June 2004 Issue
In this months Issue:
Spill Some Medicine? We've Got The Cure!
How Am I Supposed to Clean My Wedding Gown?
We Care About
Home Laundry Tip
Spill Some Medicine? We've Got The Cure!
While most people are feeling pretty happy and healthy in June, thanks to graduations, weddings and wonderful weather, there are times when youre feeling under the weather.
If youre taking medicine to cure what ails you, what should you do if some drips or drops get deposited on your clothing?
Medicines with chemicals that can cause stains include cold and cough preparations, as well as antiseptics, dietary supplements and products associated with dentistry. Salves and skin lotions can cause stains, too. The problem is that once these medicines dry on the garment, the stain may be invisible. Then suddenly, either after cleaning and drying the item the next time, or if you throw the item in the back of your closet and leave it there for awhile, a brown, rust-colored, orange or even yellow stain seems to magically appear.
The color of the stain depends on the type of ingredients, the type of fabric it spilled on, and how long the stain has been there.
If you do happen to spill any kind of medicine on your clothes, the garment will need to be flushed with water soon after contact, according to the International Fabricare Institute. That way, the residue thats left wont absorb oxygen from the air and cause the chemicals to permanently stain the garment. If you do experience a spill, mark the area where the spill occurred right away: once it dries, it may not be visible! We recommend that you bring the item to us as soon as possible to avoid permanent stains.
Unfortunately, if you dont let us know or if youve forgotten about the spill, it will likely be invisible&until the item is cleaned. We have no way of knowing that its there! Once medicines create discoloration, we may be able to reduce the appearance of these stains, depending on the fabric type and color, but usually dry cleaning or laundering wont have much of an effect after the stain becomes visible.
How Am I Supposed to Clean My Wedding Gown?
Back in the days before the concept of recycling was popular (were talking the early 1950s) a friends mother was enjoying her daughters wedding when a guest approached. I love your daughters dress&would she consider selling it? The deal was made then and there, before the beautiful gown was even off the brides body. Our friend tells us she was a little surprised, but didnt argue with her mother at the time. With no wedding dress after the wedding, our friend never had to worry about dry cleaning or storage of the wedding gown!
If your mom isnt quite that over-zealous, or if you love the idea of saving your dress for a daughter or other family member, then read on.
Government regulations state that apparel, such as wedding gowns, must have a care label that provides a viable care method for all parts of the gown, including the decorative trim. Before you purchase your gown, read the care label and make sure you understand the recommended care instructions. After the big day, bring the gown to us; we are experts in taking care of wedding gowns. There may be invisible stains from food, beverages or even body oils. If these stains arent cleaned properly, they may become permanent.
When it comes to storage, no process or storage method is guaranteed to prevent yellowing. Well do our best to store your wedding gown in the best possible way. We know the right way to have your gown cleaned, restored and preserved.
We Care About
Pressed4Time really cares about the environment! We collect hangers and reuse them when possible. We try to use recycled paper and other environmentally friendly products in our mailings and brochures.
We ensure that our dry cleaning plants use only the most up-to-date, quality equipment possible. And were a member of the International Fabricare Institute, an organization on the cutting edge of environmental concerns and action.
Home Laundry Tip
Got a great tote bag that you enjoy using during the summer months? If you havent used it since last year, you might notice a few stains or dirt marks. Before you head off for some fun, its best to wash your tote bag.
Canvas, plastic and vinyl bags can be washed with a soft cloth or sponge and a mild soap. After your bag has been washed, be sure to rinse it well. Canvas bags should be laid flat or placed on the line to dry.