tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74442669029018269992024-03-12T23:27:53.925-07:00The Authority on All Things About DryCleaners!Drycleaning is not done by shooting magic rays at garments. I wish it was!
It is a time consumining and labor intensive skill. It can only be learned by experience. BUYER BEWARE: There are NO requirements to open a cleaners! This blog gets you the knowlege of how to find and communicate your needs so you get what you want from your textiles!Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-37641832214612973542018-10-07T09:05:00.001-07:002018-10-07T09:05:15.564-07:00I Can't Believe Moths Ate My Sweater!<i>-- Home Storage Nickel Knowledge by Trudi Carey; originally published in Santa Barbara News-Press Sunday, August 26, 2018</i><br />
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In our storage business we hear a lot of stories from our clients in Hope Ranch. Lately we've been hearing more and more about moths or mold ruining clothing and furniture in their homes. One client had five tuxedos in his closet ruined by moths. Another client had unknowingly purchased antique furniture that was infected with mold. We decided to do a little research about how to prevent moths and mold from ruining our things!<br />
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We spoke with Sasha Ablitt of Ablitt's Fine Cleaners to get her thoughts and did a bit of online research. Here is what we learned:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Moths</span><br />
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When liquids are spilled on your clothing, often they are not visible to the eye, moths will find the spill and begin to eat both the food and your sweater. Food particles (like a crumb) on your sweater, scarf or jacket are also delicious to a moth!<br />
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Sasha recommends dry cleaning wool coats at least once a year and tuxedos and gowns after every wear. "Customers often wear something to an event and put it away because it looks clean, they forget about the 7-up or white wine that splashed on the sleeve and once the stain is noticeable, it is too late."<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Mold</span><br />
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Mold needs a few important ingredients<br />
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<li>Moisture</li>
<li>Oxygen</li>
<li>Warmth</li>
<li>Food</li>
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To prevent mold growth, keep surfaces and materials dry and remove water damaged items from your home. Mold needs 48-72 hours to develop, which gives you a small window to clean spills or leaks and prevent growth.</div>
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Food for mold can be any organic matter. Paper (books), wool, silk, wood, glue, dirt and dust are food sources for mold. Per Sasha they see more mold clothing than moth damage which surprised us.</div>
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When clothing is stored without thoroughly drying, or if the closet itself is damp, mold is given an opportunity to grow. If you discover mold on clothing the first recommended step is to put the garments outside in direct sunlight to dry out. If the garment is bleachable, wash with hot water and bleach to kill the mold. Per Sasha you cant wash out mold in your washing machine without bleach as a residential washer's water does not get hot enough. The item will need to be professionally laundered (they use really really hot water) or dry cleaned.</div>
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Once mold is given the opportunity to grow it will continue to do so until the mold is removed or the climate for growth has changed. If the temperature drops the mold spores will grow dormant (this is why fur coats are put into cold storage in warm weather). When the temperature rises again the mold will spring back to life. Mold is microscopic and spores can float in the air allowing them to travel through your house easily and find new food sources.</div>
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It is common for out of season clothing to be stored in plastic but while this practice can help keep some pests out, it can also trap moisture and allow for mold growth. Sasha suggest putting a piece of tissue in under the plastic particularly for garments or items stored on humid days. Ablitt's always put tissue paper in wedding gowns and sweaters before storage for this reason. If the tissue changes color or develops holes, be sure to get the item professionally cleaned immediately. You should periodically check the tissue as an indicator of moisture.</div>
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Smaller mold affected items like chair cushions can be taken to Ablitt's ozone equipment for cleaning (they are the only cleaners in town that offer ozone cleaning). Larger items will need to be done at a company like Service Master that has a full ozone room.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Black Light</span></div>
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A black light can be used to check for mold and stains not visible to the eye. Shine the light directly over your clothing, walls, grout, wooden fixtures and fabrics to look for a bright yellow or yellow-green glow. If bright areas appear you most likely have a stain, food particle that will attract moths or could be mold.</div>
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My take away, I am going to use the black light on my sweaters and coats and professionally clean the ones that light up regularly. I also plan to shine the light under my sinks to see if there is any moisture that I cannot see. The black lights are available online or that I cannot see. The black lights are available online or at Home Depot. Purchase a bright one will give you a better result!</div>
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<i>Trudi Carey is a licensed Real Estate Broker, Architect and General Contractor. She is a member of the Santa Barbara Realtor Association and serves on their professional standards committee. She specializes in new home trends, real estate, self storage services and is a frequent speaker on design trends.</i></div>
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<br />Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-74923487327455085542017-07-23T20:31:00.000-07:002017-07-23T20:31:06.802-07:00Fashion, your health and the environmentGoogle drycleaner and you will likely get a lot of information on Environmentally friendly drycleaners. Eco Cleaners love to tout their stuff and warn of the dangers to health of using the traditional perc drycleaning solvent. I am glad that awareness growing about the importance of choosing a responsible drycleaner. It is true that perc fumes have been proven to be carcinogenic. But the solvent is not all you need to think about.<br />
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Most of us are unaware of the dangers of many clothes we buy.<br />
When you are shopping for clothes, your choices effect your health, your families health, and the health of planet earth.<br />
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What is my biggest concern? They are calling it fast fashion. . . and this trend worries me<br />
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14 million tons of clothing go into landfills in the us every day.<br />
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Then there are the chemicals that cant be good for our health or the planet:<br />
polyester is plastic - its can last forever in a land fill<br />
There is a reason we don't make these clothes here - these toxic chemicals are banned in the US<br />
the chemicals used to acid wash or fade jeans is toxic<br />
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their are optical brighteners used on white clothes that are toxic and often wash out quickly. So the clothes look old after just a few cleanings<br />
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there are coatings sprayed onto clothes to give them added body and sparkle - it is often toxic.<br />
--- One quick tip, wash your sheets with detergent then do an additional rinse before putting them on your bed the first time! Wrinkle free coatings at one time were formaldehyde (I was told by someone in the industry that this is no longer true. However since it was never admitted, how can I confirm that? I recommend not buying any wrinkle free clothing).<br />
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These chemicals wash out of our clothes over time. Drycleaners cannot replace these optical brighteners and other textile chemicals back into your clothes because these chemicals are illegal in the US. However other countries that manufacture using these same chemicals and using questionable social practices are booming. Look at the online clothing industry. These clothes are cheaply made and intended for only a few uses. The fashion cycle which used to be seasonal has been shrunk to only a few weeks!<br />
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Cashmere made in china has very short fibers and pills almost instantly. The life of a sweater made that way is very short. They tend to look old and worn after just one cleaning<br />
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The Silk made in china is not really silk. Im not sure what it is. I need to research it further but I know from experience cleaning it - it does not wear the way Italian or Traditional silk does. it looses luster, fades and snags in a way that reduces its usefulness<br />
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In short - these are disposable clothes that are treated with toxic chemicals<br />
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There is also a social component here. When you buy that $5 shirt or $12 dress. It is likely that those items have circled the globe at least once using considerable fuels during its travels.<br />
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I make the joke that these disposable clothes are made by underaged under paid children in China. . . . and I worry that it is true. There is a reason that a sweater made by hand in America will cost hundreds of dollars while an H&M sweater is only $10. I don't know that its true, but now I think I need to find out before I shop there again.<br />
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I am not an expert in this area, however I am trying to educate myself because I believe we all have the power to influence the world by making intentional choices when shopping.<br />
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You have the choice to buy a few better made pieces that will look great, clean great and last longer. Buying American, and not buying into this disposable mindset, is a small yet powerful step towards a better world. Knowledge is power! It is my hope that people become more aware and intentional in their clothing choices.<br />
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Thanks for listening - Sasha<br />
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<br />Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-31290085713414075962016-09-11T10:25:00.001-07:002016-09-11T10:25:43.639-07:00Must Read if you are planning on getting your Wedding Gown Cleaned and/or Preserved!<b>Dry Cleaners are NOT all the same</b><div>
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I have made this point many times before. But it needs to be repeated. Anyone can open a shop and call themselves a drycleaner. There are no training requirements, no regulations (beyond a business and equipment permit) and no way of telling by the store front what you are getting into!</div>
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<b>Quick tip:</b> Ask a high end clothing boutique (or wedding gown salon) for a cleaner recommendation</div>
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Wedding gowns care is NOT the same as drycleaning. Your cleaner may be fabulous. However if they don't have specialized knowledge about the types of soils and materials that occur on gowns, you will be disappointed. And many cleaners send their gowns out to wholesale gown cleaners that seal your gown in a preservation chest. I would steer clear of these outfits too. If there were an issue, you will have little recourse to get the problem corrected.</div>
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How do you find someone capable and trustworthy to clean your gown?</div>
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Check out this <a href="https://www.preownedweddingdresses.com/blog/five-reasons-to-choose-the-association-of-wedding-gown-specialists-for-gown-care" target="_blank">article</a> by preownedweddingdresses.com about the leading wedding gown cleaning association in the world, The Association of Wedding Gown Specialists. Some 100 of the best cleaners in Canada, the US, Australia, Mexico and England (so far) get together to learn best practices, share findings and in the end provide superior services to you, the wedding gown owner</div>
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enjoy the article</div>
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Thanks for Wearing clothes!</div>
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Sasha</div>
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Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-79113797145739507112016-03-02T08:25:00.001-08:002016-03-02T08:26:16.383-08:00How to Make Your Draperies Last<h2 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; text-align: center;">
DLI's Consumer News You Can Use: Vol. 43</h2>
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Draperies can susceptible to a wide variety of problems, ranging from shrinkage and fading to stains and abrasion damage. Too often we only think of cleaning draperies after they’ve been framing our windows for a few years. Sometimes problems can develop over time while they are just hanging there, doing their job of beautifying out homes.<br />
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What problems are associated with draperies?<br />
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Because draperies are exposed to atmospheric conditions in greater concentrations and for longer periods of time than most garments and textiles, they can encounter a number of problems. Often these problems do not become evident until the item has been drycleaned or washed.<br />
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Some of the more common problems associated with draperies are damage due to light exposure; poor colorfastness; yellowing due to the deterioration of finishes or soil accumulation; water marks; shrinkage; abrasion damage; and deterioration of the coating or lining during cleaning. Some of these problems are a result of defects in manufacturing.<br />
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Others, however, such as damage due to light exposure, yellowing due to soil accumulation, water marks, and abrasion damage, can usually be attributed to circumstances of use.<br />
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What can you do to make your draperies last?<br />
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The American National Standards Institute's Fair Claims Guide for Consumer Textile Products gives the following life expectancies for draperies: • Lined Draperies 5 years • Unlined Draperies 4 years • Sheer Draperies 3 years • Fiber Glass Draperies 4 years.<br />
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How long a drapery lasts depends on the fabric type and density, finishes, window location, and length of use. But it also depends on their selection and the care they receive. Here are some tips to help you keep your draperies looking great:<br />
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• To protect drapes against yellowing due to excess staining and soiling, clean the drape at least once a year.<br />
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• It is best that you have your drapes cleaned by a cleaner who is experienced in the cleaning of drapes and is knowledgeable in drapery problems.<br />
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• Protect drapes from prolonged dampness. Moisture from rain, leaky pipes, or condensation from window panes can result in water marks and mildew.<br />
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• If possible, rotate draperies periodically to vary the amount of light exposure received.<br />
