Category: Blog

Dry Cleaning Myths

Debunking Dry Cleaning Myths

There’s a good chance that you believe some of the most common dry cleaning myths. These myths might be preventing you from using a dry cleaning pickup service. Once you discover the truth, you’ll see why dry cleaning is an essential part of a cleaning routine.

Myth: Dry Cleaning Is Time Consuming

You can’t dry clean your clothing at home, so you might think that it’s time-consuming. It is if you drop off and pick up your dry cleaning yourself. However, you can use a dry cleaning pickup service to handle it for you. You will schedule a pickup, hand over your clothing, and then go about your day. The service will deliver it to you when it’s clean. There’s nothing time-consuming about using such a service.

Myth: Dry Cleaning Suits Makes Them Shiny

If you have a nice suit that you love to wear, you might be hesitant to get it dry cleaned because you are worried about it becoming shiny. Fortunately, this is just a myth. Dry cleaning doesn’t make suits or other clothing shiny. If your suit has an unnatural shine, it’s due to the friction of wearing it day in and day out. A dry cleaning pickup service will freshen it up and make it look new again. Choose a dry cleaning company that’s skilled at pressing the suit, so there aren’t any marks left behind when you pick it up, though.

Myth: Liquids Aren’t Used to Dry Clean Clothing

You might wonder how dry cleaners can clean clothing without using any liquid. In reality, dry cleaners use liquid to remove stains and clean the clothing. However, dry cleaners don’t use water, which is where the term “dry” comes into play. Instead, dry cleaners use specially designed chemicals to remove stains. While some dry cleaners still use Perc, others use eco-friendly solutions that are just as tough on stains without harming the environment.

Myth: Dry Cleaned Clothes Have a Chemical Smell

Some people think that since dry cleaners use chemicals, the clothes will have a foul smell when they’re finished. However, a high-quality dry cleaning company won’t leave a trace of chemicals behind after finishing the clothing. The dry cleaner will also remove sweat odors and other smells that make your clothing smell bad. When you choose the right dry cleaner, you don’t have to worry about foul-smelling clothing when you get your clothing back.

Myth: You Can Only Dry Clean Clothing With ‘Dry Clean Only’ Tags

You definitely need to dry clean clothing with tags that say, “Dry clean only.” However, you can dry clean other garments and linens as well. It’s a good idea to dry cleaning garments and other items made of delicate fabrics you want to preserve. Also, if the garment is structured, it won’t lose its shape at the dry cleaners. Your dry cleaner can also handle tough stains that you can’t remove with a regular trip through the washing machine.

Myth: Club Soda Is Just As Tough on Stains As a Dry Cleaning Pickup Service

You’ve likely had someone recommend using club soda on stains instead of taking your clothing to a dry cleaner. However, club soda can end up making the stain look even worse. If you have a stain, dry cleaning is the best course of action. If possible, let your dry cleaner know what caused the stain. The company can then use the best chemicals to treat and remove the stain.

Myth: Dry Cleaning Weakens Clothing

Some people are afraid to dry clean clothing too often because they think it will weaken their garments. In reality, dry cleaning is a good option for clothing that you want to preserve. You can extend the lifetime of your clothing by dry cleaning it. It will retain the shape and colors even if you dry clean it regularly.

Myth: You Should Keep Your Clothing Hanging in the Plastic Bag When It’s Done

Your clothing will come back from the dry cleaners in a plastic bag and on a wire hanger. That helps it stay wrinkle-free during transit, but you should take it out of the bag and change hangers when you get home.

Keeping clothing in plastic for too long can cause the fabric to break down. Also, wire hangers can change the shape of your clothing over the weeks and months. Plastic bags and wire hangers are safe for your clothing during the trip from the dry cleaning pickup service to your home, but take them out of the bag and transfer hangers when you receive the items. Then, you can repurpose the wire dry cleaning hangers and use them around your home.

Myth: A Dry Cleaning Pickup Service Only Cleans Garments

It’s true that your local dry cleaner handles garments, but that’s not all. You can send comforters, blankets, mattress pads, sheets, and pillowcases to the dry cleaner. Your dry cleaner can also handle tablecloths and napkins. Plus, you can use your dry cleaner for alternations and repairs. With so many options, it’s a good idea to keep your dry cleaning pickup service on speed dial.

Myth: You Can Safely Store Your Wedding Dress Without Dry Cleaning It

You might have put your wedding dress away without cleaning it, but that’s a mistake. Even if you only had it on for a short period of time, it likely has deodorant, sweat, and oils on it that can deteriorate the gown over time. Wedding gown dry cleaning is critical if you want your dress to look beautiful in the future. Then, you can pass it down to your daughter if you wish.

