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Always cleanable, sometimes washable.
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 has been trained to understand how each of these specialty fabrics should be cleaned –…
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The classic OCBD.
That’s Oxford cloth button down and there’s at least one in almost every man’s closet. Back in 1896, John Brooks, grandson of the Brooks Brothers founder, took an idea from polo players, buttoning down the collar to keep it out the player’s face, and made it a preppy classic. Today, it’s a trans-seasonal, hard wearing…
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Best-practice laundry tips.
First, zip up. Open zipper teeth will snag and tear more delicate items in the washer and dryer. Check the pockets for tissues, pens (and money), unbutton shirts and hook bras or use a lingerie bag. Securely tie draw strings to prevent them from slipping inside the garment. Separate colors from whites and wash new…
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Make your bed.
After summer’s hot and sweaty nights, it’s time to freshen your nighttime environment. Begin by stripping the bed down to the mattress. If you use a mattress pad, launder (or bring to us) and dry thoroughly, hanging on the line, if you have one. Flip and rotate the mattress. Is it time to replace your…
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New jeans blues?
Unwashed new jeans can lead to blue dye on your hands and shirt. When dye is transferred by friction, it’s called crocking, and the indigo dye in blue jeans is a notorious crocker. Before you leave blue everywhere, your washing machine is the first stop. Do a first wash with cold water, before the rinse…
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Warm weather wedding.
A September wedding can be just as sticky as a summer one. Pick lightweight and airy clothing for the wedding gown and bridal party. Warm weather can create sweat, so use airbrush makeup. After the ceremony and formal photos, change into a simpler dress made of comfortable, lighter material. If you have long hair, choose…
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Happy Labor Day weekend.
We’ll be closed Monday to celebrate the holiday with our families. It’s a time to remember the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The reward of a thing well done is to have done it right.” Come to think of it, every day is good time to remember the value of doing things right.
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Keep it local.
Want to make a local, sustainable choice that supports your community? Well look no further than your neighborhood merchants. Born and raised in your hometown, neighborhood 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…
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Sustain your investment.
The added wearability you get from professional cleaning is a benefit to your wardrobe budget and 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…
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Fresh, fluffy towels.
After a shower or bath, there’s nothing as refreshing as a big, clean terrycloth towel. Home laundry fabric softener can prevent a towel from soaking up water, incompletely rinsed detergent can harden the fibers. If towels aren’t smelling so fresh, add a cup of baking soda to the wash. White vinegar freshens mildewy staleness. Nothing…