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• Protect drapes from abrasion damage by avoiding constant rubbing on window sills or furnishings while in use. Abrasion damage can also be caused by a family pet snagging the fabric with sharp claws.<br />
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• Keep draperies away from the kitchen, wood stoves, or fireplaces. Smoke from wood stoves, fireplaces, and cigarettes; cooking fumes; and other atmospheric contaminants can contribute greatly to drapery soiling.</div>
Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-17108946521582200042015-07-05T12:35:00.005-07:002015-07-05T12:35:56.046-07:00Six Secrets to Keep your Clothes Stain Free!<h2>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>First - NEVER, EVER, RUB A STAIN OR SPILL </b></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rubbing stains, grinds soils into the fibers of your garment AND because rubbing acts like <b>sand paper</b>, rubbing will likely cut fibers in your garment and cause 1) de-lustering (which looks like a stain, but is actually fabric damage because the material is no longer reflecting light like the rest of the garment) and/or 2) it can cause color loss. I know its hard, but please refrain from rubbing any stain or spill if you want to prolong the life of your garment. This is especially true of silks and satins. AND alcohol can easily remove the dyes from silk items - so BOT, BLOT, BLOT until your beverage stain is gone!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>TIP: </b>Men, take off your tie before eating. Or at least throw it over your shoulder!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Another TIP: </b>NEVER put water (including club soda) on a silk anything to remove a spill. It will make it harder for your drycleaner to fix the garment in the end! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The best thing you can do any time you spill anything on your clothes is to BLOT up the excess soil/liquid with a clean, lint-free, light colored cloth</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Second - treat your stains promptly</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Mom was right (isn't she always?). Fresh stains are easier and more likely to be removed. Less well known is the physical and chemical damage that can be done by leaving stains in your clothes. When some stains (alcohol, sugar water and perspiration to name a few) are left in clothes they can weaken fibers causing your garments more likely to tear, or start holes. The can also cause a chemical reaction that damages the dyes causing color loss. Also, soils left in clothes will attract insects which, besides being gross, will eat holes in your clothes and then destroy any wool items in your closet. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Also keep in mind, that if its hot, or you leave soiled garments in a car, the heat will effectively cook your clothes and set stains in a matter of 15 minutes! Another reason you should find a cleaner that picks up and delivers!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Third - If your item is Dryclean Only - take it to your drycleaner and ignore the rest of this post</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If you have a silk blouse or acetate dress or any other item with a "DryClean Only" care label, STOP HERE and take your items to your favorite drycleaner. </span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You will know if your item is dryclean only if there is a circle symbol on the care label like this</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer</b></span><b><span style="font-size: large;">: The following information is <u>ONLY </u>for items that can be safely laundered</span></b></div>
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Fourth - Carry a stain stick with you </h2>
Like the third rule says, treat you stains promptly. Carry a stain stick in your purse, and your car. They are cheap and easy to tuck into your purse, glovebox or desk. I personally like the Clorox and Tide sticks the best.<br />
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Fifth - work the stain from the "wrong side"</h2>
If you are going to "work" a stain before you put it into the laundry, use this drycleaner trick; Flush the stain from the backside first. Its easier to "push" the stain off the surface of material, rather than force it to travel <u>through</u> the material. Another way to say this is to "lift" the stain off the material.<br />
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Lastly - For greasy stains</h2>
For a lot of grease (pizza anyone?) put a little dishwashing detergent in with your load. Be sure the water is already filling your basket, You want the water and detergent to mix (dilute) before adding your clothes. You may apply this de-greaser directly to clothes, but FIRST you will need to dilute it considerably with water. I love Dawn, however I would never apply a colored anything to clothes directly. I always dilute any product with water before adding clothes.<br />
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As for specific stain removal tips (mustard, grass, etc.), I ran across this fabulous article by the <b>University of Nebraska: </b> <a href="http://lancaster.unl.edu/home/articles/2002/summerstain.shtml">http://lancaster.unl.edu/home/articles/2002/summerstain.shtml</a>. <br />
It was written in 2002, but the tips are as true today as they were then. <br />
As a drycleaner, because I have access to all sorts of stain removal chemicals the average person cannot get, I did not try these stain removal techniques, and their effectiveness is up to you to determine. I would love to hear your favorite home stain removal techniques!</div>
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<br />Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-70488658999474671362015-01-18T11:19:00.001-08:002015-01-18T11:19:47.086-08:00Nothing last forever; How long should your comforter last?I just received and email from the Drycleaning&Laundry Institute. <br />
You can read about the DLI here: http://www.dlionline.org/Drycleaners<br />
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As I looked at their analysis of the life of house hold items (comforters, drapes, etc - you can review their chart below) I knew that the average consumer of drycleaning services would not agree with the average life expectancies the DLI publish.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCENNg_Jd8o7Pf06-btWH9rBlq2WweO7nMebUru_OrqUqq95N4EW08UdJb1vTHG44mWP2-AJopc1CwwE8OS8GbP2bfX3LNwmcnunFhbpwDrQh4Teug40Z1p08bQhZ-Sme0jI1v8qWSWAt5/s1600/maya+bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCENNg_Jd8o7Pf06-btWH9rBlq2WweO7nMebUru_OrqUqq95N4EW08UdJb1vTHG44mWP2-AJopc1CwwE8OS8GbP2bfX3LNwmcnunFhbpwDrQh4Teug40Z1p08bQhZ-Sme0jI1v8qWSWAt5/s1600/maya+bed.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
The DLI compiles this data for their drycleaner members, as they should, because better than 95% of textiles that are past their life, die during the cleaning process. Textile damage is often hard to spot before cleaning, and the drycleaner is not usually told the story of the items in their care. Alas, sometimes the drycleaner is left holding the bag, after the fact, to an unhappy and frustrated customer. <br />
<br />
As I thought about it, I realized it was a question of averages; some things wear out after one use, some last over 10 years. I have towels for well over 5 years that look great. My Thanksgiving tablecloth has been in the family for 2 generations and my drapes are over 20 years old (I hesitated to share that with you - I don't think that is a good idea and I have just put it on my list to replace them!). However I also have t-shirts that have holes after one washing (I can explain why that happens, but it is not the content of this story).<br />
<br />
In my case I clean all items right after use, even if they don't appear dirty AND their use is limited. Heavy use, means heavier wear. And I have the understanding of exactly what forces are at work on my household textiles.<br />
<br />
The challenge with trying to put a timetable to the life of a textile is that a brand new tablecloth, even if it is well made, could be used and then stored without cleaning, and when it gets pulled out the following year - aged stains, or even holes may have destroyed it. <br />
<br />
My favorite example of unexpected wear in a household item is a down comforter. I have had clients bring in a comforter for cleaning. I always recommend washing down comforters in water. Every once in a while (writing this I realize its been years since Ive had this complaint, so I had better prepare for it) The comforter will lose 20%, 50% or more of the down on cleaning! What happened? Typically it is an older comforter (over 5 years) and it had been put away in storage. I think in the extreme cases it may have been slightly damp during storage and the down deteriorated over time. When the item was cleaned, all that loose down dissolved and was washed away. Under poor conditions, that comforter could be destroyed after only a year. <br />
<br />
My point? It is impossible to know how long something will last - but these averages should make you feel good about your things if they are lasting longer.<br />
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My father once told a client who's item had torn during cleaning (turns out it was over 7 years old), that the value of the item depreciates similar to an asset. She had worn the item for years and had gotten pleasure, utility out of that use. <br />
<br />
In line with that analogy, I suggest, that the next time you have a textile (clothes or comforter) last longer than the life expectancy, appreciate the extra time and be aware that nothing lasts forever!<br />
<br />
Think of it this way: your $1000 custom bed set is really costing you $200 a year, and after 5 years, its all gravy:-)<br />
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<br />
DLI Vol 28:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">Life Expectancy of Household Items</span><br />
<div align="left" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
The American National Standards Institute, Inc. approved the Fair Claims Guide for Consumer Textile Products. This standard provides the guidelines for determining liability for claims adjustment purposes for textile products. It also includes the following life expectancy chart for household textile items: </div>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;" />
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; border-collapse: collapse; border: none; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="border: 1pt solid windowtext; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 6.15in;" valign="top" width="443"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-weight: bold;">Life Expectancy Table</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-weight: bold;">Item</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-weight: bold;">Years</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Bedspreads</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">six years</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 6.15in;" valign="top" width="443"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-weight: bold;">Blankets</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Heavy Wool and Synthetic Fibers</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">10 years</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lightweight</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">five years</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Electric</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">five years</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Comforters</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">five years</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Down</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">five years</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 6.15in;" valign="top" width="443"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-weight: bold;">Curtains</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sheer</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">three years</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Glass Fiber</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">three years</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 6.15in;" valign="top" width="443"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-weight: bold;">Draperies</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lined</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">five years</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Unlined</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">four years</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sheer</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">three years</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Glass Fiber</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">four years</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sheets and Pillow Cases</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">two years</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Slipcovers</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">three years</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td colspan="2" style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 6.15in;" valign="top" width="443"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-weight: bold;">Table Linen</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Fancy</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">five years</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Other</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">two years</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Towels</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">three years</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Upholstery Fabrics</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">five years</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Articles Coated or Flocked</span></div>
</td><td style="border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-width: 1pt; border-style: none solid solid none; margin: 0px; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 221.4pt;" valign="top" width="221"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">two years</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
How long the items last also depends on selection. Consider the following before purchasing a household product:<br /><ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Will the material be durable?</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Will the fabric resist stains and soil?</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Are there any protective coatings of finishes available that will prolong the useful life of the textile?</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Is the fabric preshrunk?</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Is the fabric resistant to light, fading or pollution?</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Do any care instructions come with the purchase? Read all instructions or information before buying the item.</li>
</ul>
<br />Proper care will always help prolong the beauty of the household textile. Here are some basic rules to protect and prolong the beauty of household textiles:<br /><ul>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Protect all furnishings from sunlight, fumes, and pets.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Damage, like tears, should be repaired immediately.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Vacuum and/or brush to remove dust regularly.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Follow the manufacturer's cleaning recommendations.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Do not allow the item to become extremely soiled, and have any stains removed immediately.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Clean household textiles before storing.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-37193657542310574682014-03-21T10:12:00.000-07:002014-03-21T10:12:34.297-07:005 Things You Should Know About Drycleaning!Its true! Care labels are wrong the majority of the time.<br />
<br />
A recent online article from the UK tested 5 dryclean only garments and found that 4 of the 5 washed just fine.
