January 2010 Issue
In this months Issue:
Window to the World
Laundry Challenges: Shrinking
Money-Saving Tip - 11 Tips to Cut Back on Clothing Purchases
How often should you clean window treatments?
If you want to see the world outside clearly, it's a good idea to clean blinds at least on a monthly basis. Dust them once a month by wiping them down with a damp cloth or sponge, a vacuum brush attachment or a feather duster. There are even special blinds cleaners/dusters that are now available. If your blinds are aluminum, vinyl, painted or fake wood, and need to be cleaned, you can wet a sponge with some dishwashing liquid and wipe them down. Some people like to take the blinds off the window and hang them outside and spray them gently with a hose or soak them in a bucket of warm water. If your blinds are stained wood, they should be cleaned with a specially designed wood preservative or cleaning product. You can try spraying them afterwards with an anti-static spray; this may help reduce dust, dirt and hair.
If you've got drapes on the window, try shaking them or patting them during your regular cleaning routine so that dust and cobwebs don't collect on them. It's a good idea to vacuum them with an attachment at least once a year; lighter fabric drapes can be dusted with a dusting brush. For sheer curtains, you can remove them and wash them in the washing machine on a gentle or delicate cycle and then hang them to dry while they're still damp, so they won't wrinkle. Many drapes or lined curtains will need to be dry cleaned; check with us if you have any questions.
One maintenance tip: Some people recommend putting a pair of old pantyhose on the end of a vacuum hose and gently brush the blinds, sheer curtains or drapes every week. This will cut down on dirt, dust and grime.
Laundry Challenges: Shrinking
If your clothes suddenly seem small, it's likely there are two possible reasons: either you're gaining weight, or your clothes have shrunk in the dryer. The dryer is a notorious culprit for shrinking clothes, especially knits and woven fabrics. When purchasing clothing, always check the care label. You might want to consider buying certain types of clothing, like 100 percent cotton, in a slightly larger size, to accommodate for this possibility.
When drying these types of items, it's best to use a low-heat setting or reduce the amount of drying time, making sure to remove the items when they're still slightly damp. You can air dry them flat or on a hanger before putting them away. (Remember, never put away clothes that are damp since this can lead to mold or mildewed items.)
Money-Saving Tip - 11 Tips to Cut Back on Clothing Purchases
In today's tougher economic climate, it's a good idea to find ways to save money wherever you can. Here are ten tips for ways that you can reduce your clothing purchases:
1. Assess what you and each family member have in terms of clothing for each season. Go through closets, drawers and under the bed. Make a list of must haves, would like to haves and splurges. What items are REALLY needed?
2. Keep track of end-of-season clearance sales and specials. Don't buy something unless you really need it: a deal isn't a deal if you won't wear it much. Purchase items out of season for next year and store them in a closet or plastic storage bin. Be sure to label it so you don't forget what you purchased.
3. Don't be afraid to try Ebay, yard sales, consignment or resale, shops. Before purchasing any clothing item, clearance rack or not, check for broken buttons, zippers, rips, holes or tears. Its not a bargain if it's not in good shape! Be sure to wash all items before wearing.
4. Clothing swaps. Organize a night for friends, neighbors or relatives to come and bring gently-used hand-me-downs or items that don't fit or that they don't wear. It's a great way to spend an evening together and perhaps get some great items. You can also check out clothes swap websites likes freecycle.org or even craigslist.org.
5. Worry less about brands and focus more on the types of clothing that best suit you or your family. If you have children and think the item will be passed down to others, it's worth investing in more expensive, quality clothing. But if it's just for one child, or a fad-type, one-season item, less expensive is the way to go.
6. Avoid impulse shopping! Go with a plan and budget in mind and don't be swayed by big sales signs or specials; often they were overpriced to begin with and are positioned in the store to spur you to buy. Always save receipts just in case you experience buyer's regret when you get home or if theres a problem with the item.
7. Take advantage of the Internet. Going online can help you spot bargains and comparison shop. Sometimes online shopping can be cheaper, but don't forget that many sites charge for shipping. Go online to identify items, but consider buying them locally if it will save you money. Before going shopping at chain or other large stores, check coupon websites to see if there are any special offers, either for online or real store shopping.
8. Join a local store's rewards program. Most are free and can be great if you go to a particular store frequently. Keep an envelope or file with receipts, reward coupons or offers to keep track of all this info.
9. Try to avoid making credit-card purchases unless you plan to pay off the whole balance each month. If you make clothing purchases by credit card and have to pay monthly interest, any cost savings on bargains or sales items will quickly evaporate! Consider limiting the amount of cash you take with you when shopping and leave the plastic at home.
10. Ask! It does'nt hurt to ask a salesperson, "Are there any discounts or special offers I should be aware of?" and "Are there any special sales coming up? "
11. If there is a special item you or a family member want but cant afford right now, put it on a wish list for a birthday or holiday gift-giving idea. Or request a gift card to your favorite clothing store.