By timheitzman 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. …read more From:: Brand-new jeans.

By timheitzman Too often, keepsake garments take up space and get crushed in the process. We not only clean and archivally pack wedding gowns, we also preserve baby outfits, prom dresses, christening gowns, letter jackets, costumes and ceremonial garb, military dress uniforms, even Grandma’s afghan all crowd available storage. Properly packaged, your keepsakes are preserved and ready stack on a shelf. …read more From:: Closet clutter?

By timheitzman After summer’s hot nights, now’s the time to freshen your nighttime environment. Begin by stripping the bed down to the mattress. If you use a mattress pad, launder (or bring to us) and dry thoroughly, hanging on the line, if you have one. Flip and rotate the mattress. Is it time to replace your pillows? Unless they are very high quality, it may be easier to buy new than clean old. Sniff test the winter comforter, blankets or quilts. We can clean them to like-new freshness – even king size is no problem for our machines. Be ready to snuggle up when winter chills arrive. …read more From:: Make your bed.

By timheitzman If you are being paid to work, you should look like you’re working, at least from the waist up. Men can get away with a neat polo shirt (collars down) or classic white button down unbuttoned (two buttons max). Women can look work-ready in a tailored top, stylish knitwear or even a tee under a casual blazer. Psychologists say that we perform better when we look better, so pay attention to that image you’re putting out there, even if you’re just appearing on Zoom. …read more From:: WFH rules of engagement.

By timheitzman After a shower or bath, there’s nothing as refreshing as a big, clean terrycloth towel. Home laundry fabric softener can prevent a towel from soaking up water, incompletely rinsed detergent can harden the fibers. If towels aren’t smelling so fresh, add a cup of baking soda to the wash. White vinegar freshens mildewy staleness. Nothing smells better than a towel that’s dried on a clothesline in the sunshine. …read more From:: Fluffy, fresh towels.

By timheitzman Slouchy and relaxed overalls and jumpsuits are everywhere, in classic denim, muted pastels, even leather with brassy hardware. Top trends run from trenches to shearling details, ideal for layering as weather cools. You’ll see long statement plaids, cozy corduroy, military-inspired jackets and classic bomber jackets. Warm up with oversized shearling-lined jackets, and long denim dusters (lots of dusters this year!). Choose a flattering pair of high-waisted jeans and knee-high boots and you’ll be strutting this season. …read more From:: Fall fashion.

By timheitzman Scrub a paste of baking soda and vinegar to remove collar rings. Spray full strength vinegar on yellow perspiration stains, mustard and ketchup too. Fluff up cotton and wool blankets with a cup of vinegar in the final rinse. Vinegar will help refresh and brighten stale bed and table linens after storage. And it’s a great economical replacement for fabric softener, reducing static without adding fragrance. …read more From:: More vinegar tips.

By timheitzman It’s more than salad dressing. Distilled white vinegar is a nontoxic multi-purpose cleaning wonder that has many uses in the home laundry. New clothes need washing before wear, adding a ½ cup of white vinegar to the wash helps remove manufacturing chemicals and helps set colors. That same ½ cup in the rinse cycle keeps lint and animal hair from clinging to clothes. Running an empty load with just a cup of vinegar cleans the whole washing machine. …read more From:: Vinegar to the rescue!

By timheitzman Every time you wear a reusable cloth mask, it needs to be washed. After wearing for even a short amount of time, the fabric will absorb bacteria and contaminants from the air. Dermatologists are even treating cases of “maskne” where an unclean mask has rubbed the skin. Washing a mask is as easy as throwing it in with other laundry, drying at high heat or air drying in the sunshine. Stay safe and thanks for masking up. …read more From:: Wash that mask.

By timheitzman Today, Muslims around the world celebrate their 4-day holiday with an act of thanksgiving for God’s mercy. It’s a time for prayer, giving thanks, wearing traditional clothes and sharing national dishes and gifts. Muslims are encouraged to be especially friendly to others and reach out to one another during this, their holiest of holidays. Every faith and creed shares the love of tradition, family and community. And all of us would be at our best if being “especially friendly” was the goal. …read more From:: Eid al-Adha.