Once you learn the truth behind the myths, you can see why dry cleaning is such a vital service. You can use it to keep a number of garments and other items clean while ensuring they last a long time. When you factor in the time-saving benefits of using a dry cleaning pickup service, it’s clear that this is a good option for taking care of your garments and more.

Sources:

https://abcnews.go.com/Business/busted-dry-cleaning-myths-wrong/story?id=22785180
https://styleblueprint.com/everyday/dry-cleaning-tips/
https://www.sterlingcleaner.com/dry-cleaning-myths-debunked/

How Long Can You Wait to Pick up Dry Cleaning?

Beautiful thoughtful woman looking away

Does this sound familiar? You drop your dry cleaning off and intend to pick it up as soon as it’s ready. Then, life gets in the way. Between long hours at work to dinners out with friends, it’s hard to find time to get your dry cleaning. Now, you can’t help but wonder how long you can wait to pick it up. Get the details and find an easy solution for dry cleaning pick up. Then, you won’t have to worry about missing the deadline to pick up your dry cleaning.

Dry Cleaning Pick Up: Know the Turnaround Time

First, it’s essential to know how long the dry cleaning process takes. Most garments have a turnaround time of 24-48 hours, although it’s possible for it to take more or less time, depending on your needs. You aren’t expected to pick your garments up immediately, although that’s an option. However, companies generally expect people to pick up their dry cleaning within one to two weeks of getting the call that it’s ready. Dry cleaning companies have limited space to store garments. The companies want people to pick up their dry cleaning quickly, so they can make room for other customers. Otherwise, it can get crowded inside their facilities.

Dry Cleaning Pickup Deadlines – Laws Vary By State

While companies want you to pick up your dry cleaning quickly, you do have some leeway. However, you don’t have nearly as long as you used to have.

The change can be traced back approximately 20 years. Around that time, a Brooklyn woman dropped off some items at a dry cleaner and went to pick them up three years later. Unfortunately, just six months before, the dry cleaning company donated the clothing to charity.

The woman sued the dry cleaning company and won. There weren’t any laws on the books to protect the company, so even though it kept the clothing for almost three years, it had to pay to replace it. Lawmakers in New York and the rest of the country didn’t want to see that happen again, so they created legislation.

If you live in New York, you have six months to pick up your dry cleaning. Once six months pass, the dry cleaner can give your items away. The time frame varies by state, with some states only making companies hold onto clothing for 30 or 90 days. Because the window can be small, it’s important to know the laws in your state. Otherwise, you might not be able to get your dry cleaning back.

If you are unsure how long you have to wait until you pick up your dry cleaning, look on your receipt. Many dry cleaning companies clearly state the policy on the receipt. It will explain that the company is not responsible for any dry cleaning left after a specific date.

As much as you might want to put off picking up your dry cleaning until the last possible moment, you shouldn’t do that. While the receipt will have the last possible date, go earlier if possible. The longer your clothing is there, the higher the risk of your clothing getting damaged or misplaced.

The Responsibility of the Dry Cleaner

Dry cleaning companies do have the responsibility to notify customers before getting rid of the clothing. Most states require that companies make a reasonable effort to reach the customer. Companies generally make several phone calls to get the person to pick up the garments. Often, abandoned property occurs because the customer left the wrong phone number or moved after dropping off the dry cleaning. Other times, though, the customer is simply too busy to pick it up. Regardless of the reason, the company will make a reasonable effort to reach the customer by phone.

What Happens to Abandoned Garments?

Most states do not allow dry cleaning companies to keep the abandoned property. Instead, they have to donate it to charity. Companies have the option of dropping it off at a church, Goodwill, or another charity or giving it to someone in need. For instance, if a homeless person is preparing for an interview, he or she might visit a dry cleaner to see if any garments are available. If the company has abandoned property, an employee can give it to the person in need.

Should You Forget About Dry Cleaning You Didn’t Pick Up?

If you forget to pick up your dry cleaning, you might think you need to just forget about it. However, some dry cleaners keep the property well past the due date. It’s not unusual for dry cleaners to have backroom storage for items, especially expensive fur coats and other luxury pieces. Because of that, it’s worth checking with the company to see if it still has your items.