Check out that article <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2584600/Is-proof-dry-cleaning-waste-money-Ignore-label-We-CAN-wash-dry-clean-clothes-home-save-fortune.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
<br />
I could have told you that without all the time and effort. At our cleaners, well over 80% of items we process are washed or wetcleaned (wetcleaning is just a way of describing a extreme control of detergents and agitation during cleaning, similar to hand wash at home, if you know what you are doing).<br />
<br />
So here are a few secrets you may not know about drycleaning:
-<br />
<ol>
<li>Care labels are often wrong. We often test clothes before cleaning to ensure care labels are correct.
- </li>
<li>Cashmere sweaters wash (hand wash) beautifully. We dryclean them because the water creates a time consuming requirement of blocking and drying flat. If you have the time, go for it. However washing cashmere well at home takes tender loving care, patience and a little practice.
- </li>
<li>Odor does not come out in drycleaning. Its true! If a drycleaner wants to remove an odor, they must wash it or use a textile deodorizer. So if you take a garment to the drycleaner with the hope that the odor will be removed – LET THEM KNOW. Your drycleaner should thank you for the information. They want you to be happy with the result.
- </li>
<li>Wash structured garments at your risk. In the article she washed a wool jacket. This is what we drycleaners call “structured garments.” I would never recommend washing that at home. </li>
<li>There should be no dryclean odor in your clothes. The only reason to air out your clothes after drycleaning is because the plastic is a petroleum product - DO NOT STORE YOUR CLOTHES IN DRYCLEAN PLASTIC! </li>
</ol>
There was also little mention in the article regarding the finishing of the garments. Your drycleaner has very specialized equipment that can remove wrinkles, set finish and shape garments easily and quickly after cleaning. I wonder if she just got lucky with the items she chose – silk typically needs finishing (it is normally quite wrinkled after cleaning – even when line dried) and cashmere must be blocked and dried properly to minimize wrinkles and shrinkage.<br />
<br />
So it comes down to
How much time do you have? Where do you want to be spending your time?
How much expertise to you have? (stain removal, pressing)
How many items are you willing to risk? <br />
<br />
A good drycleaner is a trusted resource. We study stain removal, garment construction and fibers and weaves. The trick is to <a href="http://drycleanauthority.blogspot.com/2012/08/5-things-you-must-know-so-you-wil-not.html">find a good drycleaner</a>
Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-23758543004689499852014-02-25T13:35:00.000-08:002014-02-25T13:35:45.058-08:00What You Don't Know About Wrinkle Free Shirts<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>This is a guest post by Don Desrosiers of Tailwind Systems.</b></i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71QmDJpbV_AE0NujWDMlKYJcNoDbwUUZOwnaA6vEz1O0sKIsL66ED0FBp0OYtb_dFZL7T1EUf42L8l4bm0DGeAAjRvVlW-GFQrZMnMTx5W1ALF2NNV5vp8FZcjFsCNf0Mh4-GawjKaVhI/s1600/BENERITO-obit-1381184306740-articleLarge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71QmDJpbV_AE0NujWDMlKYJcNoDbwUUZOwnaA6vEz1O0sKIsL66ED0FBp0OYtb_dFZL7T1EUf42L8l4bm0DGeAAjRvVlW-GFQrZMnMTx5W1ALF2NNV5vp8FZcjFsCNf0Mh4-GawjKaVhI/s1600/BENERITO-obit-1381184306740-articleLarge.jpg" height="135" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruth Benerito</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The idea of wrinkle-free/ wrinkle-resistant cotton rings a bell to those who hate ironing those shirts all the time. After all, if cotton shirts can be made to resist those unwanted creases and wrinkles then why even bother with regular cotton? This is the very idea that early researchers and garment manufacturers were tinkering with when synthetic fabrics such as nylon were beginning to replace cotton. Cotton manufacturers had to find a way to market cotton as the favorable choice of fabric. During the 1950s and 60s, a chemist and researcher named Ruth Benerito, made notable accomplishments in producing easy-care cotton fabrics. The good news was that garments made by this new process were wrinkle-resistant- it did not have to be ironed. The bad news was that this process required the use of formaldehyde- a harsh chemical often used for preserving dead animals and body parts and classified by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as a probable carcinogen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are generally five different methods used to produce wrinkle-free cotton: pre-cured fabric, post-cured fabric, dip-spin, spray method, and vapor phase. The main goal is to artificially swell the fabric by applying formaldehyde and heat so that instead of curling, the diameter of the fiber increases and makes it straight. While many of the issues associated with the use of formaldehyde in treating fabrics have been corrected through research during the past few years, and while the use of formaldehyde has been reduced, it has yet to be eliminated. Even the most popularly used resin, DMDHEU, which was meant to reduce the concentration of formaldehyde, is nevertheless a type of formaldehyde. In addition, wrinkle-free fabric has a reputation of being stiff and uncomfortable to wear. Many people also find that wrinkle-free garments still require some ironing due to the creases that form in some areas. This is good news for drycleaners because it keeps them in the loop, at least to some extent. Furthermore, for customers used to finely pressed cotton, an un-ironed “wrinkle-free” shirt, isn’t up to par. This perhaps puts you, the consumer, in a disappointing place. Wrinkle-free sounds like you might not need your drycleaner as much, but this doesn't turn out to be true. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many consumers fail to realize or simply do not care about the harsh and toxic chemicals that are being used in the products they use every day and researchers are still in the process of studying the long term health risks associated with being exposed to such chemicals. While society moved on to the 21st century, everything was manufactured and marketed to be fast and less time consuming. However, this sort of mindset comes with costs. While wrinkle-free means no more ironing, it also means a higher risk of health hazards associated with the toxins being used. Until researchers come up with more health-and-environmentally-</span><wbr style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></wbr><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">friendly methods for producing wrinkle-free cotton, taking some time to iron those shirts don’t sound so bad after all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><b style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Natural Finish vs. Wrinkle Free Cotton</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SsRrMVt87ziIzrK3b5HmahaBFvY8sidnMJPHC-6aTIMs_DIOnQ3TAXnz71WtH2mDHguAU6GKTm6Pv7awDB6Rwks8clbhkw0-DT7DmmiJOQwTkDB6vSbZPHFCDx8jrTS-dFD98uG_xRAX/s1600/Brooks_Brothers_ESF_Luxury_Dress_Shirts_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SsRrMVt87ziIzrK3b5HmahaBFvY8sidnMJPHC-6aTIMs_DIOnQ3TAXnz71WtH2mDHguAU6GKTm6Pv7awDB6Rwks8clbhkw0-DT7DmmiJOQwTkDB6vSbZPHFCDx8jrTS-dFD98uG_xRAX/s1600/Brooks_Brothers_ESF_Luxury_Dress_Shirts_1.jpg" height="257" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best shirts are made from the finest 100% cotton, using Pima, Egyptian or other long staple cotton fiber. They will use a minimal amount of chemical finishes. The best quality shirts are not made of wrinkle free cotton. Aside from the potential health risks, the heavy use of chemical finishes that are necessary to achieve the performance, greatly diminishes the natural properties of cotton that have made it the fiber of choice in the better shirt world. These are facts that everyone buying shirts today should know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wrinkle free performance is achieved in 100% cotton by changing the cottons natural properties through the application of chemicals called resins. Most if not all of these resins contain formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a toxic chemical with proven links to cancer. These resins coat the fabric and are actually baked onto the fiber. It is only of late that people have started to question the negative consequences of wearing apparel that has been so heavily treated with chemicals.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Government Study Regarding Health Risks</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A recent study mandated by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 and prepared for the US Congress by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) indicates that the formaldehyde based resins used in wrinkle free cotton shirts may be hazardous to one’s health. Here are some highlights of the report issued in August of 2010:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The GAO specifically stated: “Some clothing – generally garments made of cotton and other natural fibers – is treated with resins containing formaldehyde primarily to enhance wrinkle resistance. Formaldehyde is toxic and has been linked to serious adverse health effects, including cancer, and some federal agencies have regulations that limit human exposure which occurs primarily through inhalation and dermal (skin) contact.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many countries limit the amount of formaldehyde that can be in apparel. Among them are Germany, France and Japan. For some reason, the US does not.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Japan has among the strictest limits, allowing no more than 75 parts per million for shirts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The GAO study tested for formaldehyde levels in 166 apparel items randomly chosen throughout the US over various apparel classifications, from outerwear to sweaters to shirts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">9 items of the 166 tested exceeded the Japanese standard. Of those 9 items, 5 were marketed as being wrinkle free or resistant. The worst item was a wrinkle free cotton dress shirt that was almost 3 times the limit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The GAO specifically stated: “More than half of the items we had tested that exceeded these limits were labeled as having fabric performance characteristics related to durable press (wrinkle free), which may indicate the use of resins that contain formaldehyde.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The characteristics that have made cotton so popular in the better shirt world are greatly compromised by the vigorous processing required to achieve wrinkle or stain resistant finishes. The baked on coating of the resins actually changes the natural performance characteristics of the cotton fiber. Arguably, for all practical purposes the fabric is no longer cotton because breathability and absorbency are greatly diminished making the shirt far less comfortable and unable to defuse natural perspiration.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The process weakens the fabric, which makes it wear faster at cuffs, collars and elbows and makes it more susceptible to tearing at seams. How many times have you seen that lately and assumed that it was your drycleaner's fault?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The appealing natural feel of the fabric is compromised. The coated fabric often has a slick, synthetic, sometimes harsh feel to it. Especially in warmer conditions. Cotton doesn’t absorb a spill like it used to and you can’t dry your car with it anymore. That’s because the cotton is coated and unnatural.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The vibrancy of color is diminished. The fabric is coated; therefore there is film over the fabric that diminished the vibrancy of the original colors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lastly, it should be further noted that wrinkle free shirts eventually lose their wrinkle free feature. The performance that is achieved when the garment is new diminishes over time and is usually entirely exhausted after 25-30 washings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wrinkle-free shirts may not be what you think they are. Hopefully, you've been enlightened. