Smoke or Water Damage? No Problem!

Damaged clothes are often packed up and forgotten, or maybe even tossed aside and thrown in the trash. Perhaps there was a devastating house fire in your recent past or an overwhelming flood that caught your closet. Hey, it could even have been as simple as you got a little too close to the bonfire on your last camping trip and you can’t get that smoke smell out of your favorite sweatshirt. Regardless of the reason, smoke and water damage happens to the best of us…and sometimes our best clothes. While many times this damage seems irreversible, before you spend the money and buy an entire new wardrobe, it’s important to know that clothes can often be restored at your local organic dry cleaners.

First and perhaps most importantly, don’t wash your damaged clothes in a regular washing machine-not only will it fail to get the smell and stains out, but it may damage your clothes even further by swirling them around in the same smoky water that caused the damage in the first place.

water damage

There are two major things that can cause vigorous damage to clothing: soot and odor. Before the smell can be taken care of, though, the soot must first be removed. Our unique organic cleaning process employs a gentle cleaning method that targets concentrated areas to reduce the risk of spreading soot to non-damaged areas.

It’s important to go to an organic dry cleaner to restore your damaged clothes. The problem with regular dry cleaners is that they use harsh chemicals that won’t remove the soot, but instead spread it around the garment.

So before you stamp your damaged clothes’ ticket to the dumpster, bring them by Green Care Cleaners and let our organic dry cleaning process restore them to a proper state. Stop by or call us at (303) 798-0515 today!

Tips to Make Laundry Easier

Laundry is a daunting task for most people – does anyone actually want to spend that much time folding? Here are seven tips to make your laundry routine easier:

Break it up. Divvy up your laundry routine into smaller, more manageable chunks. One easy way to do this is with the sorted loads: whites, brights, darks, towels, jeans, etc. Pick one type to do each day, or set a schedule you can stick to.

Plan a “laundry” day. The opposite approach works better for some. Planning one day each week to tackle all of the laundry means you don’t have to worry about it for the rest of the week.

laundry

Multitask. Pair laundry with something more fun, like a good book or TV Show. At the end of each chapter, episode, or commercial break, check on your laundry and switch loads! Pick a podcast or movie to turn on in the background while you fold and hang the clean clothes.

Pre-sort. Having dedicated baskets for each load can drastically reduce time spent sorting dirty laundry. As you put on pajamas at the end of the day, toss your dirty clothes into the appropriate basket! Sort carefully to avoid stains and mistakes, or check the baskets as you load the machine.

Get the family involved. Instead of taking this task on yourself, ask for help! Young kids can help put clean clothes away, and older kids can help fold, sort, and hang.

Clean washer and dryer.
Your machines should be cleaned periodically to avoid getting contaminants on your clothes. Most machines have a self-clean setting, and be sure to remove dryer lint after every load.

Pick-up service. When you’re too busy to drop off dry cleaning, give us a call at 303-798-0515! We offer pick-up and drop-off services to help you manage your busy schedule. With our organic wet cleaning, your clothes will be cleaner, fresher, and hassle-free!

If you have any questions about caring for your clothing, call our experts at 303-798-0515.

 

 

Dry Cleaning Prep

When it’s time to clean your clothes – if you are preparing for a big interview, returning from a wedding, or discovering a stain on your suit – bring your garments to Green Care Cleaners to get them fresher, cleaner, and longer-lasting via green dry cleaning!

Here are a few things you can do to prepare your garments for cleaning:

Empty the pockets – Check your garments for any belongings or scraps of trash that may have been forgotten in the pockets. Certain hazards like gum and makeup can damage your clothing, and even harm other garments in the same load. Be courteous, and check your pockets before you leave your clothes with us.