Dry Cleaning and Pickup and Delivery Near Me – The Solution to the Problem

If you don’t want to risk forgetting to pick up your dry cleaning in time, consider using a dry cleaning and laundry pick up service. You simply schedule to have the dry cleaning picked up at your home or office. Then, when it’s done, the company will deliver it back to you. This is so much easier and less stressful than handling everything yourself.

Dry cleaning pick up prices vary by location. Check the prices, order the service, and prepare your clothes for dry cleaning. Then, the company will do the rest. You don’t have to try to fit it into your schedule. Instead, let the dry cleaning pick up service handle the details while you work, go out with friends, and more.

Sources:

https://www.thecut.com/2014/01/what-happens-to-clothes-left-at-the-dry-cleaner.html

https://fortune.com/2019/09/21/dry-cleaners-forgot-my-clothes/

Wire Dry Cleaning Hangers

10 Uses For Wire Dry Cleaning Hangers Around Your Home

Do you hate those wire hangers that come with your freshly dry-cleaned clothes? Don’t throw them out. Use them to organize, decorate and display items in your home. Here are 10 great uses for those pesky hangers.

  • Marshmallow Roaster

    This one’s fairly simple, but very important. Uncoil the hanger and make it as straight as possible. Curl up one end by folding it around once or twice to make a handle. This will also make it a bit shorter so it’s stable, but not too short that you’re roasting your hand at the same time. You could also cut it in half and wrap them together to strengthen the stick and roast two marshmallows at once. We suggest sanitizing the end with a cleaner or dish soap. Next, build a fire, add your marshmallows and enjoy. Clean again after use to reuse all summer long.

  • Calendar or Magazine Display

    Hang the hanger on wall with a thumbtack or nail. Then, place a card or magazine on the rack by opening it up and placing the inside fold along the horizontal part of the hanger. You can also hang a calendar by folding the top part over the back of the hanger and displaying the current month facing out.

  • Welcome (or Unwelcome) Sign

    This is similar to the craft above. Create a Welcome or Happy Valentine’s Day sign with paper. Tape or fold it over the horizontal part of the hanger. You could also create a Do Not Disturb sign if you have kids or annoying roommates.

  • Scarf Organizer

    Loop your scarves, ties or belts over the hanger and hang it up in your closet. This way, you’re taking up less room with these items and they’re easy to find when you need them.

  • Flip flop storage

    This one takes more skill and time, but it’s doable. Cut the hanger on both sides where it starts to bend down. Then loop the ends up towards the hook part of the hanger, creating two more hooks. You can file the ends, loop them a few times or even decorate the hanger to make it prettier if you’d like, but there’s no need. This is for your shoes, not the queen. Hook your flip-flops on the hanger, one on each side, and then hang up. This probably works for flats, too, but we don’t suggest you try any larger shoes. You’ve got to draw the line somewhere

  • Hanging Planter

    Want to add a bit of green to your home? Don’t waste money on a fancy hanging planter. There are a few ways you can make this work, depending on the items you already have. If you have a plastic planter already and it doesn’t have a hanger, make holes on either side of the planter. Unwrap the hanger and loop it through the hoops, coiling it back up at the top. Hang it up somewhere and then Instagram that junk!

    You could also use a colander (that’s a strainer for noodles). This works if it’s a plant that doesn’t require a ton of water. Line the colander with wax paper or newspaper. Hook the hanger through two opposite holes by uncoiling it and then coiling it back up. Add dirt and the plant and then hang up. This one also requires you to share it on social media.

  • Clean Out The Drain

    This one is not Instagram-worthy but it is very handy. If you notice your shower or sink drain isn’t draining like it should be, create a small hook with the wire and then stick it down in the drain. Drag out the gunk and throw it away. Don’t do this directly after lunch

  • Chip Bag Clip

    This one may require some tools or at least some super strong hands. Cut the wire down (probably with a wire cutter) to 6-10 inches, depending on how big you want your clip. Then twist it into a giant paperclip. To make sure it has some clipping power and isn’t too stretched out, you can place something heavy on it for awhile to make sure it has that paperclip structure before you start clipping away. This is also where pliers and brute strength may be helpful.

  • Key Ring

    Again, gets some tools. Use a wire cutter to cut 4-6 inches of wire. Loop it around twice to make a keychain. Placing it under something heavy for a bit will help it keep it shape before you start adding keys.

  • Nonslip Hanger

    Yes, this is reusing the hanger as a hanger, but it counts. If your biggest annoyance with wire hangers is that clothes slip right off and/or don’t keep their shape, we’ve got the solution. Wrap cotton yarn around the topside of the hanger. Loop it tightly from end to end and then clothes will cling to the cotton rather than sliding off. This could save you money, too because you won’t have to go buy velvet or plastic hangers as often

There you have it; wire hangers aren’t not a waste of space. Reuse them around your home each time you get a new one from the dry cleaners. It’s better for you, the environment and your wallet.

