August 2006 Issue
In this months Issue:
Itching to Know the Answers
Too Many Towels?
Laundry 101: Get a Good Education
Home Laundry Tip
Ah, the great outdoors in the summer. Sun, nature...and often, poison ivy. During the summer, we here at Pressed4Time often get asked the best way to launder clothing that has been worn by customers (or customer's spouses, friends or children) who have been exposed to poison ivy, sumac or oak.
Even if the wearer of the clothes got an itchy rash, it's possible that the garment is fine, since the sap/oil from the plant must be on the materials. To be safe, however, any clothes or other items (like sleeping bags, etc.) should be washed.
When washing these items, it's best to wear gloves, as well as long sleeves and long pants when handling the item, just in case. If you do touch the garment before washing, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water. Wash the affected clothes separately from other clothes in warm, soapy water. Be sure to rinse the washing machine well after you take the clothes out.
If the garment cannot be laundered in water, you should bring the items to us for drycleaning. Put the items in a plastic bag and let us know what happened so we can handle the item or items correctly.
Too Many Towels?
We dare you...take a look in your linen closet. How many towels do you actually own? How many do you actually use...and how many are ripped, worn or frayed?
Most people hate to throw out old towels, but don't let them languish in the back of your closet!!
* Donate old towels to your local animal shelter. They'll be used for a variety of purposes, from lining cages and play areas to cleaning.
* Rip up old towels and use them as cleaning rags. Keep some old towels in your car trunk for cleaning up messes that might occur while driving (think: stopping short and getting coffee everywhere) or washing the windshield.
* If you're handy, you can cut and sew old towels into baby bibs.
Treat yourself to some new towels today! Be sure to wash them before use, since washing will actually tighten the weave of the foundation that holds the loops together and makes them more absorbent. Don't forget to wash dark towels separately for the first six or seven washes, since some of the color may bleed.
Laundry 101: Get a Good Education
Many colleges begin classes later this month. Many former students are now setting up apartments on their own or with friends. Newlyweds are starting off together. What do they all have in common? They may not have a clue about how to "do" laundry.
Sure, we all know that you don't mix lights and darks (well, most of us, anyway) and that it's important to treat stains as quickly as possible. But before you turn on the machine, there are lots of things to do first. If you're an experienced pro, be sure to pass this info on to a "laundry newbie" in your life.
This month, we'll talk about how to prepare for your trip to the Laundromat. Next month, we'll talk about how to prepare in your own home or apartment.
If you don't have a washing machine and/or dryer in your home, you'll have to go to the local Laundromat. Using this type of machine, whether it's in your building's basement or at a local shopping center, is different than using a home machine, Most commercial machines are larger and can handle big items like comforters and sleeping bags.
Before going, it's important to get organized first. Sort your clothes at home by color, and by water temperature (remember, if you put too many heavy garments in it will take longer to dry). This might mean taking a few minutes to look at the care labels of the garments. Don't wash items that say hand wash only, dryclean only or "damp wipe."
Zip zippers, check pockets and turn items like sweaters or corduroy inside out to prevent pilling.
Put each load into a pillow case or plastic garbage bag and measure the amount of powder you'll need (check labels of detergents for instructions on how much to use). If you will be using bleach (for whitening) or stain removers, bring them too. Grab enough quarters, some hangers and a good book or magazine and you're ready to go.
Once you get to the Laundromat, be sure not to cram the machine with too many items. If they can't move in the machine, they won't get as clean.
Next issue: Laundry 101 for home machines.
Home Laundry Tip
You decide to sit out in the sun on your lunch break, and of course, you bring sunscreen to protect yourself from those dangerous UV rays. As you slather the suntan lotion on your arms, some of it gets on your shirt. Now what?
To get rid of suntan lotion stains on washable items, cover the stained area (when you get home) with petroleum jelly, then wash it alone in the hottest water that's safe for the garment (check the care label if you're not sure.) If the garment is dry clean only, please bring it to us and let us know what the stain is so we can treat it the right way.