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By brightleaf

Before you store that down vest or comforter, make sure it’s perfectly clean. Small items can be washed in a front-loading machine, on the permanent press cycle, using a detergent that’s safe for down. If the item is really soiled, stop the machine midway and let everything soak for an hour. To make sure you’ve removed every bit of cleanser, run an extra wash cycle with water only. Use low heat and lots of time for drying. Add a few new white tennis balls to the dryer to break up clumps and restore fluffy loft to the down. Or bring your down to us. Our experts use specialized cleaners and commercial-size machines for perfect results.

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From:: Cleaning up down.

By brightleaf

Ten percent of men have underwear in the drawer that’s at least ten years old, have designated a “lucky” pair or wear the same underpants up to four days in row! 35% have their partner or mother buy their shorts. 65% wear different underwear for sports and 30% admit underwear has caused a wedgie. What do men wear? 43% boxers, 32% briefs, 19% super-briefs and 5% go commando. Men’s underwear is a booming business that’s gone well beyond the classic whitey tighties. Bright colors, technical fabrics and graphic patterns are popular. No matter what the trend, 91% of men look for comfort and good fit.

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From:: The secrets of men’s underwear.

By brightleaf

Summertime cleaning will be fast and easy with these tips from Real Simple. Grind vinegar ice cubes to freshen a musky garbage disposal. Use wadded up aluminum foil and a drop of detergent to scour off baked-on food. When pet hair is a problem, grab a rubber glove, dampen slightly and run over the mess. The hairs will cling to the glove, not the upholstery. Dingy cutting board? Slice a lemon in half and rub juice over the stains, let stand for 20 minutes and rinse for a lemony-fresh surface. Household bedding and linens piling up? Our professional laundry to the rescue.

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From:: Summer housecleaning tips.

By brightleaf

There are lots of window cleaning products to choose from, ranging from industrial to organic. Try this old-fashioned classic recipe from Living Well, Spending Less. Mix 1-1/2 cups white distilled vinegar with 1-1/2 cups water, with 5-10 optional drops essential oil (we like geranium and sweet orange). Mix in a spray bottle, spray on glass and remove with a clean dry squeegee. Polish with old newspaper for a streak-free shine. Also works on chrome and countertops.

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From:: Grandma’s window cleaner.

By brightleaf

If early summer heat and humidity have lead to perspiration stains in washable garments, treat the stains with a prewash stain remover, then launder in the hottest water the fabric can stand, using an enzyme detergent and oxygen bleach. Or bring us the stained items and we’ll use professional-strength cleaners and expert stain knowledge to remove the evidence.

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From:: Showing the heat?

By brightleaf

Don’t let a broken zipper ruin your favorite jacket, pant or skirt – bring them to us for repair or replacement. Our alterations department can replace your zipper and we can even repair invisible zippers with expertise—at a fraction of the cost to replace the garment. Done within a week, you will be singing zippity doo dah in no time when you are out on the town – all without breaking the bank

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From:: Zipper zapped?

By brightleaf

Traveling this summer and want to keep your clothes from wrinkling? Let us deliver your shirts folded, which makes packing a breeze and they won’t wrinkle during the trip. For the rest of your items, use the plastic from your cleaning to separate folds. The plastic reduces fabric friction and prevents wrinkling in your suitcase. The plastic is handy for dirty or wet clothes on your return trip.

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From:: Travel tips for the unwrinkled

By brightleaf

For most of the country, snow and rain have been replaced by sunny skies and fresh grass – make room in your closet for bright new spring additions by packing up bulky outerwear, ski clothes and wet weather gear. Want an easy way to store them for next season? Ask us to fold your garments instead of returning them on hangers. You’ll save hanging space in your closet if you put them away in bins, closets, or on a shelf for the next blustery winter season! No space at home? Ask your cleaner if they offer seasonal storage.

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From:: Make room for spring and summer

By brightleaf

Spring (closet) cleaning, part two. Here are ten ways to be sure “it’s gotta go.” 1-2, truly stained or stinky. We can do a lot, but some stains and smells are forever. 3. Damaged beyond repair, even by a talented seamstress. 4. Would you buy it right now? 5. It does not fit. Not now, probably never. 6. Wrong look, wrong image. 7. Brings up bad memories. 8. It simply outlasted a trend. 9. Have yet to wear it. 10. It is worn out, stretched, faded or pilled. Toss out the mistakes and make room for what you love and what makes you look your best.

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From:: Spring (closet) cleaning, part two.

By brightleaf

When surveyed, American women admitted to over $500 worth of never-worn clothing hiding in the closet. That’s one of every five items: shoes, dresses and coats. Why? 75% said they just liked other pieces better, half said their friends didn’t like it, and a third admitted the item was out of style. Three ways to resolve the hidden problems? Sell them in a consignment shop or website like threadflip or tradesy. Ask us about local charities with thrift shops, or find more at excessaccess. Or swap your extras in a private Pinterest or Facebook group, or at swapstyle.

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From:: Spring (closet) cleaning, part one.