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.

Are you keeping an old military uniform, letter jacket or baby blanket in your attic? Bring us your special family heirlooms. Our cleaning process protects delicate fibers, prevents aging stains. We can repair most the tears or loose seams of time. Interested in passing it on to the next generation? Ask us about our boxing options for preservation.

Don’t be caught off guard when your favorite shirt finally gives out. Check your cuffs and collar for signs of wear around the edges. Do you see a dark pigment at the corner of your collar? It’s the glue from the interfacing showing through. And last but not least, watch your elbows – when your shirt has finally seen enough, the thinning fabric at the elbows will tear.

Get a jumpstart on spring cleaning — bring us all your bulky bedding – we specialize in their cleaning {and storage}. Our professional staff will make sure your downs, wools and silks are ready for next winter’s storms.  Don’t have space in your closet to store your winter blankets and bedding? Our breathable comforter bags are perfect for seasonal storage of comforters, blankets and those cozy flannel sheets.

Successful removal of odors depends on the source of the odor and the type of fabric, but the process can be a bit complex. Perspiration; mildew; smoke from tobacco or fire; urine; metallic or oily … there’s a process for each.

Not all odors can be removed, so the question is, if you can’t remove the odor do you disguise it with another product and a different odor?

For washable items:

• Soak the garment in detergent and/or color-safe bleach
• Add a few ounces of white vinegar to the mix
• Baking soda mixed with water can help neutralize odors (like in the fridge)
• Use a detergent for drip-dry sports gear that might help with body odor
• Mildew is a water-based odor that usually requires chlorine bleach, so be careful with colors

Dryclean-only items:

• You are somewhat limited with these fabrics because most odors are water-based, hence they may not “rinse-out” during drycleaning
• However, oily resins, which can be present in some odors, are often removed during the cleaning process, so it’s worth talking to your drycleaner.
• Point out odors, and do not be embarrassed!

If you have a very bad odor, that cannot be removed at home, ask your drycleaner about ozone. Some cleaners use this process for animal and smoke odors.

—The Clothing Doctor

© The Clothing Doctor. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission.

Let us know if you have a loose button or a falling hem. Out talented staff can repair your favorite clothes so you can keep wearing them time and time again. Hemming a new pair of pants? Don’t forget to let us know if you want to keep your original hem.  And don’t forget to call ahead for a fitting on your specialty garments- our expert seamstress/tailor will keep you looking your best.