March 2008 Issue
In this months Issue:
What About Perc?
Taking Care of Your Sweaters
Home Laundry Tip
Environmental Tip of the Month
Many consumers have questions about perchloroethylene (known as perc). Here are some answers from the top industry group, the International Fabricare Institute (IFI).
* The chemicals used in dry cleaning are NOT dangerous. While it's true that dry cleaning uses solvents or chemicals, the toxicity of perc falls in the same classification as everyday compounds like nail polish remover, bleach and household ammonia, gasoline and antifreeze. Of course, any of these products can be harmful if misused! In the past 15 years, the dry cleaning industry has voluntarily made changes and has helped reduce air emissions, using equipment that recycles solvent in a completely enclosed, sealed process. Clothes that have been properly dry cleaned and pressed should have no detectable levels of solvent and do not pose any kind of health risk to humans.
* There is no danger to wearing dry cleaned clothes. Again, if they have been properly dry cleaned, as we do here at Pressed4Time, there is no need to air out clothes that have been dry cleaned. There should be no odor at all on your clothes when we return them to you.
* The bottom line is this: current machines virtually eliminate discharge to the environment, and perc is one of the best solvents to clean clothes. Professional dry cleaners like Pressed4Time use up-to-date, modern equipment and ensure that their employees use safe methods of dry cleaning. We care about our employees, our customers and our world.
Taking Care of Your Sweaters
They keep us warm when the cold winds blow and help us look stylish. Sweaters may come in a variety of fabrics and styles, but they all need special care.
* If using deodorant, let it dry or set before putting your sweater on to avoid stains.
* When storing a sweater, be sure to fold it (do not hang up or it might stretch). Putting it away damp may cause mildew or mold growth.
* Sweaters made of cashmere, wool and acrylic should be brushed after wearing-use a lint brush or lint roller to remove hairs, dandruff and small pieces of lint.
* Store sweaters in cardboard boxes, not plastic or in plastic sealed boxes. Add cedar (not moth balls) to avoid insect damage. Always clean sweaters before storage!
* Follow the manufacturer's instructions when washing your sweater. Even if a sweater says it can be machine washed, we recommend that you either put it in a mesh bag or wash it separately, to avoid rips, pilling or shrinkage. To hand wash, use cool or lukewarm water and mild soap. First, take a large brown paper bag or large piece of paper and trace the outline of the sweater. After washing, roll the sweater in a towel to get rid of excess moisture; never wring or twist. Then block the sweater, which means laying it flat to dry so it holds it shape and size. Lay it out on the paper on a flat surface and pull it into its previous shape and size while it's damp. Don't dry near sunlight or any kind of heat source.
Home Laundry Tip
What's In YOUR Laundry Room?
Whether you have an at-home laundry room or take your clothes out to be cleaned, there are certain pieces of equipment that will help make your life easier!
We know you probably have detergent and dryer sheets or fabric softener. In addition, for those with in-home laundry rooms, we recommend that you invest in these items:
Folding drying rack or collapsible drying mesh for clothes that shouldn't go in the dryer, like lingerie, delicates or hand- wash items. A mesh bag for washing small items or delicates in the machine can also be useful.
Iron and ironing board or pad-you may not use them often, but you should have them on hand.
Laundry table and/or sorter for folding and organizing clothes.
Small basket for items like a sewing kit (to fix those errant buttons and hems right away), spot and stain removers, rags, paper towels, small stain instructions etc.
Trash can for lint or items-don't forget to clean the dryer after every cycle!
Container or piggy bank for loose change, pens, etc. left in pockets. Tissues are the worst: take the extra minute to check all pockets to avoid a washing disaster!
Wooden, padded and clip hangers so damp or wet clothes won't get wrinkled.
Environmental Tip of the Month
Your kids have outgrown it, you're tired of wearing it, you washed a white shirt with a red pair of pants, it's not in style anymore...whatever the reason, you don't want that article of clothing. What can you do with it? Don't throw it away! About four million tons of textiles goes into municipal landfills each year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and sadly, most of these textiles could be recycled or "repurposed." The first option, which is the most obvious, is to give your clothes to family members, neighbors, or members of the community in need. Local charities, battered women's shelters or "dress for success" programs, veterans' organizations...there are many groups that will be thrilled with your old clothing. Many organizations have collection sites or will even come and pick items up; if you itemize your tax returns, you can take a deduction for donating clothes.
There are other options too! Old clean items, especially gowns, hats, pocketbooks, men's jackets and ties, make great attire for dress-up, either for your own children or those at a local preschool or community center. Local theatre companies or children's' camps would also welcome these types of items.
What about clothing that's worn, stained or ripped? If the items aren't reusable as clothing, they go to rag sorters; some of the clothing goes overseas while some is turned into cleaning cloths or shredded into fibers to make new products.
Give your clothes a second chance...don't just throw them away!!