Identify stains – Before you drop off your clothing, it can be helpful to mark stains with a pin or masking tape. This will make the stains easy to find for the spotters at our shop, and can help you remember to ask about certain stains at drop off. It is also helpful to prepare a list of stain origins, if possible. This will again help our experts to clean the stains more efficiently and eliminate guesswork of identifying a stain, so we can use the best removal process for each specific stain.

laundry

Mark concerns – If you have noticed any loose buttons, appliques, or broken zippers, point them out before we clean your garment. Knowing these points of concern in advance, we can make efforts so they are not worsened by the cleaning process and can even fix them for you!

Ask questions – If you have questions about the care of your garment, the services we offer, or concerns about a specific stain, ask us when you come into the shop! We are happy to answer any questions and address your concerns.

Remember, never let a stain set. If you have a stained garment, it is best to have it cleaned right away. If you are cleaning separates, like a suit pants and jacket, it is best to clean all pieces at the same time for even wear. Green Care Cleaners is here to keep your garments cleaner, softer, and longer-lasting via green dry cleaning – call us at 303-798-0515 for more info!

Don’t Make These Common Stain Removal Mistakes

If you came home from a romantic dinner only to find that your favorite dress or suit now has an unfortunate stain, you may be tempted to try a DIY remedy. Pre-treating stains can be a helpful mitigating factor until you bring your clothes into our Highlands Ranch dry cleaners for removal, but be careful to avoid these common DIY at home stain removal mistakes:

  

Seltzer – The main ingredient in seltzer is carbon dioxide. If not used appropriately, this can become carbonic acid and ruin the fibers in your clothes.

 

Hair spray – The same ingredients that allows hair spray to keep your hair style in check all day can leave sticky deposits on your clothing. Once the spray evaporates, your clothes could be left with glue residue that could result in a much worse stain than the one you were trying to remove.

 

Nail polish remover – These removers often contain acetone, which can harm certain fabrics. This can also leave an oily, smelly ring on your garment which may not wash away completely.

 

Lemon Juice – Though this can sometimes be effective, lemon can result in oxidation. This can be helpful for whitening garments but can result in discoloration of other fabrics. Over time, oxidation could leave your garments with a yellow or brown stain.

 

Color-safe bleach – Even bleaches labeled “color-safe” can have negative effects on your clothes, causing discoloration or damaging fabrics and dyes. Read labels carefully and never use bleach on garments with a bleach warning.

 dry cleaning

Not all fabrics respond the same way to stain removal methods, so always use caution with DIY solutions. If you have questions about best practices for at-home stain treatment methods, call Green Care Cleaners at 303-798-0515. Remember that pre-treating stains is only a preemptive method — your garment should be brought in for our organic wet cleaning process to fully remove the stain.

 

 

Wedding Season Has Arrived!

Birds are singing and flowers are beginning to bloom. That’s right, spring is here and that means one thing, Wedding Season! And who doesn’t love a spring wedding? If you are a blushing bride to be, you have spent the past year (maybe your entire life) browsing catalogs and boutiques for that perfect wedding dress. You have devoted so much of your time to selecting that one gown that will wow all in attendance and leave your future husband breathless. Even if you aren’t the one saying ‘I do’ then you’re probably on the guest list. Being invited to a wedding is a great privilege – and of course you want to look your best for the big day too!

Cherish those memories

After investing so much energy into finding that perfect dress it’s only natural to want to hold onto this flawless piece of history. Is there even a way to clean and preserve your wedding dress so that it stays as beautiful as on your wedding day? Maybe you have plans to give your future daughter this heirloom, so she’ll be able to wear it on her wedding day.

Well, one thing is certain. You definitely do not want to hand over your gown to any old dry cleaners. There is a superior alternative when it comes to preserving your gown and it’s called organic cleaning. Regardless of beads, embroidery, or lace, and no matter what material, having an organic cleaning professional preserve and clean your wedding dress is the way to go.