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nuW9qvTh4hUqeMFMGFSHZI0ZXhLVAoLLyaLf-GG0rEF9S9laQ5ZbOMwoVjizPtyZxpxjGVRxHMd98633WPvCN9aa8oXP3PpptgXnpuuJtCLzN2CCUXuSM6zv7zfhu0C8md4xXXkJSTDn/s1600/IMG_61111-300x263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nuW9qvTh4hUqeMFMGFSHZI0ZXhLVAoLLyaLf-GG0rEF9S9laQ5ZbOMwoVjizPtyZxpxjGVRxHMd98633WPvCN9aa8oXP3PpptgXnpuuJtCLzN2CCUXuSM6zv7zfhu0C8md4xXXkJSTDn/s1600/IMG_61111-300x263.jpg" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Don Desrosiers has been in the laundry and drycleaning industry since 1978. </b></span><b>Desrosiers is a monthly columnist for <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">The National Clothesline</span>, <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Korean Cleaners Monthly</span>, <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">The Golomb Group Newsletter</span>, NEFA’s <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Headlines and More</span> and Australia’s <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">The National Drycleaner and Launderer</span>. He is also a contributor for DLI’s<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;">Fabricare</span> Magazine and other regional industry publications. He is a member of the Society of Professional Consultants and is the 2001 winner of IFI’s Commitment to Professionalism Award. He is an occasional teacher at DLI, and a frequent speaker at industry gatherings where he lectures on Management Philosophy, Shirt Laundering, Business Management and Labor savings. </b></span><b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">He has a corporate website at <a href="http://www.tailwindsystems.com/" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(175, 175, 175); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">www.tailwindsystems.com</a> and can be reached by telephone at 508.965.316</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">3 and via email at </span><a href="mailto:tailwind.don@me.com" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(175, 175, 175); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">tailwind.don@me.com</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">.</span></b></i></div>
Seanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01771383325604466244noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-53810019308850491162014-01-02T08:34:00.004-08:002014-01-08T17:13:51.517-08:00Six Secrets to making your Household Textiles Last!<h4 style="font-family: Georgia; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The following is an newsletter provided to DLI members (the Drycleaning and Laundry Institute) Find out more about the DLI here: http://www.dlionline.org/</span></i></h4>
<h3 style="font-family: Georgia;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; font-weight: bold;">
</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Just after the holiday season</b></span>, retailers bet the bank that
you’re not all shopped out. They want to draw you in with their after-Christmas
sales, such as the white sales for bedspreads, comforters, sheets, and linens. Perhaps
the impulse to redecorate your bedroom will draw you to their store or website.
</div>
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A bedspread is an outer covering for a bed that goes over
the sheets and blankets. It is usually a </div>
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decorative component of the bed set. <br />
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A comforter is a quilted bed cover. The cover consists of an
outer face fabric, a center batting (usually a fiber mat or down), and a
backing fabric. These three layers are held together with a stitched pattern or
simulated stitching. The comforter may be used for decorative purposes, like a
bedspread, or in place of a blanket.</div>
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Unlike clothing care labels, which provide instructions for
how to properly care for the garments, the Federal Trade Commission’s Care
Label Rule does not require permanent labels on home furnishing fabrics. Most
bedspreads and comforters are sold with care instructions on a hang tag, a
temporary label, or on the packaging.</div>
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<h1 style="text-align: center;">
Six Secrets to making your Household Textiles Last!</h1>
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While we are clothing care experts, we also know a thing or
two about household textiles, which, in addition to bedspreads and comforters,
include draperies and curtains, blankets, upholstery, slipcovers, decorative
pillows, rugs, and heirloom textiles.</div>
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To protect and prolong the beauty of your household
textiles, remember these basic tips:</div>
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<ul>
</ul>
1. Protect all furnishings from sunlight, fumes, and pets.<ul>
</ul>
2. Damage, like tears, should be repaired immediately.<ul>
</ul>
3. Vacuum and/or brush to remove dust regularly.<ul>
</ul>
4. Follow the cleaning recommendations.<ul>
</ul>
5. Do not allow the item to become extremely soiled, and have
any stains removed immediately.<ul>
</ul>
6. Do not store household textiles that are not clean and
stain-free.<ul>
</ul>
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<ul>
</ul>
<b>One Final Note (Caution, a strong opinion is coming - from me - not the DLI)</b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Ditch the dust ruffle! </span> They act as filters and catch dust lint and debris. Unless you clean them regularly, every other month, they are not clean. They are difficult to remove, difficult to clean and they keep the dirt trapped right at your bed where you spend hours sleeping and resting. In my opinion, they are a health hazard!<br />
<br /></div>
Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-68199360577653291992013-10-23T10:32:00.002-07:002013-10-23T10:32:47.621-07:00So You Think You are Paying Too Much at the DryCleaners . . . I was at a party recently, and a friend of mine commented on how they stopped using our drycleaning service several times. He felt we were too expensive. <b>However, each time he very quickly learned that price and value are very different things.</b><br />
<br />
We are known as the most expensive cleaners in town (to which I could make an argument to the contrary. However, that would be another blog post). I will say that with 4 generations of drycleaners behind us, the true question here is the discussion of<b> PRICE vs. VALUE.</b><br />
<br />
<b>80% of the items we take care of at the cleaners, are items that our clients could clean and finish themselves, at home. Silks, rayon and cashmere are all (usually) hand washable. The majority of items we recieve are cotton items - shirts, blouses, dockers, sheets, tablecloths etc. </b><br />
<u><br /></u>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: large;">What is the difference between Value and Price?</span></u><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>ONE NOTE: </b>Clothing is one of the best values we have right now! The cost of that Kirkland sweater is likely the same price you should pay to clean it locally. Offshore production and big box retailers have changed the consumer habits around retail items. Our Nordstroms has dropped the St John Knit label and our Saks is now selling dresses for under $200! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Unheard of value (and fodder for a future blog on the deterioration of quality in retail garments). </span><u><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></u></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Convenience</b></span> <br />
<ul>
<li>What is your time worth to you. We are all busy these days. As I get older, I notice that my time is becoming more and more valuable to me. We are all looking for ways to get more done in less time.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>If you currently do not use a drycleaning service, how much time do you spend cleaning items, and finishing them? I have yet to meet someone who can finish a man's cotton shirt in under 15 minutes (if you can - I would consider offering you a position!)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>How much time do you spend driving back and forth doing errands each day? How many of those errands are actually necessary? There are small ways to organize your life so you can enjoy more of what you like and experience less of what you don't.</li>
</ul>
A typical drive to the drycleaners is 10 minutes each way with 5 minutes in the shop - so just under 1/2 hour. But you have to go twice; one to drop off and once to pick up. That is about an hour of your time spent in the process. What else could you be doing in that hour?<br />
<ul>
<a href="http://michealspencer.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/peace_of_mind_by_badcherry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="relax" border="0" height="240" id="irc_mi" src="http://michealspencer.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/peace_of_mind_by_badcherry.jpg" style="margin-top: 5px;" title="Peace of Mind" width="320" /></a></ul>
How much time do you spend doing laundry? Folding, sorting, and then discovering that you missed a stain, or worse, your daughter somehow snuck a crayon in your load, or a lipstick, and all is ruined!<ul>
</ul>
What if you could automate this task? How much would it be worth? I would reason that the time and gas money would make the service worth a minimum of $20 per week - and do you realize many fine cleaners offer this service at no additional charge? <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Peace of mind - </b></span> <br />
<ul>
<li>What is the result of your purchase? Are you certain the work has a satisfaction guarantee? That if anyone could get the stain out, or the pressing right, it was the person who is providing that service? (that would include you)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Does the finished product make you look good? Is it clean, and wrinkle free - Showing your style and personality instead of a loose seam, discoloration or last weeks lunch? Missing buttons are another standard problem - replacing a button can take longer than finishing a shirt! Who has a needle and thread these days.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>What percentage had stains or other damage after cleaning that made them unusable? Or more common these days, embellishments (like wood beads, sequins) that bled or were damaged?</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Drycleaned garments last longer. Water is the most aggressive solvent there is, even more so than traditional drycleaning solvent. Just look at the way the power of water formed the Grand Canyon! More than 90% of items give up the farm during the cleaning process, it is the natural progression in the life of a garment. But did you know that a drycleaned shirt will have a life at least twice as long as a hand washed shirt? The colors will last better and with drycleaning you can clean more often to protect the garment from perspiration (a silk killer), sun damage, fume fading ect! </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>And when something does "die" is the problem addressed honestly and fairly?</li>
</ul>
This blog began as an explanation of why the right drycleaner is often a better choice even when they are a little more expensive than the alternative. It is true - the cost of ruined clothing can be expensive AND (even more importantly) stressful. <br />
<br />
I also have clients that split their orders. They send the cheap stuff to the cheap cleaner (who doesn't pick up and deliver) and save their favorite items for us to care for. While I understand this, I often wonder how much effort it takes to manage and recall where all their items are. Every week we take calls from people looking for clothes that we never received. Often, we can locate the clothes by calling our competitors! <br />
<br />
The right cleaner will save you time and money - both the kind you can quantify like I did above, and also in ways you will never know - because that's what we do. We provide a convenient service that appears effortless to the consumer - that in reality takes experience and intense attention to detail.<br />
<br />
So how do you find a great cleaner if you aren't lucky enough to live in Santa Barbara? Well, quality knows quality. . . so ask at your quality retail stores and, of course, always ask you well dressed friends! <br />
<br />
<br />
Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-79386710785571484982013-06-02T09:08:00.001-07:002013-06-02T09:08:38.210-07:00How often should you clean your suit?
