January 2007 Issue
In this months Issue:
Happy New Year!
This Year, I'm Definitely Going To...
Don't Give Me Any More Static!
How Can We Improve on Perfection?
Home Laundry Tip
Wishing everyone a happy and peaceful new year!
This Year, I'm Definitely Going To...
At this time of year, everyone makes resolutions. They're often about losing weight, treating people better, and exercising regularly. Here's a twist: How about some New Year's resolutions relating to your clothes?
Start the New Year off right by getting rid of the clothes and items that are gathering dust in your closet or in the back of your drawers!
"I know I haven't worn it in a long time, but it'll come back in style eventually!" Here's our rule of thumb: if you haven't worn it in two years, it's time to say goodbye. "It'll fit me when I lose 20 pounds." Try your clothes on and see if they fit correctly. Whether it used to fit you or you bought it wishing it would fit you, get real...and get rid of it. After all, if you do lose weight, wouldn't you rather have some new clothes anyway? "It looked great in the store." Also known as. "It was such a fantastic bargain I couldn't pass it up." Everyone makes fashion mistakes, but they don't have to haunt you forever!
"But it's my lucky shirt!" Maybe it's the pair of pants you wore on your first day of work, or it's your favorite T-shirt from when you were 18 years old, but if it's just taking up space, take it out. If you just can't bear to part with it, put it in storage somewhere!
"Once I have some free time, I'm going to take that to be fixed." Missing buttons, pants or sleeves that need to be hemmed, broken zippers...resolve today to stop procrastinating and get these items fixed. Bring your garments to us and we'll be glad to take care of them. One final note: please don't throw out clothing that could be used by someone less fortunate. There are many organizations that would love to have your discards. Feel good about yourself and be sure to donate your used items to the charity of your choice.
Don't Give Me Any More Static!
You may not know much about the science of static electricity, but everyone knows the pain involved when you touch something and get shocked, or when you get dressed and realize the article is unattractively clinging to your body! Static problems often occur in the winter. Putting on your pajamas, getting into bed, getting in and out of the car...these are all typical places for static electricity. Read on to find out why!
Static occurs when humidity is lower, both inside and out. So it's not surprising that winter is usually the season for static, because the air inside your house is often dry because the heat is on. Static occurs when two materials rub against each other, transferring electrons from one material to another. As the electrons amass, a static buildup occurs and the static charge is generated. Next time you walk across a carpet, dragging your feet, you'll see (and feel!) what we mean!
When it comes to clothes, static is not a problem in the washing machine, but can occur when you are drying garments. In the dryer, the temperature of the fabric rises, and the friction between clothes increases.
There are several things you can do to eliminate or reduce static in your life!! These are shocking, but true!
Don't over dry clothes or overload the dryer.
Consider wearing leather shoes instead of rubber or synthetic fibers.
Try one-use dryer sheets, either homemade or store bought. Some people object to these sheets because of the chemicals they're coated with; consider all-natural anti-static sheets that are reusable, and last for hundreds of loads. (nontoxic.com) Dryer balls can be used, too-but beware, don't use them when drying silks.
Use aluminum foil in the dryer. Just rumple up a small wad and put it into the dryer with the wet clothes. It's a thrifty and easy way to combat static cling.
Wear cotton or wool. Natural fibers produce less static than synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester.
Use moisturizer! Yes, it's true! Keeping your skin moist, not dry, will help eliminate shocks.
Consider purchasing a humidifier. It will add moisture to the air of your house during the winter.
How Can We Improve on Perfection?
Only kidding...we know we're not perfect, but we try every day to provide our customers with the absolute highest quality of service possible!
We know there are many companies out there that don't want to talk about handling problems or complaints, but not us! We want to hear your feedback, both positive and negative, because we know your ideas, suggestions and comments are invaluable.
We are always seeking ways to improve our service to you, and our customers are our greatest source of information and inspiration.
So please, help us! If something isn't right, let us know right away (of course, we LOVE to hear the good stuff, too!).
Home Laundry Tip
Care labels today offer a great deal of information. In addition to washing and drying instructions, manufacturers are required to list the fabric content.
Many items today are actually not one material, but are a blend of two or even more materials, such as cotton and polyester, or wool and acrylic. What's the best way to take care of items that are a blend of materials?
For washing and drying, use the method that you would typically use for the fiber that is the "dominant" one; so, for example, if your shirt is 70 percent cotton and 30 percent polyester, clean and dry it as you would a 100%, all-cotton item.
BUT..if it has a stain, do the reverse. If you're going to try to clean a stain, act as though the item was made solely of the most delicate fiber. So if an item is marked 90 percent cotton and 10 percent rayon, use the procedure that is recommended for rayon.