If you’re looking for a local cleaner that will pick-up and deliver your Chicago dry cleaning, visit DriveCleaning.com today.

Cleaning

Clean Your House Top-To-Bottom: Bathroom

Why wait until spring to start Spring Cleaning? Dust and germs live in every nook and cranny around the house and now that cold and flu season has hit, it’s a good time to spend a little extra time cleaning. You don’t have to do the whole house at once; that’s crazy. Just take it room-by-room and scrub a little each week (or month). We’ll cover regular cleaning methods, tips to get the stubborn stuff and how to keep the bathroom from ever getting this disgusting again.

Start With The Basics

Pick up odds and ends: dirty towels, clothing, garbage, and magazines. Dispose of each properly. We’ll pretend you know that dirty towels and clothes go in the laundry; magazines can be put away or thrown away. The garbage is obvious.

Scrub the sink, shower and toilet with an all-purpose cleaner. Use a rag or paper towels. If you use a rag for the whole room, start with the sink and go least dirty to most disgusting surface. Never wipe the sink with something that just touched the toilet. Were you raised in a barn?

You may want to use a tougher sponge for the shower to get in-between the tiles and break up that gunk, but we’ll get to that again later.

For mirrors, windows and shower stall doors use a glass cleaner. A newspaper or squeegee is very handy for not getting those annoying streaks on the mirror. You can use a rag, though, if it’s all you have.

Now on to the floors, we suggest you sweep or vacuum first and then mop. Get most of the dust, hair, et cetera, up before you add water. Sometimes we shake out the rug and vacuum that up, too, but you’ll probably want to vacuum the rug itself, too.

The Hard Stuff

If you clean every week, the above tasks are generally enough but if you’re bathroom has gotten completely out-of-hand or you’re just a total germaphobe, here are some additional ways to deep clean the bathroom.

For the toilet, pour castile soap (which is vegetable oil-based soap that’s good for cleaning stuff) throughout the bowl and scrub with a toilet brush. Then add something stronger like Borax to the bowl and mix with the soap. Use a smaller brush (like an old toothbrush) to get up around the edges of the bowl and into the jets.

For shower or bath grime, get a dish wand or sponge. Mix equal parts vinegar and dish soap to break down the grime. Rinse the tub or shower after scrubbing.

If you want to clean the faucet or showerhead, fill a plastic bag with vinegar (pick your size according to the size of the faucet), and tie it up around the faucet. Let it soak there for at least half an hour.

Hard water stains are a pain and don’t always come off with an all-purpose cleaner. For your faucet and knobs, cut a lemon in half and scrub the water stains with lemon juice. Seriously, it works!

Depending on the type of bathroom rug, you might be able to throw it in the washing machine. However, read the tag carefully. Additionally, if you’re not able to get stains out and it’s no longer the crisp white or blue you started with, consider taking it to professional dry cleaners. They’re great with stains.

The same goes for bathroom curtains and shower curtains. For the plastic curtains, you can spray with all-purpose cleaner and wipe clean. For window curtains and fabric shower curtains, machine-wash or take to dry cleaners, according to the tag’s instructions. Again, stains are best handled by a professional.

Keeping It Clean

Now that you’ve gotten past all the grime and build-up, swear to yourself it won’t ever get that disgusting again. Of course, there’s a solid chance that it will and you can simply read this blog again, but for the sake of ending this blog on a positive note, let’s pretend.

Start by touching up the bathroom every day. Throw away trash, put makeup, hair ties, toothbrushes and combs back in the drawers every day. Wipe down the sink and counter daily so water doesn’t settle and create mold.

Every week, spend a quick 10-15 minutes cleaning out the toilet and washing down the shower or bath. If you do this regularly, the soap scum and hard water stains won’t build up like last time. Sometimes a daily shower spray can help keep things cleaner a bit longer as well. You simply spray each day after you shower or bathe and it does the cleaning for you.

Lastly, every other week or so, vacuum thoroughly and wash the rugs. The curtains can probably last another month before you need to dry-clean them again, but keep on eye on the dust that’s building up.

You did it! You cleaned an entire room in your house and it’s positively shiny. Well done. Call your mom and tell her about your new cleaning hacks.

If you’re looking for a local cleaner that will pick-up and deliver your Longview dry cleaning, visit DriveCleaning.com today.