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<b>Seems like a simple question. . .
</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a rule of thumb – I recommend cleaning BOTH pieces no
less than once a year,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>EVEN if you
did not wear the suit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want to emphasize:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just because you don’t get a stain doesn’t mean that you don’t need to
clean a garment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It helps to air
out your clothes at night – ON A HANGER.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And steamers can do wonders – which is about the same thing those do at
home dryclean kit do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are
fine for a refresh – but please, for pants sake, clean them for real after
a few wears or every year at a minimum.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anytime you get a stain or spill on your clothes, clean your
item.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please refrain from trying
to use water to remove stains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
soda water is just water with bubbles – we call it dry-cleaning because it does
not have water – water stains can be difficult to remove and can cause color
loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially on dryclean only
fabrics</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Why should you clean something you’ve never worn or lightly
worn?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
1) Sometimes our minds play tricks
on us, or we just don’t notice things, remember things, or realize how much
time has passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may think you
didn’t get any soils on your items, but you may not even know what was on that
seat before you sat down. I don’t know about you, but I can’t even remember what
I had for breakfast many days, let alone that small splash from the sink in the
gas station restroom! How often do you wash your hands?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your clothes are right up against your
skin – they protect you as well as project who you are to the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep them clean!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
2) Even without soils the fibers of
your clothes can get matted down from wear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cleaning fluffs up the fibers and keeps clothes looking more
like new.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I had a client come in complaining
about a shine on his pants we had just cleaned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We use a sophisticated identification method – so we can
look up exactly when we have cleaned those pants over the last 10 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those pants had not been cleaned in
over a year and a half.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked
him how often he wore his pants – at least twice a month; I asked if he had
taken them somewhere else for cleaning – and he insisted we were the only
cleaner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told him I would need
to reclean the pants for a longer period in order to remove the ground in soils
and also to fluff up the fibers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That sort of wear really wears down the fibers and imbeds soil that are
much more difficult to remove.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When you wear gabardine pants, just the fact of wearing then, the fibers
get rubbed and any dust or fumes in the atmosphere will become embedded in the
fibers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not cleaning cause these
soils to permanently adhere – and one cleaning was not enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cleaning can fluff up the fibers –
but that much time requires – in this case – 2 cycles, just to fluff up the
fibers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
3) Soils left in clothes for long
periods of time damage clothes – and cause holes, wear and premature aging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perspiration is a known offender.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it’s a little hot and you perspire
onto your clothes, then leave them unclean; hanging in your closet, the fibers
will become weak and the fabric will very likely tear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>*** I don’t like to clean any garment
that hasn’t been cleaned in over 5 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And if they are visibly soiled and my client knows it has been that long
since the last cleaning – I strongly discourage cleaning!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Soils grind into the fabric and damage
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While its true the soils can
attract insects that will also damage your clothes (and by the way – YUCK, you
are wearing clothes that soils in the clothes are feeding tiny bug larva you
can’t see!) , that is only a small part of the danger. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">You
can’t see the damage before cleaning because, quite literally, the soils are
holding the fibers together </b>(this is also true of feather pillows – clean
those yearly or more often!)****</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
4) There are things in our
atmosphere and our homes that can cause fume fading and other damage to our
clothes if we never clean them – ALSO<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is a good exercise to go through all our clothes on AT LEAST a yearly
basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know, it’s a goal or a
rule of thumb – not a hard fast must do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
5) some stains oxidize over time –
think 7up or champagne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its clear
when you spill it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It dries like
water – but give it 6 months, and some heat, it turns brown (like when you bite
into an apple and set it aside).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At that point the stain is set and the fibers are at risk.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For a typical men’s suit, the jacket will often be
removed for safekeeping. Like when you get in the car, or driving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At work when working alone, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is a normal and wise
practice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Suit coats are
what we call a “structured” garment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is, it has a lining, interfacing and material that gives the garment
support it also often has bonding material (I really need to write about bonding material - manufacturers should be scolded for their use of it!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lining protects the garment from persperation and the
fact that you often remove the jacket for driving, etc means that the shine is
less likely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Structured garments are more difficult to clean - they don’t like the agitation of the cleaning cycle –
so it works that men normally wear their jackets less than pants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pants on the other hand often get worn
more often than the corresponding jacket – and you sit on your pant, bend in
them and just plain rub on them. . . .. Sorry but its true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are more likely to soil or spill on
your pants – knowingly or by just sitting in something questionable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So your pants, by their
nature will need to be cleaned more often than your jacket.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Here’s a tip (in my
humble opinion):<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you find a
suit you love, BUY 2 PANTS!</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
OK, Ive gone on for longer than I meant – this was supposed
to be short and sweet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seems that nothing is ever as simple as it would seem. . .
but I hope you get my point.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cleaning your clothes more frequently or regularly will </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
help
your clothes last longer </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Will
keep you healthier and feeling better</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Keep
your clothes looking better</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thanks for listening, and hey, thanks for wearing clothes!</div>
Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-21120193513490166812013-04-25T07:32:00.000-07:002013-04-25T07:32:53.687-07:00Guide to Knit Care<div class="post-header">
</div>
<div class=" fb_reset" id="fb-root">
Living next to the ocean, there is often a crisp cool feel in the air and knits are popular here all year around. Knit is a practical,
yet stylish fabric that provides warmth, comfort, and durability; however, knit
fabric has the potential to overstretch and distort if cared for improperly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="200" id="irc_mi" src="http://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j00rlQEUhftDadz/Beads-Covered-Button-Buckle-for-Garment.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 81px;" width="154" /><b> </b></td><td style="text-align: center;"><b>Purchasing</b>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
When purchasing knitwear, ask the sales representative for
extra buttons. If the buttons fall off, it can be nearly impossible for the
seamstress to find a perfect match, which can alter the appearance of the
garment.<br />
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unique Buttons</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.discoverstjohn.com/" target="_blank">St John Knits</a> is
one of my favorite brands for knit wear. Besides looking great, they have a spectacular repair
facility in Irvine California. I have had the opportunity to go there
several times. Odds are if you have any trouble at all with a St John Knit less than five years old, including missing buttons, they will take care of it for you!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Purchase knit separates together within the same season to
ensure perfectly matched items. Dye lots can vary—often dramatically—from
season to season.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Storing</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Avoid hanging knits because gravity can distort the
garment’s shape. Store knit folded in a drawer. Always CLEAN items before storage. Invisible stains can't be seen and may attract insects - which is where holes often begin! If you had them drycleaned - there should be tissue in between the folds of the sweater. This tissue should be left there during storage. It will absorb out-gassing and help preserve your knits. Also, for long term storage, try wrapping them in a clean white sheet or pillow case (not NEW sheets - wash sheets a couple times before using them for garment storage) to help them retain their shape and keep them clean.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the winter, store knit garments in a cedar chest or in
a cedar-lined closet to keep them fresh and free from <a href="http://www.margarets.com/InsectDamageFashionableCare.html" target="_blank">insect damage</a>. Please do not put any garment in direct contact with the wood. Resin or sap can cause discoloration and deterioration.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-45091239003338682452013-03-12T17:41:00.000-07:002013-04-25T07:34:19.045-07:00Beware the Care Label!<h1>
<b>Beware of The FTC Care Label</b></h1>
In the US, garments are required to have a care label indicating a method of cleaning. While most garment manufacturers take great pains to
give you reasonable care label instructions, there is no law stating that the care label has to be correct.<br />
<br />
That said, these are a few care label instructions where I would avoid buying an item if I saw it on the label:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Spot Clean Only</b>- this means the garment must be
cleaned inch by inch, by hand! It is time consuming and costly. This
instruction works best for a dark color garment and one that you plan on
wearing only once on special occasion. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Dry Clean Exclusive of Ornamentation</b>- this means
your cleaner must remove all the trim, buttons, bows and other ornaments
BEFORE the garment is processed, and then sew them back on again.
