Archives for Care Tips

Extend garment life.

Contrary to some beliefs, frequent dry cleaning actually prolongs the life of a garment. Not only do stains set with age, but ground-in dirt and soil can act as an abrasive, causing rapid wear of fibers. In storage, insects are attracted to soiled clothes (particularly to food or drink stains) and will eat holes in the fabric. Home ironing, or over-pressing, can cause a flattened glazed appearance on some fabric, especially gabardine. We’re very careful to use best practices for pressing and press maintenance here in the shop. Our finishing adds so much to the wearability of your garment.

Lipstick stains?

After a boisterous New Year’s Eve you may find a little incriminating stain on your collar. Innocuous or not, removing lipstick can be more difficult than explaining how it got there. Our stain experts can whisk most lipstick stains out of almost every fabric. If you want to try an easy home remedy, soaking in liquid dishwashing detergent seems to work amazingly well. Rinse well before laundering, with bleach for white fabric.

Resolutions.

First, Peace. Followed by the usual list: eat better, smile more, lose weight, learn something new, share, drink more water, walk. To that we’ll add “Say Hello” to someone new every day. We say hello to a lot of people every day as part of our job. Seems like the more we do it, the more we like it. Drop by soon and we’ll be happy to remind you how good it feels to be greeted as a friend. We’re closed until Friday, see you then.

Home for Christmas.

Please join us, our employees, our families and friends, in a Christmas wish for peace on earth, goodwill towards men. No matter your faith, station, nationality or color, we’re joined in this season of renewal, of hope and blessing.

The gift of clean.

Yes, this is a shameless plug for shirts, sweaters and suits — cleaned and pressed to crisp perfection — with a gift certificate from us. We custom-make gift certificates in a size to fit every budget and recipient. Dry cleaning and laundry is something everyone needs throughout the year. Everyone from the garbage man to the up and coming executive will appreciate a little cleaning this Christmas.

Snuggle up for winter.

Days are short, nights are cold. To get the most relaxing and refreshing sleep, start by cleaning your mattress with your vacuum, baking soda and your favorite essential oil. Lavender, chamomile, sandalwood or geranium are classic, add 20 drops to a box of baking soda, mix well and massage into the mattress. Wait an hour or so before vacuuming up all the baking soda. The mixture helps lift soil, remove mite debris and freshen while wicking away moisture. Now add freshly laundered linens and you’re ready for some dream time. Our professional laundry service is perfect for duvet covers and comforters, quilts and blankets.

The gender politics of buttons.

Why left handed buttons for women? In Victorian times, right handed maids did most of the buttoning for fashionable women. Left-handed buttons indicated wealth (you had enough to pay a maid to do the tedious work). As with everything, there’s an answer on the Internet. By the time sewing machines and patterns became popular in the 1850’s, right over left buttoning for women’s wear became standard, likely for economic reasons more than male-domineering political ones. We’re not even going to start thinking about how zippers and Velcro could have influenced women’s rights. We clean ‘em all, and no matter what direction, if your button is missing, we’re going to replace it. Without charge.

Nothing tricky, please.

We hear about miracle stain removers every day. Everything from Coca-Cola and WD-40 to hairspray and meat tenderizer is recommended in tabloids, blogs, Facebook and late-night TV. Here’s the real secret: nothing works better for stain removal than the stain removal expert at work here. There’s so much we can do to help, but most do-it-yourself tricks only make a mess worse by spreading the stain, bleeding fabric color or weakening fibers and finish. Our best recommendation: blot the stain with a clean white cloth, and then bring it to us pronto. Our gravy/red wine/cranberry stain department is standing by.

Give thanks.

We all have so much, and today the luckiest of us are blessed with family and friends, enjoying the bounties of love, of sharing laughter and a memorable meal. We’re reminded of the Estonian proverb, “Who does not thank for little will not thank for much.” No matter your Thanksgiving traditions, from holding hands during grace to serving the meal at half time, we send our warmest thoughts and prayers. And sincere appreciation for your friendship and support. Thank You.

Thanksgiving traditions.

Our parents, and theirs, celebrated the family gathering with blessings, centerpieces, games and recipes that turn a sumptuous meal into a treasured family tradition. Real Simple shares seven favorites ranging from a vegan organic tofu pumpkin pie to Garrison Keillor shares tips to prevent “crying in the cranberries” and concentrating on the thankfulness. If you think traditions are not vital to the “proper” celebration,try switching from turkey to ham, from Parker House to potato rolls. Brothers, sisters, in-laws and children will let you know what’s required.