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Fabric softeners —
a little goes a long way. Related to soap, fabric softeners coat laundry with a waxy lubricant that lets the fibers slide past each other, reducing wrinkling and softening scratchiness. They also make napped fibers stand on end for fluffiness and reduce static cling caused by tumbling in the dryer. Over time, the waxy coating…
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Hanging out.
If you’re lucky enough to enjoy an outdoor clothesline, there are a few tricks to drying laundry outdoors. Shake damp laundry to smooth out wrinkles before hanging. Dry shirts on hangers for crease-free results, ready for touchup ironing. Hang pants by the bottom hem. That’s the way to hang t-shirts and polos, too. Hang “departments”…
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Cleaning vs. Washing.
Here’s the easy-to-remember rule: Everything can be cleaned, not everything can be washed. Specialty fabrics such as wool, silk, leather and rayon should never be washed. They require professional cleaning and care. Our expert staff is trained to understand how each of these specialty fabrics should be cleaned – and the right cleaning care protects…
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Cold water savings.
Detergent chemists have come a long way since Fels Naptha and boiling water was the answer to dirty laundry. Most people still think hot or warm water gets clothes cleaner, but in fact all it does is add cost. Consumer Reports calculates you could save enough in energy costs to pay for 300 loads worth…
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More laundry tricks with baking soda
Want a natural way to brighten whites, even vintage linens? Use baking soda in your next load of laundry. The natural chemistry gently removes dirt and debris, even set-in odors, all while being safe for even the most delicate skin. It works great as a natural fabric softener and is fragrance free. For any of…
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Sustain your wardrobe.
The added wearability you get from professional cleaning is actually a benefit to the environment. Every extra use you get from a garment reduces your need to buy a new one, and keeps it out of the rag heap or landfill. Our gentle cleaning and laundry procedures add life and comfort to your wardrobe, prevent…
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The big brush off
No doubt, your valet or lady’s maid thoroughly brushes and airs your clothing after every wear. What to do without a staff? Brush your good clothes before putting them back in the closet. Brushing removes dust, grime and surface soil before it can penetrate. Use short, quick strokes against the grain, then finish with long…
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Switching seasons.
Before you store away your summer favorites, make sure everything’s clean and free of spills and stains. A little white wine spot or Seven-Up spill will oxidize over time, leaving a brown stain. Pack like-colored items together, and keep everything away from light and moisture. If you don’t have closet space, fold everything (with white…
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Get prepped for a fresher workout.
Before your post-turkey workout, get those funky gym clothes fresh again. According to Men’s Fitness, the easiest way to keep gym clothes smelling fresh is presoaking. Most workout garments are made with fibers that repel water, like Spandex and Lycra, so you need to presoak in a half-gallon warm water mixed with 1 ounce laundry…
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Tooth whitening alert.
Today’s products for whiter, brighter smiles go way beyond old-fashioned baking soda. At-home treatments deliver serious bleaching power – so if you’re whitening at home, be sure to do it when you’re not wearing good clothes. Even a tiny splatter can leave a permanent bleached spot on your blouse, shirt, sweater or jacket.