Another time intensive and expensive process, and at times, not even possible.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>Two Distinctly Different Label Instructions</b>- if
the care label on the garment’s lining calls for washing and there is
another label on the face fabric that suggests dry cleaning, your
cleaner will have to remove the lining in order to process in accordance
with the Care Label instructions. You don’t want to know how much that
would cost. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><b>DRYCLEAN ONLY. DO NOT TUMBLE. AIR DRY AT 100º</b> it is virtually impossible for an environmentally friendly drycleaner to follow this instruction. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>And for men's shirts - avoid any thing that says cold water, or cool iron.</li>
</ul>
For those of you who want the details behind the FTC. . . here you go http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/textile/carelbl.shtm Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-57102572797486911332013-02-27T10:04:00.001-08:002013-03-10T12:13:35.093-07:00Comparing Dry Cleaners: Price Does Not Equal CostI just read this fabulous article by my friends at Bibentucker and had to share!<br />
Choosing the wrong cleaner can be costly. And not just in money. The time wasted, frustration and even emotional drain caused by some cleaners is not something I want you to experience.<br />
<br />
Choose your cleaner carefully. And here are some tips on how to do it:<br />
<br />
http://www.bibbentuckers.com/articles/dry-cleaning-pricing<br />
<br />Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-73298337208885053382013-01-13T10:42:00.000-08:002013-03-10T12:18:48.535-07:00How Long Does it Take for a Stain to Set?<h3 style="text-align: center;">
So you are out to dinner with friends the day before a trip. </h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
You look great in your favorite creme crepe silk blouse. </h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Then the unthinkable!</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklKSyr7OyxRXMOXXco_nFXrXBstXDotmuEKXSWqy1GDPgQGYEFWhvoSZrInCWZR1uNv3cEfAjNLPgHTSOH2YuR6-zp960OUdYoC7vqXAi09vfQD8JqWpv3Jmfrxsy7mkA_4bteb22eLrQ/s1600/spilled+wine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklKSyr7OyxRXMOXXco_nFXrXBstXDotmuEKXSWqy1GDPgQGYEFWhvoSZrInCWZR1uNv3cEfAjNLPgHTSOH2YuR6-zp960OUdYoC7vqXAi09vfQD8JqWpv3Jmfrxsy7mkA_4bteb22eLrQ/s320/spilled+wine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
So the question is, how long can safely you wait to take it to your trusted cleaners? Or . . . would you be better off to pack it and take it to an unknown cleaners at (gasp) the hotel where you are staying rather than let it set?<br />
<br />
The answer to this question is the same as the answer to so many questions. The unsatisfying "It Depends. . . "<br />
<br />
<b>The good news</b> is it probably isn't as urgent as many people believe.<br />
<br />
It takes anywhere from 4-6 months before sugar stain caramelize. Think about biting into an apple, the apple turns brown due to the sugar oxidizing when exposed to oxygen. The same happens when you spill clear soda, juice, white wine on your clothes. It dries clear. However, if not removed it will take several months for the stain to turn brown. And once it does, it will be VERY hard to remove, if not impossible. Oil stains (body oil, butter, grease) can also oxidize and they are even more difficult to remove that oxidized sugar stains.<br />
<br />
So the question is, How Long Can You Safely Wait?<br />
<br />
I always recommend that you clean a garment as quickly as possible. However, stains don't set immediately.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Specific Tips:</b></h3>
<ul>
<li>Try not to put water on the stain at the scene of a stain. Do not put water on any stain if you don't plan on finishing the job. Almost getting a stain out can be worse than not doing anything. Blot don't rub, and avoid using water unless you are prepared to finish the job. This is especially true with blood and wine. As for ink - please don't ever put water on ink. It will set it immediately.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Leaving your clothes in the car. The heat that can build up in a car can cook your clothes and set a stain in the matter of an hour. Once that is done, your clothes may be done for.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Taking a cotton shirt off after sweating and leaving it in your closet for a week. I see this from guys again and again. Men (sorry for the generalization guys, I do love you) finish a hard days work with out noticing they had been perspiring. they leave their shirts in the back of the closet for over a week. Perspiration creates a chemical reaction and weakens the fibers quickly. Especially a natural fiber such as cotton or silk. When the shirt is cleaned, the shirt tears. . . typically in the area where the shirt came in contact with the person, the underarm or the back. </li>
</ul>
In closing, I believe you will be better off waiting (storing the clothes in a cool place with little sunlight), than taking any prized item to an unknown cleaners. Dry Cleaners are not all made equally. There are no requirements that make someone qualified to be a cleaner. And because cleaners are so dependent on humans (it is more of an art than a science), a cleaners reputation and history will be key!Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-29729069180998785532012-08-31T10:14:00.000-07:002012-08-31T10:14:32.090-07:005 things you must know so you wil not be "Taken to the Cleaners!"<u><b>Choosing a Dry Cleaner. </b></u><br />
<br />
Many people do this without a second thought, picking the guy with the lowest rates or the store on the way home. This can be a costly mistake though. Choosing the wrong dry cleaner can "send you to the cleaners" when you favorite, expensive clothing items are lost, damaged, or worse. Today we are going to tell you five things to consider when choosing a dry cleaner. <br /><br />
<b>1. Customer Service.</b> I would have to rate this as the most important thing to consider in your dry cleaner search. Note the staff. Are they friendly? Helpful? Knowledgeable? Do they acknowledge you with a smile when you walk in the door? You want to find an establishment that actually cares about their customers, because they will be the ones, if something bad actually does happen, to make it right. <br /><br />
<b>2. Experience. </b>You don't want a "just out of the box" dry cleaner. What you do want is someone who has been in the business a long time, who knows all the in's and outs. This is very important! You want a dry cleaner who takes pride in their work, and not someone who is just worried about getting you in and out and taking your money. So definitely, look for someone experienced! <br /> <b><br />3. Cheapest Is Not Always Best.</b> People often forget this point. Most people are only out to find the cheapest dry cleaner, and then they are disappointed when the quality of the work is not up to par. The fact of the matter is, there is no dry cleaner that can have the best employees, the best equipment, the best customer service, the fastest turn around, AND the cheapest rates. It is just impossible. So, remember, you have to sacrifice somewhere. I would rather pay a little more for better service. <br /><br />
<b>4. Guarantees. </b>A good dry cleaner should guarantee their work, no question about it. If you are not happy with their service, they should be willing to do whatever it takes to make it right. If that means a refund, if that means replacing your clothing, or cleaning your garment a second, or third, time. You want to make sure that you find a dry cleaner that stands behind their work. <br /><br />
<b>5. Extra Services. </b>This is not a requirement, but it can be very convenient to choose a cleaner who offers extra services. Some of these can include "green" dry cleaning, wedding gowns, leather cleaning, same day pickup, drop off and pickup services, repairs and alterations, etc. Like previously stated, these services are not a requirement of a good dry cleaner, but should be considered in your choice, if you will need these sorts of services. <br /><br />
<b>Hopefully these tips will help your search for a dry cleaner to be an easy and rewarding one! </b>Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-13016913889744135202012-06-20T22:26:00.000-07:002013-03-10T12:23:12.704-07:00Please reconsider the sniff test! (or "How often should you dryclean your clothes?")<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Studies have shown that 93 percent of what is believed about people in business is based upon visual messages, not on credentials or on the content of conversation. </span></div>
<br />
An invaluable resource for today's job market, <b>How to Gain the Professional Edge,</b> Second Edition helps readers answer a multitude of questions about behavior, attitude, and image to improve professionalism and open doors to advancement and career success.
According to Susan Morem, the author, "<b>your clothing is the first thing others notice about you. Make sure your clothes are clean,<u> pressed</u>, mended and fit well.</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Look sloppy and you are sloppy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Look like a pro and you are one. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">It's that simple. </span></div>
<br />
<b>You are what you wear!</b>
I was listening to NPR the other day, and they cited a study where over 50 percent of men use the Sniff Test to determine if a garment can be worn another time. If it doesn't smell bad, wear it again! Sounds reasonable.<br />
<br />
<b>However there are potential pitfalls to the sniff test </b>. . .
- I is true that perspiration can air out over time, so the odor may dissipate. But just because you can't smell it, doesn't mean you should where it! The alkalinity of the perspiration can greatly <u>weaken a shirt to the point of tearing</u>. Washing a shirt after every wear, or a hot day, may actually increase the life of your garments.
- even if you can't see the soil, it will attract insects. That will end in holes and a shorter life for your garments
- after a time stains can set making the garment unwearable
- <b> just because you don't smell anything, doesn't mean it doesn't smell.</b> We are accustom to our own smells, and stop smelling them after less than a minute. Others, can still smell them!
So what to do?<br />
<br />
First, drycleaned clothes should be cleaned with the same frequency as washable garments. After all, they are subject to the same soils, and odors as the washable items.
Second, run through this checklist to see if the garment is ready to wear;<br />
<br />
is it:<br />
<ul>
<li>Odor free? </li>
<li>Stain free? </li>
<li>Lint free? </li>
<li>Fit properly? </li>
<li>Well pressed? </li>
<li>No tears or seems open? </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>The moral of this story? Preventative maintenance is a requirement for extending the life of most consumer products . . . and your wardrobe is no different!
