September 2008 Issue
In this months Issue:
Folding Do's and Don'ts
Back to School Gift Idea
Home Laundry Tip
Environmental Tip
Folding is an often overlooked talent that can make a world of difference in the appearance you present to the world. If you want that rumpled, just-got-out-of-bed look, then skip this article. If you want to look crisp and put together and you're willing to spend a little extra time, then read on.
Folding clothes carefully will mean that you'll get the creases in the right places and you'll prevent them from getting wrinkled in your drawers. Here's a quick primer:
Pants: Use a skirt hanger; hang carefully by the hems of the pants, making sure to align the inseams. If you don't have skirt hangers, use thick wooden hangers (never wire, since they'll leave an unsightly mark) and fold them over the hanger, making sure to align the inseams.
Shirts: Start by buttoning the first, middle and last buttons or snaps and put the shirt face down. Then bring one sleeve across the back of the shirt horizontally, folding the shoulder over as well. Then fold the sleeve veritcally at the shoulder area. Do the same with the other sleeve and the fold the lower third up, and then the next third up. Turn the shirt face up and you've got a perfectly folded shirt.
Dresses and skirts: It's best to hang these items in a closet. But if you can't fold them at the waist then tuck in the sleeves like a shirt (see previous paragraph). If the skirt or dress is long, fold it up, but avoid folding it in the middle.
Socks: Please, never roll up socks into a ball, since it stretches the top and ruins the elasic. Plus it takes up too much space in the drawer. Instead, put one sock on top of the other and fold them in half.
Underwear: Lay flat, fold each side toward the middle then fold in half.
Lingerie: Either keep these items in three separate drawers or you can purchase inexpensive drawer divider or compartments. Fold women's underwear as explained above; keep brassieres cup side up so they will not get out of shape by being crushed; and store pantyhose by folding into fourths. Two other tips: store lingerie by color and use scented sachets in the drawer to keep everything smelling pleasant.
Shorts: There still are warm days left in most areas of the country to continue wearing shorts during September! First, flatten any pockets, then align the inseams and lay the shorts our tin a drawer. If you must fold them, do so in half.
Back to School Gift Idea
Looking for a great gift for a recent grad, a student heading off to college or someone in their first apartment? A laundry "gift basket" makes a great gift idea. Use a shower caddy or a large laundry basket and fill it with laundry essentials...detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, white vinegar, bleach pen or even lemon juice, stain removal sticks or sprays (try Gonz or Zout), a soft toothbrush (for scrubbing stains), hydrogen peroxide, and any other items you use or would recommend to a "newbie" laundry rookie. It's a great gift that's practical, easy and useful
Home Laundry Tip
Kids love stickers and decals, but unfortunately they can be difficult to remove from clothing. Perhaps the easiest method to try first is duct tape. ( Don't try this on delicate or sheer fabrics!) Put the duct tape over what's left of the sticker, rub with your finger to make sure it's on, and then pull quickly. Another home remedy that many people swear by is peanut butter. Spread it over the sticky area and let it sit for a few hours. Wipe off the peanut butter (along with the sitcky stuff that will come off), rinse the item in water with dishwashing liquid (to cut some of the oil from the peanut butter) and then launder. One way to remove the adhesive form these items is to use isopropyl alcohol, also know as rubbing alcohol. Test an inconspicuous area of the fabric first to ensure that it's safe. Many of our customers also swear by a product call "Goo Gone." Again, it's best to test the product first on a hem or other area before using on that sticky mess. Look in your local store for other, similar products as well.
Environmental Tip
Is it possible to "go geen" simply by being more mindful of apparel usage? We say you can! Look in your closet, your drawers, and any storage containers or areas. We Americans not only have an abundance of clothes, we have a nearly insatiable appetite for apparel, shoes and accessories. You can help save the planet with a few simple ideas. First, think about buying few clothes. That's a tall order for many shop-aholics, but it's sound advice. Start by evaluating what you actually own. Be ruthless, and get rid of anything out of style, those items you haven't worn for two years, garments that are permanently stained (check with us first!) and can't be saved, and items that need to be repaired (take them to a seamstress or friend who's great with a sewing machine). Make a list of what you need, keep it in your wallet and don't be tempted to stray from that list.
Give clothes to local charity, have a yard sale or offer the clothing ot friends who might be able to use them ( as long as they are not stained or damaged). Don't simply throw clothes away there are always other uses for them.
When purchasing clothes, consider second-hand or consignment shops which were discussed in previous issues of this newsletter. They can range form rather basic to designer and couture wear. Finally, consider buying longer lasting clothes. Yes it may seem like a good idea to buy lots of inexpensive items, but better quality, classic items that you will wear for many years are better for the planet (and actually better for your pocketbook in the long term!). Expensive doesn't necessarily mean better quality: examine the garment and look for finished seams (examine cuffs, hems, etc.), natural materials and the feel of the garment.