According to a report from CNN, families are finding ways “to celebrate religious holidays together but apart this year.” While we all feel a strong emotional and traditional need to be with families during holidays, experts say the risks of spreading the virus outweigh the benefits. Family-only backyard egg hunts, online video chats using apps like Zoom or Facetime, and “attending” virtual or drive-in church services are ways to celebrate without risk. Don’t risk a life-threatening disease to celebrate a holiday of rebirth. Social Distance; Stay Home; and Wash Your Hands.  

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jewish families are cutting back their primary holiday of the year. At sundown tonight, Jewish people traditionally gather at a table with friends, relatives and even strangers for a celebration highlighted by a Seder dinner. The evening begins an eight-day holiday that commemorates God’s “passing over” of a plague more than 3.000 years ago. This year, there are virtual synagogue services, Zoom Seder gatherings, first-time cooks for a meal that may not be a five-course extravaganza. Stores are well-stocked with matzoh, the unleavened bread that’s a must-have. No matter what your faith or tradition, we can all celebrate the freedoms that will return with this modern coronavirus plague passes. Social Distance; Stay Home: Wash your Hands. (even on Passover)

According to Consumer Reports, handwashing is critical in stopping the spread of any respiratory virus (and other bugs), and it’s recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, flu and more. Wash your hands after you use the bathroom, after you blow your nose, cough or sneeze. Proper technique uses soap and scrubbing all parts of your hands for at least 20 seconds. Water temperature and type of soap don’t matter, but scrubbing for at least 20 seconds makes the difference. Let’s all stay healthy: Don’t Panic; Stay Home; and Wash Your Hands.  

The coronavirus, according to experts, is usually transmitted by droplets from a sneeze or cough, that can survive on articles of clothing, bed linens, towels and other household items. Conventional home or commercial laundering in hot water (above 80° F) and extra time and heat in the dryer will help kill the virus. If you’ve been in a public area, remove your clothing and launder, including your coat if you’ve sneezed into your elbow or touched surfaces with your sleeves. It’s best practice to put on “inside” shoes and clothing after you’ve been out.  Don’t Panic; Stay Home; and Wash Your Hands.  

We’re following local, state and federal guidelines through this pandemic to minimize exposure, risk and spread of the virus. Please call – we may be able to pick up and deliver to your home or curbside.  And remember these important words:  Don’t panic; stay home; and wash your hands.  

The threat of coronavirus has us all thinking about cleaning, especially at home where we’re spending most of our time. Of course, frequent cleaning often-touched surfaces is first priority. It’s a sound practice to clean garments that may have been exposed to the coronavirus. Simply laundering in water that’s above 80° F will sanitize fabrics — without the need for chlorine bleach. Heat in the dryer helps, too. Stay safe, stay well.

The breaking news on the coronavirus pandemic seems to get worse daily, and we are following all directives from government and health authorities. For now, we’re following best-practice advice to minimize social contact, handwash thoroughly and frequently, sneezing into facial tissue or elbow, and monitoring fevers and dry coughs.  We’ll continue to provide professional dry cleaning and laundry services as usual, until further notice. 

When a forgotten tissue in the pocket hits the washing machine, tiny shreds of paper get everywhere. Pick off the bigger pieces before letting the dryer’s lint trap do its job. Remove while damp and shake out remaining scraps, use a clothes brush or lint roller to finish. One nice thing about old-fashioned handkerchiefs, they don’t disintegrate all over your laundry.

Don’t cheat yourself of one of life’s little luxuries by saving the cloth napkins for company. Even regular cotton or linen napkins are easy to care for and make every meal a little bit nicer. Choose a dark or richly patterned fabric for extended use (stains don’t show). Smooth and fold napkins right out of the dryer to avoid wrinkling and help speed (or skip) ironing. Of course, our laundry specialists make your table linens and napery always look clean and crisp.

Here’s the right way to fold a suit to fit into a carry-on. Lay the jacket flat and button it up, flip over and fold one shoulder over halfway to the middle. Lay the sleeve directly over the fold, repeat with other half. Fold the pants in half lengthwise, then once again. Place the pants on top of the folded jacket shoulders, then fold the jacket in half so the pants are nested inside. When you arrive, unpack and hang.