May 2003 Issue
In this months Issue:

Leather and Suede: Taking Care of Your Investment
Embarrassing Zippers
Providing You With Great Customer Service
Home Laundry Tips

Leather and Suede: Taking Care of Your Investment

Leather and suede garments are usually more expensive than other types of clothes you purchase, so they need to be treated with special care. First and foremost, be sure to buy your suede or leather garment from a reputable store, so if you have any problems you’ll be sure the store will help you handle them.

When trying on a leather or suede item, avoid a snug fit. We know tighter styles are “in” these days, but for leather and suede items, leave some room. Hides are stretched during the tanning process and relaxation shrinkage can be expected during regular use and in cleaning. In this case, bigger is really better!

Once you’ve purchased your item, here are some precautions you should take to make sure your leather or suede garment looks good for a long time.

Be sure to wear a scarf to protect the collar area from perspiration. If the garment gets wet, let it air dry away from heat. Don’t store leather in a plastic bag; store it in a cool, ventilated area. Leather can dry out if it’s exposed to dry heat and it can mildew if it’s stored in a hot, humid area.

When cleaning leather and suede items, be sure to follow these rules:

Clean matching pieces at the same time. Point out any stains to us. Give us any special care information that came with the garment.

Remember, don’t try to clean leather or suede items at home. It’s best to bring the item in to us as quickly as possible. We’ll do our best to return your item in great shape!


Embarrassing Zippers

Got an embarrassing zipper? You know what we mean…those zippers that unexpectedly (and at the worst possible time) start to slide down on their own—or won’t go up at all.

For a zipper that won’t stay zipped, spray hairspray after the clothing item is washed and it will stay where it’s supposed to stay. Please note, however, that you’ll have to re-apply the hairspray after each washing.

As for those zippers that are stuck or ornery, use a candle or bar of soap and rub it directly on the metal teeth of the zipper. Try moving the zipper up and down a few times and you’ll be all set.


Providing You With Great Customer Service

Many companies say they care about their customers…after all, who would want to do business with a company that didn’t seem to care? Unfortunately, you often hear about businesses that claim to offer superior customer service, but it turns out that their claims are just lip service.

At Pressed4Time, we want our customers to feel as though they are part of our professional family. After all, you’re the reason we exist!

Superior customer service means we don’t look at you as just another buck in the cash register. Every single one of our valued customers is vital to our success: you trust us by using our services and referring us to others. Without your “Good words” we would not be successful. If we didn’t pay careful attention to every garment, every customer, we wouldn’t earn your respect.

Remember, we’re here to help you. We’re always willing to listen, to promptly fix any problems that might occur (we admit it, no one’s perfect!) or to answer any questions. When you need advice or assistance about any matter, relating to garment care and/or cleaning, we’re happy to help. Customer satisfaction: that’s what good service is all about!


Home Laundry Tips

Softer Washcloths

Here’s a home laundry tip that will really make your life a little more pleasant. If you’re tired of washcloths that are stiff and rough, we’ve got a simple way to soften them up. Simply soak the washcloths in one part hot water and two parts hot white vinegar.

Soak overnight, then put the washcloths in the wash cycle, using only hot water. Don’t put any detergent in. Dry as usual and you’ll be amazed at the results. Wow, Those White Socks!

There’s nothing like a brand-new pair of white socks. All too soon, it seems, those bright whites get dingy. Is there any way to bring them back to that clean white look? The answer is yes and here’s how:

Soak those dirty socks in a gallon of hot water with two tablespoons of dishwasher detergent for about an hour.

Then put the socks and the water and detergent mixture in the washer, add the usual amount of regular detergent and wash as usual. It’s true: the socks will come out looking positively sparkling.