.  We see this effect most often at high-stress areas— shoulders, elbows, bust and waist — where you stretch and bend. Sadly, this condition can’t be repaired or prevented. Even a wrinkly coat is still warm — give it to a local charity.

Jeans that fit like a dream are hard to find, especially after wearing pants without buttons during the pandemic.  So when you shop for new, focus on the body fit, and don’t worry about the length. Our alterations department can have you hemmed to the perfect length in no time.  If you want to retain the showroom look, ask for an original hem. Rather than cutting off the bottom and sewing a new hem, we can cleverly hide the extra fabric and move the original factory hem to a new shorter length.

Have you made the switch to oxygen-bleach products yet? You may think conventional chlorine bleach is whitening, but if the water is not hot enough, the bleach is only weakening fibers. Old-fashion bleach requires substantial heat to activate and brighten—the new oxy products work even in cold water and get your whites bright without leaving chlorine smell and holes behind. Save bleach for disinfecting around the house, and switch to a more earth-friendly way to brighten all your laundry.

Looking for a way to spoil that special someone at home? Did spending too much time at home get your laundry room overflowing?  Catch up with the chores while still enjoying the springtime sunshine and give yourself a little break once in a while and splurge.  Ask about wash and fold service for your basic laundry.  With a low per pound price, sheet, towels, comforters, and your everyday clothes will come back clean and folded.