October 2009 Issue
In this months Issue:
Mold, Mildew and Moths
Pressed4Time Home Laundry Tip
MONEY-SAVING TIP
The three "M's" - mold, mildew and moths - are all annoying conditions that can be prevented.
To prevent moths from infesting your clothes, be sure to vacuum carpets and furniture on a regular basis, especially if you have pets. Be sure to keep closets and drawers clean; remember that perspiration and perfume can attract moths. Store your garments and fabrics in sealed trunks, garment bags or boxes with mothballs or cedar chips.
Mildew (which is mold) should be removed right away since it can weaken the fibers and/or ruin clothing. Mildew can be removed by going outside (to avoid spreading mold spores indoors) brushing off as much as possible with a dry sponge or bristle brush made of nylon. (Many experts recommend wearing a mask and gloves.) Soak the item in cold water, then dampen a white cloth or a sponge with soapy hot water and wipe clean. If the mildew remains sponge again with a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water or diluted chlorine bleach (two tablespoons to one quart water) for 10 minutes. Wipe with a damp cloth or sponge and try air-drying again.
Mold can be a dangerous substance so it should be handled with care. If clothing, pillows, blankets or stuffed animals get moldy, try washing them in hot water. If an item cannot be washed, it may be possible for our dry cleaning experts to save the item. So let us take a look at it before you throw it away.
Pressed4Time Home Laundry Tip
When people used to wash their clothes in local streams or rivers, it made sense that sometimes items went missing: after all, an item here or there could certainly head downstream. When people started using washing machines and dryers, you would think the problem would end. Instead, the fate of missing socks continues to be debated. Is it possible that the washing machine ate them? The answer, believe it or not, might be yes.
Other places to look: between, behind or under the machine, in the dryer and yes, even under your bed! In the dryer, socks often end up attached to other items of laundry, with the most frequent culprits being fitted sheets. Or they can get left in the dryer: check inside! But it also turns out that sometimes lighter-weight items like socks and underwear get sucked under the agitator and down the drain when the dirty water leaves the washer (this is especially true with baby or toddler socks). One way to help prevent this problem is to place heavier items like jeans or towels on the bottom and add lighter items on the top. Or purchase a zippered mesh bag and place small items to be washed in the bag.
MONEY-SAVING TIP
Besides Detergent, What Other Products Do I REALLY Need? If you're going to wash clothes, you need detergent, of course. But are there any other products that are absolutely necessary?
Bleach Stain removers Fabric softener/dryer sheets Hangers A flat surface to fold clothes and pre-treat for spots or stains Drying rack/clothesline Ironing board Distilled white vinegar or cider vinegar