New Year’s Resolution: Organize your linen closet

Maybe it isn’t exactly your New Year’s Resolution, but we could all benefit from cleaning up the linen closet, bathroom shelves or wherever you stick your towels and extra sheets, right? Perhaps you’re finally ready to dig out your flannel sheets and…you have no idea where the top sheet is.

We’ve all been there, but it’s time to make changes. Get on track for a cleaner, tidier 2016 with these linen closet organization tips.

Before you start feeling overwhelmed, understand that reorganizing a linen closet can take as little as 20 minutes. Put on Spotify or catch up your favorite podcast while you dig out all your blankets, sheets, towels, wash clothes, dish rags and anything else you plan to store in this closet. For some steps, you may need to run to the hardware store or get crafty but that’s not required nor is it necessary to get started.
shutterstock_181622573

Get started

Now, fold everything…neatly. Yes, fitted sheets are annoying but we have faith in you! Once you get one set of sheets folded, slide the bottom, top and one pillowcase into another pillowcase so all the pieces stay together. Then put it aside. Do this with each set.

Make space

If you have very limited space in your closet, consider downsizing. Get rid of the blankets, towels and sheets you don’t use. If anything is worn out or unusable, throw it away. Donate sets of sheets if you have more than 3-4.

Next, you may want to get fancy and buy those vacuum-sealed bags for out-of-season sheets and towels. Pack away heavy blankets and flannel sheets during the summer months to save space.

Another option is to get plastic tubs to put high up in the closet or at the bottom where they won’t be in your way. Then label the tub so you don’t forget where they are. We’ll remind you of this step again later.

shutterstock_129174005Plan and sort

Next, Plan where each category of linens should go. Towels and everyday sheets should probably be at arm or shoulder height; they’ll get the most use. Then spare blankets and guest towels go one shelf up or down from there. Seasonal or really rare items go all the up high or down on the floor, in a basket or (labeled) tub.

Get crafty

If you find that things are getting stacked too high on each shelve and it’s hard to get to the bottom item without making a mess, create micro shelves with plastic, wire or cardboard shelving. These items can be found at hardware or craft stores, or even Target. By creating smaller shelves and cubby holes, you won’t have to dig deep and mess up your nice piles just to find a specific pillow or blanket case. Everything else will remain untouched and perfectly folded.

Small baskets for wash cloths or wicker baskets for sheets are a great idea for staying organized and making the closet a little more appealing. That’s certainly not necessary if you like to keep things simple. Not everyone has a Pinterest account and three types of glitter.

shutterstock_203428204We suggest creating tags for anything that’s not visible. If you use baskets, tubs or crates, attach a sticker or tie on a tag that tells you what’s inside. That way, you don’t have to dig through every box when you need a beach towel last minute. It happens.

For the handymen and women out there, install a few towel racks to the inside of the door and voilá! You have more space. Rolling towels instead of folding and stacking is another way to get more into less space.

Not only will this help keep the closet looking organized (your mom will be so impressed), your sheets and towels will always be fresh, folded and ready-to-use.

If you’re looking for a local cleaner that will pick-up and deliver your Atlanta dry cleaning, visit DriveCleaning.com today.

separating laundry

Your Mom Was Right: Separate Your Laundry

Some people learn the hard way that washing dark or bright colors in hot water can transfer the dye to white clothing. But even if you wash all your clothes in cold water, or have successfully gone your whole life without creating a cringe-worthy pink shirt, you’re making a mistake if you don’t sort your clothes by color.

Once you come to terms with becoming an adult, you start to buy nice clothes.

Ones you buy nice clothes, you need to respect them and take better care to make them last longer. There are several ways to do that just by tweaking the way you sort, prep and wash your clothing. Here are a few ideas (and reasons for all you skeptics) to keep your whites white and your brights bright.

Only wash when dirty

The Sniff Test is a real thing. If you didn’t sweat, spill your drink or in some other way make the clothing visibly dirty, you don’t need to wash it every time. Use your best judgment here, of course.

For best results, fold the item or hang it back up so you don’t make it wrinkled or dirty from whatever’s on the floor. Jeans especially rarely need to be cleaned. Same for suits, sweaters and flannels. If you wash yourself and your underwear regularly, your clothes will need less attention.

Sort your darks & lights

When you do need to clean your clothing, sort them. I know, I know – you use cold water so it’s fine. You’ve never dyed anything pink so far. That may be true but mixing your whites and darks can still cause the darks to fade and your whites to look dingy over time. You won’t notice it after one wash, but you’ll notice it after several washings and your favorite white t-shirt is no longer white. Just sort it out, okay? It doesn’t take that long.