</b></div>
Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-66422777959196673122012-06-20T08:30:00.000-07:002013-05-04T09:57:12.630-07:00How to Remove a Blood Stain at Home<link href="file://localhost/Users/sasha-old/Library/Caches/TemporaryItems/msoclip/0clip_filelist.xml" rel="File-List"></link>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt;">First
thing:</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Is your stained garment silk, rayon, wool, or some other dryclean only fabric?
Then I recommend taking it to a well trusted drycleaner!</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">If you have a polyester or cotton and the label says launder
or wash, then you are wise to follow my advice!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">1)</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> Best chance to remove a blood stain is
to treat it as quickly as possible before it has a chance to set. </span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">2) </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">ALWAYS
TRY COLD WATER FIRST</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial;"> , since harsher chemicals may damage more delicate fabrics and/or pull color.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">3)</span><span style="font-family: Times;"> Let the item soak a little - then
scrub - with a fingernail scrub brush, your fingernail.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Here is the
most important tip: If the blood doesn't come out all the way, DO NOT GIVE
UP! Keep scrubbing. If you need to take a break, that's fine.
- Leave the item soaking. Scrubbing for 10-15 minutes or longer of
is not uncalled for for a large stain, or if the stain has been sitting a
little while. Do be careful not to scrub a whole in the garment.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times;">4)
</span><span style="font-family: Times;">If you must - you can add a little soap. The soap acts as a lubric<span style="font-size: small;">ant <span style="font-size: small;">making it easier to remove the <span style="font-size: small;">soils. <span style="font-size: small;">Using <span style="font-size: small;">too much soap DOES NOT increase the chances of a stain coming out!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">5) </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">If soap doesn't do the job
completely, try pouring ammonia straight over the stain and scrub again.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">6)<b> </b></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>EXTREME MEASURES:</b> Hydrogen
Peroxide is another method - soak the entire stain in straight Hydrogen
Peroxide 10-15 minutes and rinse with water. <b> Watch for color loss with this one</b>. If the s<span style="font-size: small;">tains are all over - I would dilute the Hydrogen Peroxide in water - and soak the entire garment. Watch it carefully - as soon as the stains start to move rin<span style="font-size: small;">se and then wash the item completel<span style="font-size: small;">y!</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-49187230256330328652012-04-02T09:05:00.002-07:002013-03-10T12:33:38.025-07:00Plastic Bags and MisinformationI just read the best article I have seen on why banning plastic bags is not the answer. I have gotten many requests for reusable bags from clients over the years - and I still do not provide them. While I do use reusable bags for my groceries, I do not believe they are the answer for the drycleaning industry. In a nut shell, the "reusable garment bags" are made of pressed fibers, not woven - so they don't last. They will not survive multiple washings and the idea of putting clean clothes back in the dirty bags does not make sense. When these bags wear out - or are discarded - they end up in land fills and they take more energy to create than the plastic. These bags cannot be used for any other purpose than laundry (unlike grocery bags).<br />
<br />
People who know me are surprised by my position on plastic because of my feeling about conservation and the environment. My biggest challenge with drycleaning when I returned to the industry was the plastic! . . . . I found a solution, for me and my clients. We collect the plastic and sell it to a US manufacturer of decking material. I would name the company here, but they asked me not to. They have been recycling plastic for 20 years, and produce an upscale product they feel would be denigrated if people knew it was created with recycled plastic.<br />
<br />
The article I read was published in <a href="http://www.americandrycleaner.com/" target="_blank">American Drycleaner Magazine</a> and it was written by Bruce Luetzow, Partner, Luetzow Industries.<br />
<br />
I have been unable to find an online version, and hope that they forgive my reproducing it here, in its entirety. I hope to get some feedback on the article - thanks.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>A reusable garment bag ad states, "The simple step of switching (to product X) will help to reduce the estimated 300 million pounds of single-use plastic dry cleaning bags a year that continue to clog our landfills and kill our marine and wildlife" <i>Not True. </i></li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>David Laist, a senior policy analyst with the federal Marine Mammal Commission, has stated: "In their eagerness to make their case (against plastic bags), some of the environmental groups make up claims that are not really supportable."</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Some people believe that plastic bags "clog up" landfills. Not true. According to the California Integrated Waste Management Board, plastic bags (including retail, grocery store, and garment bags) use up only 0.3% of landfill space. Plastic garment bags make up a small percent of this figure.</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Due to misinformation relentlessly spread by the media, many people believe that plastic bags kill many sea mammals and seabirds each year. The San Jose Mercury News stated in an editorial, "Plastic bags kiss an estimated 1 million seabirds and 100,000 other animals every year, whether from eating the things or getting tangled in them." <i>Not true. </i> The London Times exposed this myth. The report on which the myth is based mentioned discarded fishing tackle that included fishing nets, not plastic bags. David Santillo, a marine biologist at Greenpeace, told the Times, "It's very unlikely that many animals are killed by plastic bags."</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Due to misinformation, some people believe plastic bags are not recyclable. <i>Not true. </i> Special plastic bag recycling bins have been installed in large supermarkets, retail stores and drycleaners throughout the country, or bags can be taken to local recycling centers or returned to the manufacturer. Virtually all of the plastic bags deposited in those bins are recycled and made into new plastic, plastic bags, or composite lumber.</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Due to misinformation, some people believe that paper bags are better for the environment than plastic bags. <i>Not true. </i> Paper bags result in between 2.0-3.3 times more greenhouse gasses than plastic bags.</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Some people believe that items labeled or stated to be "green" are green.<i> Questionable.</i></li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>An editorial in the London Times stated, "There is a danger that the green herd, in pursuit of a good cause, stumbles into misguided campaigns. . . . . Many of those who have demonized plastic bags have enlisted scientific study to their cause. By exaggerating a grain of Truth into a larger falsehood, they spread misinformation and abuse the trust of their unwitting audiences."</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Reusable garment bags ads state that they "protect the clothes better, are safer, are so much better for the environment, save drycleaners thousands, are waterproof, are water-resistant, breathable, better, much safer, cheaper." <i>Well, let's see.</i></li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Mr Dry Cleaner, with your cleaning processes and skills, you renew the life and put freshness into your customer's cleaned garments. Finished packaging into a polyethylene garment bag showcases your professional work and markets the finished product. It becomes a walking advertisement of your skills that others can expect if they bring their garments to you for cleaning. Everyone can see the professionally cleaned finished product hanging from your slick rack. The garments and bags sparkle as they hang, the garments are clean, identification is easy, the customer is happy, and the garments are now clearly protected. A clear advantage of disposable poly garment bags is the guarantee of a clean, clear bag every time.</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Most reusable garment bags are made of solid, opaque cotton, nylon or non-woven polyprpylene material, making it impossible to see the cleaned garments within. The marketing of your cleaning skills stays hidden. Identification of the enclosed garments is not an easy task, unless one likes constantly opening and closing the reusable bag.</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Taking dirty clothes to the drycleaner in the reusable garment bag (now a dirty hamper bag) makes it necessary for the cleaner to not only clean the clothes but also the reusable bag. Some reusable bags that are not effectively cleaned can have a negative effect on human health and the environment due to bacterial growth. Many bags require hand washing if one really wishes them to be clean, which is time-consuming for the drycleaner or the bag owner.</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Most reusable bags are manufactured and imported from China, and many have been found to contain lead, mercury and other heavy metals. U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) has called for a federal investigation into toxic materials in reusable shopping bags. Questions have also been raised as to whether or not the lead could be spread in landfills when the bags are discarded.</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Reusable garment bags that wear out quickly also take up space in landfills. Most are not biodegradable or compostable. All the different materials used in their construction (zippers, drawstring closures, see through front pockets, etc.) make trying to recycle some of them an expensive nightmare at best, and may not be economically possible at all.</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>Early last year, the United Kingdom government Environment Agency published a <a href="http://heartland.org/policy-documents/life-cycle-assessment-supermarket-carrier-bags" target="_blank">life-cycle assessment</a> of plastic, paper and reusable bags. "The study confirms that reusable bags are not inherently better for the environment than plastic bags. Reusable bags have to be used a tremendous number of times to provide an environmental benefit to conventional plastic carryout bags. The reality is that huge numbers of reusable bags are being thrown away before they are used the requisite amount of times."</li>
<li><br /></li>
<li>As the late President Ronald Reagan stated, "Trust, but verify." How true this is, especially with products that are labeled or stated to be green -- Bruce Luetzow www.americandrycleaner.com</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-74436910922067451822011-12-08T08:04:00.001-08:002013-03-10T12:34:26.800-07:00Do you have FANCY shirts?My favorite shirt at the moment is Robert Graham. . . But preferences change quickly. What I do know is often these cotton shirts can cost $200, $300, $400+ each! That is quite an investment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPXi_2YHo5LEu93CRz8-LlwICdvG8sB4T_8iPQm7DFe9c_NadCIdWIeg7J1zqfdjgELNSQnXw1sHI2xqvgwqA5qSLMZpeLI2ykN8kV4brgghw9p_VLoIyrc-lJ5zm17HbHu0FJOcnqUV8/s1600/robtshirt" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicPXi_2YHo5LEu93CRz8-LlwICdvG8sB4T_8iPQm7DFe9c_NadCIdWIeg7J1zqfdjgELNSQnXw1sHI2xqvgwqA5qSLMZpeLI2ykN8kV4brgghw9p_VLoIyrc-lJ5zm17HbHu0FJOcnqUV8/s320/robtshirt" width="208" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The best deal at your local drycleaner is cleaning a standard men's cotton dress shirt. In the industry it's known as a "<b>commercial laundry</b>." However, I learned a long time ago that everything has a trade off. In this
case it is the wear and tear on your shirts. And if you have fancy shirts, you may want to reconsider having them cleaned this way.<br />
<br />
