December 2008 Issue
In this months Issue:
Holiday Stain Removal 101
Season's Greetings
Home Laundry Tip
Environmental Tip
We know that many of you will be hosting or attending holiday parties. Here are some common stains and what you can do to get rid of them. Don't forget that food and beverages like coffee, beer, and cranberries should never be treated with bar soap or soap flakes. This will make the stain even more difficult to remove. Also, never dry an item until the stain is completely removed, or it will set and be virtually impossible to remove.
Cranberry sauce and other berries: Flush the area withcool water, then apply a solution of one part white vinegar to twoparts water and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Wax: Let the wax harden, or you can place it in a freezer for about 20 minutes or rub it with an ice cube. Scrape off as much as you can with a dull knife edge or a spoon, then stretch the fabric over a bowl and pourboiling water over it.
Coffee: Combine one part white vinegar and two parts water; apply to the stained area and rinse. If the coffee had milk or sugar, then apply an enzyme detergent and water. After 10 minutes, wash as usual. If the item is not washable apply Woolite and water; form suds and rinse. Then rinse in the white vinegar and water solution.
Gravy: Treat with a spot remover, then rub with a heavy-duty liquid detergent. Scrub lightly, then rinse in hot water. Wash in the hottest water possible for the item (be sure to check the label).
Red Wine: Cover the stain with salt, then stretch the fabric over a bowl and pour boiling water over it from a height of about a foot. If a ring remains, try using a spot remover on the outside of the ring. Apply one part ammonia or white vinegar and two parts water. Flush with cold water. Another method to try: wet the area with club soda or cool water, sprinkle heavily with salt and flush again with water.
Season's Greetings
We have a great deal to be thankful for this holiday season, but we are most grateful to have been given the gift of having wonderful customers like you. We would like to extend our heartfelt best wishes for a joyous holiday season to you, your co-workers and your family.
Too often during the year, we're all so busy that we don't take the time to really appreciate what counts...family and friends. No matter how pressed for time you are, be sure to make time for the important people in your life.
All of the members of the Pressed4Time network wish you much happiness during this wonderful holiday season and in the coming year ahead.
Home Laundry Tip
It's the place where everything gets cleaned, so shouldn't it be clean, too? The laundry room is often a cluttered, messy place that doesn't get a great dealof cleaning attention. Here are some simple tips for keeping your laundry room looking great:
* Have some kind of storage unit, shelf or box to cart to store extra detergent and other products. Set up a separate table or surface for pre-treatment of stains, so the products won't damage the top of your washer or dryer.
* Every month, wash the lid and top of the washing machine with equal parts of white vinegar and water. Scrub the fabric softener and bleach dispensers with some of the same solution, using an old toothbrush. Be sure to rinse. Clean the inside of the washer by running a hot-water cycle with two cups of white vinegar.
* Clean the dryer's lint trap after every load. Once a year, vacuum the lint trap and all around it using an attachment. You should also move the washer and dryer away from the wall and vacuum all around the back and sides of the machines.
Environmental Tip
What kinds of gifts do YOU give? Of course, we all want to give friends and loved ones gifts they will appreciate, use, and enjoy, but you may want to think of environmental impact, as well. Here are a few gifts we DO NOT recommend if you're thinking "green."
A "Guess" Gift. If your recipient doesn't need it, want it or like it, then it will likely never be used. What a waste! Only give items that you know the recipient needs, wants or will enjoy. Don't know? Ask!
Too Many Gifts. Most of us grew up believing that more is better. But let's think about it: one meaningful gift has so much more impact than a lot of items that may go unused or unappreciated.
Gifts That Reflect Your Agenda. Sure, you may believe in a particular cause, but your recipient might not. While contributing to a charity, or buying an item YOU would like to receive might feel good, it's not about you, it's about the person to whom you're giving the gift. Know your recipient and tailor your gift to their needs and interests.
Electric blanket. They use electricity, which not only costs money but adds to greenhouse gas emissions. Why not consider a beautiful blanket or comforter instead?
And while we're at it, let's talk about wrapping paper. It may look lovely, but within a few minutes it's in the trash. Instead, how about placing the gift in a reusable bag or box, or wrap in newspaper; decorate with natural items like seashells, acorns or even flowers. You can even use a beautiful scarf, a towel or a pillowcase to wrap a gift.