Blog - Martinizing Musings

Common Causes of Color Loss

Many factors can contribute to the loss of color on your clothes or other household items. Here is a list of the most common culprits in color loss.

LIGHT FADING
Many consumers are not aware that dyes can fade if exposed to light, either sunlight or artificial light. With this type of color loss, fading is generally apparent on only one side of the fabric. The reverse side is usually unaffected. Certain dyes, such as blues, violets, or greens, are more prone to this type of fading than others.

Question received from customer: I was looking at your price list and am curious why women's shirts are so much more expensive than mens? My shirts are just button up shirts, just like my husbands. If it is because women's shirts are smaller, do youcharge small men more for their shirts? Or do you charge larger women less? In my opinion a button up shirt is a button up shirt. Can you please answer this question?

Cleaning Problems

Different fabrics can present different challenges to cleaning sweaters. Professional cleaners are well versed in all the various styles and fibers. In most cases your cleaner will get the job done with a minimum amount of fuss on your part.

However, sweaters and knit garments, depending on their fiber type, are susceptible to various problems, including stretching, shrinkage, pulls, and pilling, both from use and cleaning.

Preservation Tips
Follow your sweater's care label instructions closely to prevent shrinkage and stretching. Many sweaters are hand-wash only. In these cases, it is most often best to lay them flat to dry, unless the label says it's safe to tumble-dry the sweater at low heat. Some sweaters are gentle-cycle washable and others may require drycleaning. Avoid using alkaline-based detergents on woolens and other animal fibers.

• If you have any doubts about care procedures, discuss it with your professional cleaner.

As the styles of sweaters change, so do the fibers of this wardrobe staple. Sweaters are made from a variety of fibers, ranging from cotton and wool to silk, rayon, acrylic and more. Natural fibers, such as angora, mohair, cashmere, and Shetland are especially popular. To add to the variety many sweaters contain special decorative trims. Trims such as suede, leather, snakeskin, fur, sequins, and beads add to a sweater's special look. Caring for these delicate knits requires special attention.

Protect your home
These preventative steps will help stop allergens from accumulating in your home.

Pillow protectors / dust mite covers:
To keep dust mites out of your bed, purchase specially made "dust mite covers" for pillows and mattresses. While you can't get rid of mites entirely, these zippered protectors provide a barrier for dust mites so they can't get inside and make themselves at home where you can't get them out. Wash the covers weekly to cleanse them of mite droppings.

Table linens:

Cleaning up after a holiday feast can be especially hard on table linens. Follow this tips to keep yours looking good year after year.
Timely stain removal is important. Take your linens to your dry cleaner as soon as possible.

Candle wax: gently lift off larger pieces. Wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric.

Drapes and Rugs
Drapes and area rugs are difficult to clean at home. Most are too delicate—and too large—to go in a regular washing machine. Professional dry cleaners know how to handle these items. To keep them in good condition in between cleanings, follow these tips.

Pillows
Everyday Care
Use two pillowcases, or invest in a high-quality pillow protector—a plain, zippered pillowcase to keep dirt and dust out. Then your pillows won't need to be washed as often.
Memory foam can be damaged by water. Waterproof pillow protectors are available to keep them clean and safe.
Fluff pillows every day to get out dust and keep the stuffing from clumping
Air them outside or by an open window monthly to get rid of odors
Cleaning and Laundering

Comforters and Quilts
Most of us wash our sheets and blankets fairly regularly, but the other stuff—comforters, quilts, and pillows—often don't fit in our washers, or are made of materials we don't know what to do with. Professional dry cleaners know the best ways to treat these items to make sure they are fresh, clean, and stay in good condition. But if you know exactly what your items are made from, here are some guidelines for at-home care.