Better cleaners will scrub the collars and cuffs before putting your shirt in the wash. All cleaners will wash the shirts (detergents may vary) and then press the shirt. I do not call it ironing because it is not ironing. These shirts will not go into a dryer. They are dried by the pressing process which is a big hot metal plate, the size of a standard mans shirt, that clamps down on the shirt. This results in a crisp smooth finish that many people love. However it is hard on the shirt. The life of the shirt that is cleaned this way is between 36 and 52
washings.<br />
<br />
Any shirt with fancy buttons or snaps, tapering, loose plackets can be damaged by this process. Many shirt materials such as corduroy, linen, seersucker or flannel cannot be processed this way without being damaged (or looking really bad) and only shirts that fit on the special machine can be processed this way.<br />
<br />
When I was first entering this industry I had the opportunity to visited the New York Turnbull & Asser store (where they make fancy shirts.) I asked them "why they put those little bubble in the tip of the collar, when all commercial laundry equipment just flattens it right out?!"<br />
<br />
<b>By the look on the associates face, I had just said something horrible. </b> <br />
It was clear he thought the drycleaner (me!) was irresponsibly cleaning their shirts. The Turnbull & Asser people fully expect that every shirt would be cold water wash, gently dried and hand ironed. This service is often 3 times as expensive, or more!<br />
<br />
So here is a HUGE disconnect between the maker of the clothes and the cleaner. I believe in an effort to provide value, the cleaner has unknowingly done a disservice to their customers.<br />
<br />
So how much should you pay to have your shirts cleaned?<br />
Well, that depends on your preferences an how long you want them to last. <br />
<br />
What is your time worth? Hand ironing takes time, and time is one resource that we can't get back! <br />
When in doubt, ask your cleaner - we are here to help you take care of your wardrobe.Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-48976712368757961292011-08-18T08:49:00.000-07:002013-03-10T12:36:36.725-07:00Clothing Storage TipLast night I was at dinner and the subject of drycleaning came up.<br />
We were discussing the basics when I mentioned that you should never store your clothes in the plastic bag that the drycleaner puts over your clothes. That bag is just meant to protect your clothes on the journey from the cleaners to your closet.<br />
<br />
My friends were so surprised by my statement, I thought maybe I should tell more people. <br />
<br />
<b> I can think of three major reasons why you should never to store your clothes in plastic (drycleaners call it poly)</b><br />
<br />
1. The plastic that drycleaners put on your clothes is a petroleum product. It is a chemical that outgasses. These gasses can and will permeate your clothes. I have had customers bring clothes back because of the unpleasant odor. They believed it was a residual drycleaning solvent smell. I had to assure them that we do not use traditional drycleaning solvent - so drycleaning chemicals were not the cause of the odor.<br />
<br />
2. The plastic captures moisture that can foster the growth of molds and/or mildew. These can ruin your clothes and infest your closet!<br />
<br />
3. The bag can trap atmospheric gasses that can cause color change on your garments over time. Fume fading often hapens in closets over time - but leaving your items in the plastic will accellerate this process<br />
<b><br />
How should you store your items?</b><br />
<br />
If it is heavy, like a bulky sweater or knit dress. Don't store it on a hanger. Gravity does a lot of damage! I like to roll the items with a piece of acid free tissue and wrap it in a clean peice of material - like an old pillow case.<br />
<br />
In the closet, that same pillow case works wonders. Cut a hole in the top and put it over the item - it protects it from light and dust and will cause no harm. A clean sheet will also do the trick.<br />
<br />
And perhaps the most important question. . . . what to do with all that plastic?<br />
Film plastic is not currently being recycled in most areas - so before putting it in the recycle bin - you may want to call and make sure it is being accepted and not just put in the land fill. I always recommend giving it back to the cleaners. The better ones have a recycling plan, and if they don't - the more people that return the plastic, the more likely they will be to consider it.<br />
<br />
Check out my blog "take the plastic back" from a few years ago:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://drycleanauthority.blogspot.com/2008/09/how-to-find-green-drycleaner-or-take.html">Take the Plastic Back!</a><br />
<br />
Thanks - and have a great day!Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-74928790962000012932011-06-12T11:02:00.000-07:002013-03-10T12:20:57.118-07:00Men's Wear ClassicsFashions come and go, but laughing makes you feel great!<br />
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Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-25964354253136342772011-04-05T08:37:00.000-07:002013-03-10T12:21:51.091-07:00So you think all Drycleaners are the same?A new customer asked why he should pay me more than his usual dry-cleaner to have his $2,400 hand-made suits serviced; a good question in these times. While I don’t like to answer a question with a question, I asked him why he had this wonderful suit on my counter and not on that of his normal dry-cleaners. His reply was “Well, the suit has lost it's shape, feel and body”, so I answered his question:<br />
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"The difference you pay for is experience and investment in equipment, materials and staff, and the overall quality that produces. We always make sure we are up-to-date with developments within the textile industry – manufacturing and materials, and cleaning techniques and products. When it’s worthwhile we invest in new equipment and ensure our staff know how to maximize its capabilities."<br />
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I find that this is a common thought. You grab your dirty suit or dress and run to where ever the nearest drycleaner is located. Its just a drycleaner, right? They all do the same thing, right? <br />
<b>Here are 6 reasons I could think of why All Drycleaners Are Not the Same!</b><br />
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1) Did you know that there are no requirements (other than a business license) to become a drycleaner? You can pretty much just put up a sign and be open for business, with zero knowledge or experience! Drycleaning is one of the few businesses I can think of with NO requirements. There are many trade associations that help drycleaners educate themselves - I would never choose a cleaner that was not affiliated with at least the DLI (Drycleaning and Laundry Institute). <br />
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2) Textile care is complicated. The drycleaner has no control over how a garment was made, how it has been cared for in the past, or what sort of stains and soils are on the garment. We often don't recal spilling that 7up on our favorite blouse when we are dropping the blouse at the cleaners a week later. Or perhaps all those shirts have been sitting in the back of a car baking for a week while on route to the cleaners. <br />
And care labels are notoriously inaccurate - you can imagine the trouble an inexperienced cleaner could have. <br />
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3) Experience, training and on going education is crucial! Drycleaning machines come with “factory standard” computer templates. A good drycleaner will have those programs customized for they types of clothes (sweaters vs cushions) and the weather (hot dry weather verses rain). It takes experience and training to customize key aspects of the cleaning process: rotation of the drum, spin speed, solvent temperature, drying temperature etc. A good operator will also distill 80% of the solvent with each load; this is more expensive but it makes sure the solvent is perfectly clean and pure each time we process clothes.<br />
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4) The kinds of equipment available to drycleaners is as varied as the drycleaner operators. There are high tech wetcleaning, drycleaning, tensioning, the list goes on and on. Some of this equipment is very complicated and expensive. Knowing how to use the basic equipment properly is one thing, but investing in the best equipment shows the quality of the operator.<br />
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5) Then there is the soap! The soap we add to the dry-cleaning process is the best you can buy in Europe, not the cheapest. This affects the “feel” of the garments, improves their antistatic properties, enhances the brightness of the colors and also offers better stain removal properties. Without getting too technical, it aids dirt particle suspension properties - the soap helps to suspend the dirt particles in the solvent and stops them being re-deposited on to other garments, causing “greying”.<br />
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6) Tracking software: A cheap drycleaner can use a regular cash register and staple tags to each garment, then manually assemble and bag an order after cleaning. A better cleaner will use a high end technology that prevents human error (and mis-assembly's), allows you to sign up, pay and check orders on the internet, and use less resources for the packaging process.<br />
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So the next time you are considering using a discount cleaners - think about all the things they must be neglecting in order to keep that price low. And try asking a few questions.Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-58203453119644693682011-03-05T07:56:00.001-08:002013-03-10T12:23:55.654-07:00A Consumer Guide to Everything You Need to Know About DrycleaningI just read a great article in a Miami newspaper and wanted to share.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/fl-drycleaning-guide-20110304,0,1866198,full.story">http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/fl-drycleaning-guide-20110304,0,1866198,full.story</a><br />
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This article does a good job of talking about manufacturing issues where the drycleaner is often blamed, color loss during cleaning is one example. They also talk about a few instances when the manufacturer was fined. One note: in the US, all wearable garments are required to have one method of cleaning on the care label and a content label. It is NOT required to be correct.<br />
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I recommend that you look for a cleaner that does not rely on the care label. He should read the care label, but the cleaning method should be based on the Drycleaners experience and testing the garment before cleaning.<br />
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Care labels are often wrong and any drycleaner worth their salt will use a care label as a guideline only!Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7444266902901826999.post-75720572891915480772011-03-04T13:29:00.000-08:002013-03-10T12:24:24.813-07:00Why going to the cleaners in the rain can ruin your clothesWhere I live we have been having more rain than usual. I commented to a friend that people don't go to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Drycleaners</span> when it's raining. She quickly corrected me. According to her, once we are used to the rain, it no longer deters us from things we need to do. <br />
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I began to think about why I thought rain and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Drycleaning</span> was not a good mix. . . True, water can cause spots on some silks. I always recommend to my wedding gown clients NOT to bring in their gown on a rainy day unless necessary. . And I insist on protection! Why do I feel so strongly?<br />
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So, there you are at the cleaners. You get out of your car with your lovely cashmere sweater or wool suit, and dash into the cleaners to avoid getting drenched. The clerk behind the counter takes your garments, gives you a receipt and puts your items in a bag.<br />
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It's done, right? It's out of your hands. . . Or is it?<br />
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Here is the danger. . . <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Drycleaning</span> is "dry". This means there should be no water or moisture in the process. If your cleaner is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">sub par</span>, and does not air dry your clothes before cleaning, shrinkage, color damage and wrinkling will occur. <br />
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So today's tip, don't take wet clothes to the cleaners.Ablitt's Fine Cleanershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00752782105268893248noreply@blogger.com1