Turn dark clothes and heavier items like sweaters and jeans inside out. This will protect the part you really care about and preserve the color a bit longer.

Separate towels & bedding

Sort out your towels and bedding to wash them separately. It’s likely your sheets and towels will create a load of laundry all on their own but even if you’re blessed with a super-sized washing machine, don’t push it. Towel fibers can be harsh on regular clothing or leave tiny fuzz balls on everything.

Plus, when washed on their own, towels stay fluffy longer and the fitted bottom sheet won’t eat all your socks.

Baking soda & other at-home remedies

If you’re feeling fancy, or your clothes stink a lot from your daily (ahem, weekly) trips to the gym, throw in a teaspoon of baking soda with your detergent. This will help freshen up the clothes and help the colors stay bright.

Have you ever started a load in the washer and then been sucked into a 6-hour Netflix binge? We’ve all be there. When you finally snap out of it and remember your clothes it’s not a good idea to put them directly into the dryer.

Give it the old Sniff Test and, if needed, wash them again with a cup of white vinegar and hot water. While your wet clothes sat for the entire series of Making a Murderer, mildew grew and the vinegar will kill it. The dryer alone won’t take care of that.

Keep the washer & dryer clean

Another way to protect your clothes is to make sure the washer itself is clean. Some high-end ones come with self-cleaning options. But for the machines normal people use, simply checking the machine to make sure there are no items, liquids or anything inside the washer or dryer will help. Empty all your pockets and check the lint filter, too.

Professional cleaning will certainly save you from having to replace quality items in your wardrobe. Don’t have time to make it to the cleaners yourself? No problem. DriveCleaning.com offers free pick-up and delivery right to your home!

If you’re looking for a local cleaner that will pick-up and deliver your Phoenix dry cleaning, visit DriveCleaning.com today.

dry washing

How to Clean & Care for Linen

Linen is not as easy as cotton or other materials when it comes to cleaning and care. It also requires ironing more often than other fabrics. However, this shouldn’t discourage shoppers and home decorators from using linen around their home. With a few tips and useful products, you’ll be well-equipped to manage the care of linen material around your home so you can enjoy the soft, cool material of luxury bed sheets, a breezy sundress or a summer suit.

Spot cleaning

Whether it’s a tablecloth, bed sheet or linen dress, spot cleaning is the easiest way to keep these items clean and lasting a long time. If the tag (especially for clothing) suggests dry cleaning only, take the garment to a professional no matter what kind or how old the stain. If you’re able to machine or hand wash the item, try to take care of the stain as soon as you notice it.

If you’re tackling the stain yourself, lay out the material and rub baking soda into the affected area to dissolve the stain. Then add a little lemon juice, which safely bleaches out the unsightly color of the stain without changing the original color of the item. You can also use an OxyClean or other safe stain remover if you’d like, but natural products that you already have around your home generally work just as well.

Once you’ve let the baking soda soak into the material for a bit, wash as normal and then line dry. Do not put the item into the dryer until you’re sure the stain is completely removed. The heat of the dryer will cause any remaining stain to set permanently.

If the stain does not come out after these steps, it’s probably best to take it to a professional dry cleaner instead of trying again.

Regular washing

Unless specifically stated by the manufacturer, it’s not necessary to dry clean your linen clothing each time or at all. As mentioned above, a pesky stain is best handled by a professional, but everyday cleaning is easily done at home.

If using a machine, wash on the gentlest cycle and use cool or warm water. Drying, too, should be done on a low setting. Remove clothes before they’re 100% dry to keep them from getting stiff.

If you choose to hand wash your sheets or clothes, do so in cool or warm water, never hot or cold. Don’t scrunch or wring out the clothing because that could cause permanent wrinkling or stretching. Lay flat to dry for the same reason. Use mild detergent and very little of it whether in a machine or when washing by hand.

Ironing tips

One thing that often discourages people from buying or using linen is how easily it wrinkles. Especially when it comes to linen sheets, many people simply don’t want to deal with the hassle of ironing.

That is completely understandable and if you’re a person that will simply never iron anything, linen sheets may not be the best for your home. However, there are ways to make ironing linen easier, and the pros of a beautiful and comfortable bed may start to outweigh the con of having to iron.

If you’re drying your clothes in a dryer, you should always pull them out a bit before they’re completely dry. Then, iron right away. For one, they’ll be less wrinkled and two, it’s best to iron when they’re a bit damp. Iron before storing the sheets to make it easier later on. You can also use steam if you need to iron again after the linen is dry.

