When your favorite fitness gear loses its fresh smell: First, turn everything inside out before washing to expose what’s the dirtiest. Add a quarter cup of white vinegar to your washer to release odor-causing bacteria. Special detergents like Win or HEX are formulated to deep clean performance fabrics. And never use a fabric softener—it leaves a coating that interferes with wicking. Or just bring everything to us. Our wet-care experts have special techniques and products that can clean the funkiest gym and workout items.
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New denim break-in
Nothing evokes back-to-school like the smell of new denim. When you buy a pair made of untreated raw denim, some experts recommend wearing for six months before washing. Why? It takes wear to break down super-stiff fibers, and during the process the jeans actually conform to your shape. When you do wash (or have us expertly wash or dry clean), turn inside out, use cold water in a gentle cycle. If you want them to fade, use hot water. Lay flat or hang upside down to air dry, avoid a hot dryer.
Happy Labor Day Weekend!
We’ll be closed Monday to celebrate the end of summer with our families. It’s a time to remember the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., “No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” We’ve built our business by providing “painstaking excellence” from our laundry and drycleaning professional staff. We celebrate their contributions, day in and out.
Picnic residue
Blot beer stains as dry as possible. As soon as you are able, rinse the stain with cold water from the back of the stain. Mix liquid laundry detergent (or dish soap) with cold water and soak the stain at least ten minutes. Rinse thoroughly and launder in warm water. Yellow mustard can be tough to remove, so bring your garment to us ASAP. We’ll work that yellow spot out – we never charge extra for routine stain removal. Getting your clothes clean should be fast, easy and affordable so you can enjoy what matters, like a hotdog with the works. Enjoy the rest of the summer—we’ll be outside BBQing with family and friends.
Hanging dry
The smell of fresh air from line drying is as pleasurable as knowing you’re saving energy. Wooden clothespins and a sunny spot will do the job best. Shake items before hanging to dewrinkle, hang shirts from bottom, pants from top. Turn dark items inside out to reduce sun fade. Don’t line dry sweaters – they’ll stretch if not dried flat.
Sweating is natural; stains are avoidable.
Sweating is part of life. Whether it’s triggered by heat, humidity, stress, or physical activity, perspiration is completely natural. Unfortunately, the stains that come with it aren’t. When sweat mixes with deodorant, it can leave behind stubborn yellow stains or chalky white residue. Often, using too much product is to blame. Stick to a single, thin layer of deodorant and let it dry fully before dressing — that’s usually all you need. To help prevent stains in the first place, consider some classic solutions: dress shields offer a discreet way to protect your clothes, and a simple cotton undershirt can absorb moisture effectively. If a stain does appear, don’t panic — bring the garment to us. Our stain removal specialists use fabric-specific techniques and professional-grade products to restore your clothes safely and effectively.
Skin-friendly clothing.
Skin-friendly fabrics are essential for comfort and minimizing irritation, especially for sensitive skin, and should be chosen with care for their breathability, softness, and hypoallergenic properties. Natural fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo, linen, and silk are top choices due to their gentle texture, moisture-wicking abilities, and low likelihood of causing allergic reactions. Tencel and hemp are also excellent for their smoothness and antibacterial qualities. Prioritize organic or OEKO-TEX certified options to avoid harsh chemicals, opt for loose, lightweight weaves for better air circulation, and steer clear of synthetics like polyester or chemically treated materials that can trap heat and cause irritation. Washing new garments before use further ensures they’re gentle on the skin. Favorite garment get stained? Bring to us for proper treatment!
Swimsuit care
After each use, rinse swimwear in cool tap water to remove sunscreen, sand, sweat and chlorine. To wash after a few wearings, turn the swimsuit inside out and hand wash in the sink, using a few drops liquid detergent in warm water. Gently squeeze the suds through the garment, don’t wring or twist. Rinse well and lay flat to dry. At the end of the season, put your swimwear in a mesh lingerie bag and run through a gentle wash machine cycle with a mild detergent before storing for next year.
Berry picking season
To remove berry stains from clothing, act quickly by blotting the stain and rinsing it with cold water to prevent setting. Apply lemon juice or white vinegar, let it sit briefly, then treat with liquid laundry detergent and wash in cold water. Boiling water can be effective for fresh stains on white or colorfast cotton—pour it carefully over the stain from a height—but should be avoided on delicate or colored fabrics, as it may cause damage or set the stain. Always check the garment before drying, and repeat treatment if needed. Or, bring it in to us for professional treatment.
Summer travel packing tips
Pack light, breathable clothing like cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking fabrics that can mix and match easily. Stick to a color palette so your outfits are interchangeable. Always pack a swimsuit, even if you’re not planning on swimming—you never know! Roll your clothes instead of folding to save space and reduce wrinkles. Use plastic dry cleaning bags like tissue paper when you pack. Tuck the bags between your folded clothes to reduce wrinkling. They’re great to wrap around shoes, too. We’re happy to package your garments for travel, folded and individually wrapped in plastic or paper, ready to slip into the suitcase or garment bag. If you’re flying, place essentials (like a change of clothes, meds, chargers, and ID) in your carry-on in case of delays or lost luggage. And finally, leave a little room for souvenirs—you’ll thank yourself later!