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Chances are that, if you're reading this blog, you already know the importance of clothing care labels. These labels will tell you the best strategies for keeping a garment in perfect condition and ensuring that it looks just as good now as when you bought it a year ago!
There is much more to know, however, about keeping your clothing in the best condition when dry cleaning, and this article will go over five of them!
1) Don't leave your clothes in the car!
One problem that we've experienced is damage to clothes caused by the sun. This often happens when customers throw their clothing in the back of the car when planning to take them to the dry cleaner. Life is unpredictable, however, and things may come up that postpone that dry cleaning trip, therefore exposing your clothing to excessive sunlight. This can lead to fading and damage due to heat, so plan accordingly!
2) Explain stains to the dry cleaner
Don't simply drop your clothing off in a bundle and hope for the best. Certain strategies are used for certain stains, so giving the dry cleaner as much information as possible will help guarantee that the stain is handled appropriately. If you use a dry cleaning pickup and delivery service, pin a note to the garments to make sure your dry cleaner knows where the stain is and what caused it.
3) Take care of shoulder pads
Garments with shoulder pads can be very dangerous because they are easily detached and lost. If your shoulder pads velcro into the garment, or can easily be slipped out, be sure to remove them at home. If not, secure them with safety pins before bringing to the dry cleaner. This will ensure they keep their shape and do not bunch up or become deformed.
4) Be careful when applying perfume or cologne
Apply them to your BODY rather than your CLOTHING. These substances are secret stainers, and can cause discoloration due to the alcoholic ingredients. Hairspray is also dangerous to clothes, and should be used carefully.
5) Don't be a stranger!
Dry cleaners appreciate it when their customers are involved, asking questions and making conversation to lighten the mood. Being a friend to your service providers will only benefit you in the long run, and it couldn't hurt to create a personal connection between the dry cleaner and your garments.
If you have any questions about the above tips, feel free to ask!
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For many, the joy of owning pets far outweighs the regular maintenance required to clean up after them. But that doesn’t mean pet owners should have to live in a smelly house. With a little regular cleaning, fast reaction and a few proactive ideas, you can enjoy your pets and have clean carpets, too.**1**Vacuum at least three times a week – The thought of vacuuming that much might make you cringe, but by doing so, you’ll keep dirt, bacteria and hair from burrowing in and attaching to your carpet fibers. Keep in mind that it might only be necessary to vacuum the areas your pet frequents most often.**2**Use special treatments – Enzyme treatments are very effective whenever Fido has an “accident” on the carpet, or little Kitty can’t make it to the linoleum with her little “presents” (otherwise known as hairballs – yack). These treatments are readily available at most pet stores. Good Housekeeping recommends a product called, Nature’s Miracle.**3**While an area is being cleaned, keep your pet away -- The end results will be much better if the little “odor causers” aren’t allowed into the area while it’s wet or freshly cleaned. TIP: place tin foil or a plastic bag on the floor that will make a noise to startle your pet if they try to walk into the area. They will probably avoid it for a while.**4**Machine wash sheets and blankets – The Humane Society of the United States recommends adding a one-pound box of baking soda to your regular detergent, and air dry if possible. If this task is just too much to handle, bring those big, bulky items like comforters, blankets and pillows to us at Crescent Cleaners, and we’ll take care of them for you (you DID know that your beloved dry cleaner also does household items, didn’t you?)**5**Hide the litter box – Southern Living got this idea from a house in New Orleans where the owner cut a cat-size hole in a lower cabinet. Your cat will have a private space that your family won’t have to see or smell as much. Just don’t forget to clean it out every day, or you’ll have an unhappy kitty!Ok, you all are a creative bunch, so tell us what we missed. What special tricks do YOU use to keep your carpets relatively clean of your beloved fur babies’ natural “sheddings”?DeAnn Soults, Certified Professional Drycleaner
info@CrescentCleaners.com