 

The problem with dry cleaning

The most alarming part of dry cleaning is the fact that harmful and dangerous chemicals are used in this process. After the potent chemical Perchloroethylene (or “Perc” for short) is used on your garments, it actually has to be sealed tight and hauled away because it’s so harsh on the environment. It is so strong, in fact, that it’s also used to degrease auto parts and strip paint! When your clothes come back from the dry cleaners stiff, dry and faded, and they smell like chemicals, it’s because of the chemicals they use. What’s worse, they reuse those chemicals over and over, dunking your precious dress in with strangers’ clothes. Who knows where those other clothes have been?.

The alternative to dry cleaning

There is a much safer and more reliable alternative, and it’s called organic cleaning. This cleaning method uses temperature-controlled water, sophisticated computer-controlled machines, years and years of experience, and gentle detergents to get your clothes clean. Some organic cleaners also use soybean nano-technology that make your garments stain resistant. In addition to being completely natural, this soybean nano-technology is also incredibly good for your skin, and if you have any skin allergies, you’ll probably find that you don’t have the same problems that you do with traditional dry cleaning. And forget about “dry clean only” labels. Organic cleaning can be performed regardless of material. So, you can be confident that your cashmere sweater, silk shirt, and beaded wedding dress will all be taken care of when you take it to an organic dry cleaner like GCC in Highlands Ranch!

Green Laundry Tips for Earth Day

Whether the beautiful spring weather has you thinking about nature, or Earth Day 2023 has inspired you to give back, it is easy to “go green.” You are already doing something right by bringing your clothes to Green Care Cleaners! Here are a few tips for green clothing care, at home and for your dry cleaning:

When doing laundry at home, the key to going green is using less. It only takes two tablespoons of detergent to get your clothes clean, so avoid using more (and save money on detergent!). Use cold water when possible, saving warm water for heavily soiled clothes and always using a cold rinse cycle. Only run a load when it is full (or adjust the water level to accommodate smaller loads) so you don’t use excess water. Check out this chart for more tips for greener laundry.

Your dryer is one of the least efficient appliances in your home. It takes a lot of energy to heat and dry your clothing. If you have the option, line drying your clothes (outside or using an indoor rack) is a great alternative to using the dryer. Not only can line drying keep your clothes looking their best and lasting longer, the sun can actually make your whites brighter!

For all your dry cleaning needs, the green solution is obvious – organic wet cleaning! Traditional dry cleaning relies on the harsh solvent Perchlorethylene to clean your clothes. It is such a harsh chemical that it must be sealed in drums after use and hauled away as a biohazard! Perc is also used to degrease auto parts and strip paint, so how can it be good for your clothes, your body, or the environment?

Organic wet cleaning is the environmentally friendly alternative to traditional dry cleaning. Instead of harsh chemicals, organic wet cleaning relies on temperature controlled water, gentle detergents, and individualized care for your garments. With our computer-controlled process, we can precisely manage the temperature, pH levels, moisture content, and agitation to effectively clean your clothing – without harming you, your clothes, or the environment!

Our work doesn’t stop when your clothes are clean. We also use special cleaners to make your garments resistant to stains. When you bring your clothes to us, you will get cleaner, healthier, and greener clothes than dry cleaning. Your clothes will not only look and feel better, they will also last longer, saving you money and protecting your investment!

Stop by our Highlands Ranch location or give us a call at 303-798-0515 to learn more about organic wet cleaning and see the green care difference for yourself! With a few simple changes to your routine, you can make a big difference and do your part to help the environment!

 

Spring Cleaning (Out Your Closet)

Spring is in the air! With it comes sunny days, blooming flowers, and spring cleaning.

When you open the closet door and feel overwhelmed at the task ahead, here are five tips for faster, more effective spring cleaning for your wardrobe.

1.            Make a list.

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by spring cleaning as a whole, so instead divide and conquer. Split your closet cleaning into a collection of smaller tasks, and write them down to tackle one at a time.

