By brightleaf

Removing candle drips from table linens is often easier than you’d guess. Remove the tablecloth and freeze it. That’s right, the cold will make the wax brittle and if it doesn’t just pop off the cloth, scrape with a credit card. Now just treat the spot with stain remover, like Shout!, and toss it in the wash to remove any greasy residue. We can do it all for you, and often can do it better with professional spot removal procedures. Or you can always buy dripless candles.

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From:: Wax on, wax off.

By brightleaf

Are you trying to figure out the best way to clean a tie, hat or handbag, but can’t find the care label? Manufacturers are not required to put care labels on items such as those because they are not considered “washable.” Bring them to us for expert evaluation: we can clean most fabric and leather without a problem, and our staff will be able to assess the item prior to cleaning to determine if there may be an issue. Often trim decorations can be tricky, but we’re almost always able to find a good cleaning solution.

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From:: The missing care instructions

By brightleaf

Did you forget to empty your pockets when doing the laundry? Nasty ink stains on your favorite khakis or towels? Try not to re-wash the items — the heat from the process will set the ink permanently. Bring inky items to us for stain treatment and dry cleaning, pronto. We have special stain removal technique and agents made specifically to remove ink from clothes. Your chances of successful salvage depend on speedy treatment and telling us exactly what happened – the more we know the better we’ll do.

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From:: Ink load

By brightleaf

Broken buttons are the most common damage to shirts, sweaters and blazers – but damaged specialty buttons can be difficult to match unless you saved the extra buttons stitched into new clothes. Without matching replacements, you may have to to replace all if one or two begin to crack. If it is a favorite fashion piece, check out a local fabric store and find buttons that are similar, or if you are lucky, the same and buy them right away. And remember, snazzy new buttons can dress up old sweaters and shirts – our alterations department can provide a quick and inexpensive replacement.

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From:: Button, button, who’s got the button

By brightleaf

Vintage and antique garments are all the rage, but before you buy check these critical five factors: Look for quality. Well made garments may be more expensive but they’ll be worth it in the long run. Check the fabric. Excessive heat can cause dry rot and separation, especially in collar, cuff and across the seat. Stains? Old, oxidized stains are often impossible to remove, even by experts. Sniff test. Musty odors could be from mold — look for gray or black stains. Bygone body odors in non-washable garments may be a permanent part of the legacy. Loose beads and sequins. If you’re not handy with a needle and thread these may not be worth repairing.

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From:: Ready for vintage?

By brightleaf

Compared to machine washing, dry cleaning does less damage to your clothes in the long-run. Dry-cleaning your clothes will also help them remain soft, fresh, and will ensure that their colors stay intact. Also note that the damage factor also varies from one dry cleaner to the next, depending on the quality of its machines, filters and solvents.
If you’re busy or just hate doing the laundry altogether, then dry cleaning is a great timesaver. It’s also an excellent way to avoid anxiety; you know, worrying about shrinking your favorite sweater to the size of your underwear. Dry cleaning is a trained profession. We’re aware of all the tricks of the trade and will help you get rid of even the most stubborn stains. We’re skilled in many different cleaning methods and know which one work best on almost any garment.

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From:: Is drycleaning really better for my clothes?

By timheitzman

Get the most out of your ski wear. Check for salt, grit or food spills après ski. Close zippers and release tension on drawstrings or elastics, dry thoroughly before storing. Specifically follow care instruction tags: high tech fabrics need special attention, sometimes more sophisticated than your home washing machine. We’re your garment cleaning and care experts—even for technical sportswear.

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From:: Hit the slopes.

By timheitzman

Celebrate your affection with the one you love Monday, the day we honor matters of the heart. And if you end up with a lipstick stain, chocolate smear, champagne spill or other unexpected souvenir, bring it to our professional stain removal experts.

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From:: Valentine’s Day.

By timheitzman

When powder makeup gets on dark clothing (always when you’re in a hurry) ignore the instinct to brush it away. Rubbing spreads the mess and pushes the powder into the fabric. Blow it off, using canned air, hair dryer or your breath. Makeup remover on a cotton ball should pick up what’s left. We can remove stubborn makeup stains – even professional stage makeup. Tag the stain with masking tape and our stain removal experts will get to work on it next time.

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From:: Makeup explosion.

By timheitzman

When a forgotten tissue in the pocket hits the washing machine, it quickly decomposes into tiny shreds of paper that get everywhere. Pick off the bigger pieces before letting the dryer’s lint trap do its job. Remove while damp and shake out remaining scraps, use a clothes brush or lint roller to finish.

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From:: Runny nose.