June 2009 Issue
In this months Issue:
Cleaning Luggage Can Be a Breeze
Pressed4Time Money-Saving Tip
Pressed4Time Home Laundry Tip
Cleaning Luggage Can Be a Breeze
Ready to travel this summer? If you pull duffel bags or luggage out of a closet, the attic or a dusty basement, you may find that you need to do some cleaning. And after traveling, bags can acquire dust and dirt as well. While a little scuffing and some marks on the outside of your bag gives your luggage character, you can clean it before or after your travels, whether it's made of canvas, leather, plastic, soft vinyl, nylon or even aluminum.
Most luggage doesn't come with cleaning instructions (and if they do, you probably threw them out a long time ago!).
First, look inside and make sure you haven't left anything behind from your last trip, especially smaller items like earrings. Zip and unzip all sections to make sure they work well. Do not use oil on hinges or handles as this may leak onto the bag. For regular, hard-sided luggage, vacuum the inside with a hand attachment. For fabric bags, brush the exterior gently with a brush.
Soft-sided fabric luggage like duffels or totes should first be spot-cleaned with a slightly soapy sponge. If dirt or stains persist, you can also try using a stain-removal stick or spray, or even a carpet cleaning spray. Wipe out the inside with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Many fabric bags can be submerged in cold water in a sink or bathtub with some mild dish washing liquid if they're really dirty. Tote bags can also be cleaned in the washing machine, but be sure to remove any cardboard stiffeners. Soaking a bag is more likely to damage or remove any waterproofing, so only do this if spot cleaning doesn't work. Set on a delicate cycle and then hang to dry. Never place fabric bags into the machine or they will shrink!!
To clean hard-sided luggage, wash the exterior with warm water and some dish washing liquid; don't soak it with too much water. If the suitcase is plastic, you can also wash the inside as well. Follow up with a damp cloth. If there are any stains that you can't get out, try using rubbing alcohol with an old toothbrush (make sure the surface is dry first!). If the inside smells funny, grab a cloth or paper towel and wipe the inside with a mixture of one part white vinegar to five parts water. Then let the bag air out, preferably in the sun, for a day or two. Or you can place a box of open baking soda in the bag, close it up and then leave it for about a week. The baking soda will absorb the odors and should be thrown out after that.
If you've got a nice leather bag or a briefcase that is dirty, you can try using a cream leather cleaner with a soft cloth. You should also apply leather protectant occasionally; this will help reduce stains or marks. Never store leather bags in plastic; leather should be stored in a dry area and should be conditioned regularly so it won't crack or dry out. Leather bags should be opened and aired out every now and then to prevent mildew, and should be stuffed with tissue paper before storage so it will retain its shape.
When storing bags, leave a dryer sheet or a bar of soap inside to keep it smelling fresh. Or you can try using an odor-reducing spray and then let it air out a bit before storing.
Happy travels!
Pressed4Time Money-Saving Tip
In today's economy, everyone is trying to find ways to save money. Weddings are no exception!
With the average cost of a wedding in the United States averaging $27,000, there are simple ways to cut costs while still creating a memorable experience. Here are some tips:
Keep the wedding list reasonable. Don't feel obligated or pressured into inviting people. The number of people attending will have the most significant impact on your budget.
Check out sample sales, consignment shops, vintage stores, bridal outlet stores and the Internet (Craigslist and eBay), for less expensive wedding dress options. Don't limit yourself to bridal stores&wedding gowns can be found at many department stores!! Some stores even rent dresses, or consider borrowing from a friend. Be sure to bring any second-hand dresses to your Pressed4Time representative for cleaning or minor fixes. Major alterations should be done by a wedding-gown specialist or tailor. For the guys, consider dark suits instead of tuxes. For a casual, outdoor wedding, men can wear a colorful shirt with black pants or khakis.
Consider getting married on a weeknight or a Sunday, since it will be less expensive than a Friday or Saturday wedding.
Opt for less expensive invitations, fewer flowers and homemade decorations. If you're not crafty or creative, find a friend or relative who is! Music can be another large expense. Think about a deejay versus a live band.
Consider a buffet. A formal sit-down dinner will be the most expensive option. Be sure to choose food that will be appealing to many different people.
Make your wedding favors: recipes, a CD with your favorite songs or even some chocolates will be appreciated. If you have fewer bridesmaids and groomsmen, you'll be able to cut some costs. Save special tasks for special friends at the wedding so they'll feel included.
Don't buy all the wedding stuff. Do you really need items that say bride or groom ? Do you need that special pen, toasting glass or even the wedding video? Don't get caught up by the wedding marketing machine.
Pressed4Time Home Laundry Tip
Now that the weather is getting nicer, you'll have the chance to really use your outdoor furniture. Whether you live in a climate where the furniture stays outside year-round, is covered up part of the time or gets moved to a storage area for a time, you will need to do some upkeep and cleaning to make the furniture look clean and fresh.
For plastic, vinyl or metal furniture with waterproof fabric cushions or accessories, you can simply use a hose and some soapy water. There are even cleaning products that attach to the hose to clean these items (great for outdoor kids' toys, too). Don't use abrasive cleaning products and be sure to remove the cushions if they're not waterproof!! Never throw furniture into the pool, as the chlorine can damage the finish.
To clean fabric, vacuum or use a soft brush; wipe down with a damp cloth. You may need to attack spots and stains; so a soapy sponge followed by sponging with plain water should work. If suntan lotion has spilled, try using a fabric spot remover and rinse thoroughly. Air-dry the cushions.
If fabric cushions are mildewed, combine a cup of chlorine bleach with a gallon of water and a few teaspoons of liquid dish washing detergent (check the label; no ammonia). Test the solution first on an area you don't see to make sure the color of the fabric won't fade (don't use on acrylic). Then spray or sponge into the fabric and using a rag, soft brush or sponge, scrub the cushions. Rinse well.