For napkins, pillow cases or a tablecloth, you can fold the item and iron in half the time! If you’re truly short on time (and don’t care for perfectly pressed sheets) try ironing just the pillowcases and you’ll still experience the incredible softness of freshly ironed linen.

If you’re looking for a local cleaner that will pick-up and deliver your Birmingham dry cleaning, visit DriveCleaning.com today.

dry cleaning

Pets Welcome: Cleaning Pet Hair & Odors Around Your Home

Our pets are special beings and what joy they bring into our lives. But what a mess they can be, too! Sometimes the amount an animal sheds, or their habits, can affect whether or not a person is willing to get a pet or where the pet is allowed to spend their time. If you’re hesitant to let your pet on the couch because of fur or odors, here are some quick solutions to ease your fears. Make your home pet-friendly by arming yourself with the knowledge and tools to take care your furry friend.

Tackling Odors

For larger furniture and carpets, you don’t need anything fancy to get ride of a lingering pet smell. Baking soda and apple cider vinegar will do the trick for most items in your home. For mattresses, couches and carpets, sprinkle baking soda liberally and use a brush or your hand to spread it around and let it sink into the material.

Let it sit all day or overnight to do its thing. Then, vacuum it up. If it’s a small rug or couch cushions, you can start by shaking them out (outside, of course) and then vacuuming to make it easier.

When you wash sheets, towels or your pet’s bedding, mix a ¼ cup apple cider vinegar into the washing machine along with your regular detergent. For comforters, quilts or larger materials, dry cleaning is the best option for removing pet odors and oils safely.

Stain Removal

If it’s a fresh accident, soak up as much of the liquid as you can with paper towels or newspaper then rinse with cool water. Then spray with a baking soda and vinegar or peroxide mixture. There are lots of pet stain & odor removers but generally, they are as effective and sometimes less safe than natural remedies and cleaning products you already have.shutterstock_259030982

For set stains, mix vinegar, warm water and baking soda together to spread or spray on the spot. You could also put out the baking soda first and then spray the vinegar and water on top to help it soak in.

You can also mix hydrogen peroxide and a small amount of dish detergent to spray on the baking soda if that’s easier. After letting the mixture sit and dry, vacuum up the remaining baking soda.

For clothes, sheets or other machine-washable items, add a small amount of baking soda to the load when you wash. For larger blankets, pillows or quilts, consider dry cleaning as soon as possible to avoid the stain setting too long. This will also help preserve the items when they might otherwise get worn out in a machine wash.

Pet Hair Problems

Depending on the dog or cat, pet hair can cause a lot of problems. It can get stick to clothing and blankets, clog up air filters and fill your vacuum in seconds. One solution is to get furniture that doesn’t attract the pet hair and instead, it falls to the floor. Washing blankets or pillows regularly can help reduce the amount of hair floating around the house and help keep them from building up odors.

Vacuuming regularly is your best bet. Get a vacuum that can really get hair out of couch cushions and carpets. Vacuuming blankets, pillows and all seating in your home is a great idea. Sweeping out the loose hairs is also a quick way to keep the hair off our clothes day-to-day. Shaking out blankets doesn’t always do the trick, but it’s an option for a quick removal of hair.

Don’t let pet fur, odors or stains keep you for making your home a loving, pet-friendly place.

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6 Tips for Smart Packing

Home for the Holidays: 6 Tips for Smart Packing

Holiday travel has its ups and downs. It’s great for taking time off work, seeing friends and family, and of course, enjoying holiday treats and traditions. However, preparing and packing for the trip is not nearly as much fun. Figuring out what clothes to bring, how to fit everything you need in your bag and keep the clothes looking shape is no small feat. To help you get past this stage and truly enjoy your travels, here are six tips for smart packing.

1. Pick a Color Scheme

In order to pack as little clothing and few pairs of shoes as possible, pick a color scheme so that all or most of your clothing match each other. This way, you can bring just one or two pairs of shoes that match each outfit and you have the option to mix-and-match the clothing to make several outfits from a few items.

Bring just one scarf, one sweater and one coat that fit the color scheme. This saves tons of space and you have less to keep track of on the go.

Planning outfits, rather than throwing in a few shirts and pants, will keep you organized and packing light. It will cut down on extras that you never end up wearing and you’ll be sure to have what you need for each outfit. If you plan just enough outfits for the trip and then throw in an extra top, you’ll have plenty of room for everything without wasting space.

