By brightleaf

Time to take your business wear out of the closet for a bright-light inspection for signs of wear on collars, cuffs and pockets. Missing collar stays or buttons? We’re happy to replace or repair. Take a good look at the elbows. Shirts, sweaters and jackets take a beating at the elbow, even if you’re not a professional arm wrestler. Mark trouble spots with masking tape and bring everything to us — we can patch, mend and reinforce, remove stubborn stains and get your back-to-the-office clothes ready to make an even better impression, even if they’ve been in the closet for months.

…read more

From:: Collars and cuffs.

By brightleaf

Want an eco-friendly fabric that’s affordable and lasts? Go back to basics: wool is woven into the fabric of our fashion history, but does it get a bad rap? Wool isn’t like that old itchy blanket at grandma’s house you remember. The varieties are endless and the benefits are many. Wool doesn’t fade, and its uses range from strong and sturdy. It’s uses range from a loft within silk comforters to soft and silky weaves in delicate sweaters and scarves. Want to learn more about wool and its benefits? Visit wool.com today!

…read more

From:: Back to basics.

By brightleaf

In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson, “The reward of a thing well done is to have done it right.” We’re proud of our staff for knowing what’s right and doing it, day in day out. Thanks for your talent, dedication and perseverance! Enjoy a day off.

…read more

From:: Labor Day.

By brightleaf

Our experts start by tagging and inspecting your items – we look for stains, tears, broken buttons, snagged zippers. You can help by telling us (or marking with masking tape) trouble spots and stains. Our stain removal skills are at their highest when we know what caused the problem. And remember, stains only get worse with time so make sure we get to work on it as soon as possible. Even “invisible” stains like 7-Up or champagne will darken as the sugars oxidize.

…read more

From:: Getting to clean.

By brightleaf

Before you store away your summer favorites, make sure everything’s clean and free of spills and stains. That little white wine spot or Ranch drip can oxidize over time, leaving a brown stain. Pack like-colored items together, and keep everything away from light and moisture. If you don’t have closet hanger space, fold everything (with white tissue paper) and pack loosely in suitcases or a cedar-lined trunk.

…read more

From:: Season switch.

By brightleaf

More packing tips for your getaway: Sunglassses offer more than panache, good ones protect your eyes from UVA and UVB burning rays. What would summer be without sandals? Trade up from flip-flops to dressier summer footwear that’s as suited for an upscale restaurant as it is at the beach. Fold in a summer-weight cotton or linen sweater for blustery boat rides, napping in a shady hammock or taking off the chill of hotel AC. Invest in an easy-breezy summer dress for on the plane, beach coverup or dressed up with heels and jewelry for a night out. When you get back, let us clean your vacation clothes – you’ll be ready to go again.

…read more

From:: Vacation essentials, part 2

By brightleaf

Packing tips for your late-summer getaway: Start with a packable hat to avoid overexposure, you may look like you’re on safari, but you’ll be cooler and sunburn-free; a one-piece swimsuit will suit activities from bodysurfing to snorkeling; waterproof shoes from rain boots to aquasox, depending on your destination. Be ready for almost anything with a white cotton or linen shirt for coolness from beachy coverup to dressier dinner. Pack a couple of lightweight scarves for dressup, cover up or warmth against evening breeze. Speaking of inclement weather, be prepared for the inevitable with a lightweight waterproof anorak or windbreaker Make the most of what’s left of your summer – pack light and smart.

…read more

From:: Vacation essentials.

By brightleaf

Cotton is not just for weekend anymore – we’re seeing it used in designer wear for summer – but be careful when attempting to clean extra special pieces yourself, even when the label tells you home cleaning is OK. Natural fibers are prone to losing color over time, and special designs and styles require professional cleaning to make that piece last more than a few wears. Also, cotton is more susceptible to damage from harsher home cleaning detergents – even those detergents that claim to be eco-friendly have a higher pH than those used by professional cleaners.

…read more

From:: Get the most from special cottons.

By brightleaf

To avoid spreading lint throughout your entire load of laundry, always separate the into three groups: high, medium and low lint production. Towels and terry robes are high, corduroy, fleece, socks and sweaters are medium, and jeans, T-shirts, workout gear. Turn garments inside out, avoid crowding, over-agitation and high heat. After every load, clean the lint filter and wipe with a damp cloth to remove any residual lint.

…read more

From:: Lint ball?

By brightleaf

After each use, rinse swimwear in cool tap water to remove sunscreen, sand, sweat and chlorine. To wash after every few wearings, turn the swimsuit inside out and hand wash in the sink, using a few drops liquid detergent in warm water. Gently squeeze the suds through the garment, don’t wring or twist. Rinse well and lay flat to dry. At the end of the season, put your swimwear in a mesh lingerie bag and run through a gentle wash cycle with a mild detergent before storing for next year.

…read more

From:: Swimwear care.