Pressed4Time Newsletter
February 2012
Long Life for Sweaters
During the colder months sweaters can be a comfortable and warm option for home, leisure activities or the office but sweaters need special care if you want them to last for more than one season:
*When in doubt, go up a size. Check the label to see if there is anything noted about shrinkage. Many knitted sweaters will shrink so in this case bigger is actually better.
*When you wear a sweater, always put on a cotton or silk shirt underneath to keep perspiration or body oils from the sweater’s fibers. Make sure your deodorant is dry before putting the sweater on and consider wearing a scarf so makeup and dirt won’t transfer onto the sweater. And if you wear perfume or cologne, apply it before putting on your sweater as spraying it on afterwards can weaken the fibers.
*When wearing your sweater, take good care of it! If you’re working at a computer, push up the sleeves so the edges won’t wear against your desk or your computer mouse. Also, watch out for anything that could pull on or catch the fibers of the sweater, like a strap of a pocketbook, a Velcro closure or long, dangling earrings.
*Got pills? Don’t pull them off! You can use a special “pill remover” sold at most discount and drugstores or, in a pinch, you can use masking tape folded over and just rub the sticky side back and forth. Use a baby hairbrush to remove fuzz, hair, lint or dandruff.
*When you’re ready to clean the sweater read the care label. If the care label says “dry clean only” please bring it to us right away. Point out any stains or snags and we’ll do our best to address those issues.
*If the sweater can be washed in the machine, follow the instructions carefully. You can either put it in a mesh bag or wash it separately, to avoid rips, pilling or shrinkage. Your best bet, however, is hand washing in the sink with some cold or tepid water and a mild detergent. There should be some suds but not much and never use bleaches on wool. Soak the sweater for about 20 minutes and then squeeze the water out without wringing; be sure to rinse out all of the suds--try rolling it up in a towel. Never wash wool sweaters in the machine.
*After washing, it’s usually best to lay a sweater flat on a towel. Shape the sweater out and position and straighten the sleeves. You may want to change the towel or place the sweater in a well-ventilated area so it doesn’t get moldy or have a musty smell. Depending on the weather and how thick the sweater is, drying time can be anywhere from 12 hours to three days! Some sweaters made of synthetic fibers can be drip-dried over a sink or tub or even outside; just be sure not to hang it by the shoulders since this will cause it to stretch out.
*After the sweater has dried thoroughly fold it up and put it in a drawer. If you hang a sweater it will lose its shape and stretch out. Never put a sweater away damp, since this may cause mildew or mold growth.
*When it’s time to put your sweater into storage (away from sunlight), don’t use mothballs. Instead, try cedar balls or herbal sachets. Be sure to wash your sweater before storage or you will likely find moth damage next season. Don’t store sweaters in those vacuum-sealed plastic bags as they may be too tight and cause the fibers to break down.
Pick Up and Delivery Services
Learn More About:
More Information:
Additional Services:
Pressed4Time also offers laundry, clothing alteration and shoe repair services. We also offer leather/suede cleaning, wedding gown preservation and cleaning of household items including table linens, comforters and sleeping bags. Conveniently place items to be repaired with your laundry pick-up for fast and professional service
Pricing:
Our prices are competitive and pick-up & delivery are always FREE. Monthly Specials and Coupons add to your savings.