2. Pack Clothes That Are Easier To Clean

While your wool skirt may be perfect for Christmas dinner at your parents, if you don’t have easy access to a dry cleaner or the time to get it cleaned before or during your trip, you’re taking a huge risk. Bring along the clothes that can easily be machine-washed or that can wait until you return to get a proper cleaning.

3. Pack in Layers

Check the weather before you go and plan your outfits accordingly. Bring clothing that can be layered in case the weather or your plans change. For example, pack two sweaters but then several shirts for underneath, and you’ll always have enough clean clothes without over packing. Additionally, you won’t be stuck with only t-shirts or warm sweaters if you find yourself colder or warmer than expected. Bring a neutral sweater or sweatshirt that will match most outfits and you’ll always be warm and stylish.

4. Roll Shirts And Pants

Use all the space possible. Stuff your socks into shoes and pack shoes into the bottom of your suitcase. Then, fold your shirts and pants in half and roll them up. This will allow you to fit more of them into the bag or suitcase. By folding and rolling, you are reducing the risk of wrinkles, too. When you get to your destination, whether it’s a hotel or a guest room, find a place to hang up your nicer clothes so they can be de-wrinkled before it is time to wear them.

Even if you’re not flying or taking your bag as a carry on, opt for refillable, travel-sized soaps and shampoos to save space. Wear your heaviest sweaters or jackets when you fly and wear boots or bigger shoes during traveling. The smaller options will fit better in your bag.

5. Ask Ahead About Washing/Drying Options

If you’re staying with friends and family, ask ahead of time if you can use their washing machine or dryer during extended stays. Find out what access you may have to the machines and if it will accommodate the clothes you plan to bring. By planning to wash clothing, you can pack less.

On the other hand, if you do not have access to a machine or it isn’t a good machine for the clothes you plan to bring, pick clothes that won’t need much washing while you’re gone. You can always look around for a laundromat or dry cleaning professional wherever you’re staying, too.

6. Use Drivecleaning.Com For Easy Dry Cleaning Anywhere

Start your planning well ahead of your trip. While you may not want to pack up your clothes weeks or days in advance, figure out which clothes you’d like to bring to make sure they’re clean and ready to pack. If they are not clean, visit DriveCleaning.com to get your clothes picked up, cleaned and dropped off in plenty of time for your holiday vacation.

Not every part of the holiday travel is full of joy, but if you plan ahead and pack wisely, having fresh, clean clothes will be one less thing to worry about. You can truly enjoy traveling, visiting and relaxing.

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How to Care for Winter Coats

How to Care for Winter Coats

Ready or not, winter is here for most of the country. It’s time to unpack those winter coats, jackets and parkas to bundle up against the cold. This coat will be the first level of defense against harsh winter elements so knowing when and how to clean it will help get you through the season comfortably and in style.

Daily Care

Each day you wear the coat, hang it up where it can dry. If you pack a bunch a coats and scarves into a closet with little air circulation, they won’t dry out properly. This increases the chances of odors or mildew.

Hang all coats on a hanger rather than hook to protect the shape of the coat. For wool or suede jackets, use a strong wood hanger. If needed, use a link roller on wool or wool blend coats to remove dust and dirt. Shake off leaves, dirt or mud from the coat. Check for loose threads or tears that need mending.

When & how to wash

Wool/wool blends: Most wool coats only need to be cleaned at the beginning and the end of the season. However, if it gets stained or extremely dirty, a midseason cleaning is appropriate. Wool, unless specifically stated on the tag, is best when dry cleaned.

Down coats and parkas: Follow the directions on the tag carefully. For most down coats, you can wash at home with a front-loading washer. The agitator in a top-loading washer will likely ruin the down. Inspect the coat for tears and empty all pockets before loading in the washing machine.

To dry, set on low heat and add a tennis ball or two to break up the down. If it is not completely dry after the first cycle, put it in for another one. It’s important to get the coat completely dry. If the coat’s outer shell is thin or worn, or if you do not have access to a front-loading washer, take the coat to a professional cleaner.

Fleece: Wash fleece jackets and sweaters every seven to 10 wears. Before washing, turn the garment inside out to protect the soft finish. Don’t use fabric softener or dryer sheets for fleece. In fact, it’s best to air dry all fleece jackets and sweatshirts.

Leather or suede: For leather or suede, take it to the dry cleaners just once a season, but spot clean in between if needed. To reduce the amount of makeup, sweat or odors on the coat wear a scarf and hang on a wood hanger in a well-ventilated place.

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