October 2003 Issue
In this months Issue:

One Step Ahead: Shoe Care Primer
Preventing Storage Problems
Home Laundry Tip

One Step Ahead: Shoe Care Primer

Shoes can be an expensive part of your wardrobe, but if you know what to buy and how to buy, you’ll be able to make a great investment. Here are some tips from the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society:

*Buy shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are the largest. Be sure to wear the right kind of socks and nylons…don’t try on a fancy pair of shoes with thick athletic socks!

*Before buying shoes, check your size. We know you’ve been the same size for years,but people’s feet do change with age. As you get older, your feet get wider and longer. Many people have one foot that’s slightly larger; if so, always fit the larger foot first. And just like clothes…don’t go by the size marked on the shoe. Judge the shoes by how they fit your feet. There should always be 3/8 of an inch or even a half-inch beyond your longest toe at the end of the shoe. Don’t buy shoes that are too tight!

*Once you’ve purchased your shoes, walk around for a bit. Make sure the ball of your foot fits snugly into the widest part of the shoe and check that the shoes are comfortable around the heel. They should not slip too much.

After you’ve purchased your shoes, it’s important to treat them well! Here are some tips about keeping your footwear in tip-top shape:

*Unbuckle your shoes every time you put them on or take them off, rather than stepping on the back of the shoe or stretching the material.

*Got salt on your shoes or boots? To clean, all you have to do is make a half-and-half solution of vinegar and water.*Walked through some puddles or snow? If your kids’ boots are sopping wet, take a hair dryer and put it right in the boot. Let the dryer run until the boots are dry. Don’t ever leave the hair dryer and boots alone, though!*Never dry clothes in front of a fire, radiator or any other direct heat source. The shoes can shrink, get stiff or change shape. The best way to dry a pair of shoes is to hang them under a chair by hooking the heels on the chair rungs. They’ll be out of the way, and they’ll get air circulation on all sides!

One last reminder: if a heel breaks or shoes need to be re-soled, many times they can be repaired. At Pressed4Time, we’re happy to offer you expert repair for your footwear.


Preventing Storage Problems

Many people have two wardrobes…a summer and a winter wardrobe. If you’re storing clothes, you want to be especially careful of moths. Moths have voracious appetites, particularly for wool, wool blends, mohair, fur, feathers and down. While it’s true that mothballs are an effective deterrent, the ingredients in mothballs can sometimes irritate your eyes and skin.

Many people just don’t like the strong, distinctive odor of mothballs, which comes from naphthalene and para, which can easily permeate any nearby garments. If you can get past the odor, however, mothballs are truly effective at preventing moths. If you choose to use them, be sure to fully air out any clothing from storage and remove any mothballs before wearing (don’t forget to check the pockets!). Be sure to keep small children and pets from any mothballs.

If mothballs aren’t your first choice, consider cedar. We recommend it for all items except furs, which should be cold stored. Cedar has a nicer, fragrant odor, and is also effective in keeping moths and other insects away from your clothes. It’s available in blocks, marbles, hangers and even butterflies and can be purchased at local hardware, home and drug stores, as well as from catalogues and on the Internet. You can even get cedar chips from your local pet store. We endorse cedar because it’s non-toxic, totally natural and great smelling.

If you really want to make an investment in protecting your clothes, consider buying a cedar-lined chest or building a cedar-lined closet. You can purchase cedar wood from a local lumber supply company. Some are available in a kit form to make it easier for you to build.

One last point: cedar and mothballs won’t work if the garment is soiled. Moths are especially attracted to food stains, so be sure to clean your garments before storing them.


Home Laundry Tip

Spilled coffee or tea on yourself? Try dipping a napkin in water, sprinkling it with salt and then blotting the stain.

If you can remove the garment, blot up as much of the liquid as you can. If the garment is washable, rinse immediately with cold water. Rub detergent into the stain and work well into the fabric then launder following regular care instructions. If the stain persists, do NOT put it in the dryer; the heat will set the stain. Try repeating this cleaning method.