By timheitzman New clothing comes with more than just a new look. Almost all fabric is treated with a cocktail of chemicals that can cause irritation, including preservatives to prevent mold or mildew during shipping, formaldehyde resins, dyes and finishing chemicals. A simple launder or dry cleaning will remove chemical manufacturing residue that can lead to contact dermatitis, eczema outbreaks or respiratory problems from simply breathing the fumes. …read more From:: Wash before wearing.

By timheitzman We’re proud of their service to our country and thankful for the protection they provide for our American way of life. Let’s remember to thank those who serve, those who sacrifice and their families. …read more From:: Join us in honoring our veterans.

By timheitzman Keeping your face mask clean is almost as important as wearing one. The experts weigh in with tips: washing properly between wearings keeps your mask from becoming contaminated. Add to your washer with regular laundry, wash in hot water and dry. Using a mesh lingerie bag helps keep ear loops from tangling. Remember that the outside surface of any mask can become contaminated after one exposure to the Covid virus. Treat every unwashed mask as potentially dangerous until its properly washed and dries …read more From:: Clean your cloth masks.

By timheitzman Our linen specialists put the finishing touches on your tablecloth and napkins. Nothing’s as nice as professional pressing – and our experts can remove most stains, even on delicate lace and heirloom linens. Bring your holiday linens in now and they’ll be clean and crisp for your Thanksgiving festivities, no matter how large your party. …read more From:: Dress the table.

By timheitzman Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday. Now’s the time to store away your warm weather clothes. It’s a good tradition and a great way to make closet space for bulkier winter clothes. Just don’t add moth balls to your stored garments — instead use cedar chips or dried lavender. Moth balls contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, petroleum-based chemicals that can cause eye and skin irritation and definitely are not safe around children. Be sure to clean everything thoroughly before storing—stains and yellowing can develop over time on garments that aren’t 100% clean. …read more From:: DST ends Sunday.

By timheitzman Add more detergent for cleaner clothes? Wrong. When there’s too much to rinse out you get dingy results and may damage your machine. Hotter water is better? In fact, today’s laundry products are formulated to work as well with cold water. Hot water can actually set stains, and always costs more. …read more From:: Laundry myths.

By timheitzman It’s cardigan time again. The age-old classic sweater is a versatile, essential part of the well-dressed wardrobe. A cross between a vest and sweater, it’s ideal for layered comfort in cooler temperatures and gives you a quick transition from casual to dressier. Wear a t-shirt under for a weekend or snazz it up with a dressy shirt for Sunday dinner at the inlaws. Cardigans can go almost anywhere — adding color, texture, and always comfort. …read more From:: Cardigans.

By timheitzman Want an eco-friendly fabric that’s affordable and lasts? Go back to basics: wool is woven into the fabric of our fashion history, but does it get a bad rap? Wool isn’t like that old itchy blanket at grandma’s house you remember. The varieties are endless and the benefits are many. Wool doesn’t fade, and its uses range from strong and sturdy. It’s uses range from a loft within silk comforters to soft and silky weaves in delicate sweaters and scarves. Want to learn more about wool and its benefits? Visit wool.com today! …read more From:: Back to basics.

By timheitzman Consumer Reports cautions that pet hair can clog a washing machine, prevent proper drainage, clumping in drains or sticking to the side of the machine. They recommend removing pet hair from clothes with a lint roller or masking tape. For bedding, put on a rubber glove, dampen it with water, and run your hand over the sheet or blanket. The hair will cling to the glove, so you’ll need to wash it off from time to time. Then run everything through a ten-minute no-heat dryer cycle – most of the hair will be in the lint trap. Throw into the washer, adding ½ cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle. Clean the washer by running an empty cycle, then wipe down the tub with a damp cloth. …read more From:: Pet hair management.

By timheitzman Want to make a local, sustainable choice? Look no further than your local merchants. Hometown businesses create jobs and contribute to our community in many ways. The numbers are impressive: three-quarters of every dollar stays here in your community compared to only about 40% when shopping at a chain outlet. Keeping your spending local really helps during the Covid crisis too. Local jobs support local families. …read more From:: Keep it local.