2.            Declutter

There are plenty of nooks and crannies that can get stuffed full in your closet. Take a moment to clear them out, starting with the top shelf. Store small items using hooks or boxes to stay neat, tidy, and easy to find.

3.            Swap out Winter Clothes

As we head towards warmer days, it’s time to put away sweaters and coats. Before you do, bring them to Green Care Cleaners for a final cleaning to remove hidden stains and keep fresh for next fall. Keep your layers handy for cool mornings and nights, but swap out the heavy coats for light jackets.

spring cleaning

4.            Ask the tough questions

Do you have a tendency to hoard? It’s easy to hold onto clothing item that has sentimental value, but take a hard look at your wardrobe. If you haven’t worn the garment in over a year, it’s probably time to move on. Donate the too-tight pants and band t-shirts and say goodbye to the items you no longer need.

5.            Treat yourself!

It’s easier to stay organized than to go through the entire cleaning process again, so make a good hearted effort to maintain your fresh closet. Now that you’re organized, it’s time to celebrate! Buy a special new garment or two, and bring your favorites into Green Care Cleaners to get them fresh, clean, and ready for spring!

We hope you’re enjoying this beautiful Colorado spring weather. Any time you have any questions about caring for your garments, give us a call at 303-798-0515.

Tips for Greener Laundry and Dry Cleaning

Whether the beautiful spring weather has you thinking about nature, or Earth Day inspired you to give back, it is easy to “go green.” You are already doing something right by bringing your clothes to Green Care Cleaners! Here are a few tips for green clothing care at home and for your dry cleaning:

When doing laundry at home, the key to going green is using less. It only takes two tablespoons of detergent to get your clothes clean, so avoid using more (and save money on detergent!). Use cold water when possible, saving warm water for heavily soiled clothes, and always using a cold rinse cycle. Only run a load when it is full (or adjust the water level to accommodate smaller loads) so you don’t use excess water.

Your dryer is one of the least efficient appliances in your home. It takes a lot of energy to heat and dry your clothing. If you have the option, line drying your clothes (outside or using an indoor rack) is a great alternative to using the dryer. Not only can line drying keep your clothes looking their best and lasting longer, the sun can actually make your whites brighter!

dry cleaners

For all your dry cleaning needs, the green solution is obvious – organic wet cleaning! Traditional dry cleaning relies on the harsh solvent perchloroethylene to clean your clothes. It is such a harsh chemical that it must be sealed in drums after use and hauled away as a bio-hazard! Perc is also used to de-grease auto parts and strip paint, so how can it be good for your clothes, your body, or the environment?

Organic wet cleaning is the environmentally friendly alternative to traditional dry cleaning. Instead of harsh chemicals, organic wet cleaning relies on temperature controlled water, gentle detergents, and individualized care for your garments. With our computer-controlled process, we can precisely manage the temperature, pH levels, moisture content, and agitation to effectively clean your clothing – without harming you, your clothes, or the environment!

Our work doesn’t stop when your clothes are clean. We also use special cleaners to make your garments resistant to stains. When you bring your clothes to us, you will get cleaner, healthier, and greener clothes than dry cleaning. Your clothes will not only look and feel better, they will also last longer, saving you money and protecting your investment!

Stop by our cleaners in Highlands Ranch or give us a call at 303-798-0515 to learn more about organic wet cleaning and see the green care difference for yourself! With a few simple changes to your routine, you can make a big difference!

New Year’s Resolutions for your Clothes

Each New Year is an opportunity to look back on the previous year and make plans for the year to come. For many, that involves a Resolution.

These sometime lofty goals are meant to inspire and guide change, but so many seem nearly impossible to keep. Have you already broken your New Year’s Resolution?

clothes

We’re here to help! It’s not too late to make positive, lasting change for your life in 2023. Start with your closet! Here are some resolutions for your clothes this year:

Get rid of the clutter. That dress you haven’t worn in years, the extra shoes for “emergencies,” the mismatched socks or the pairs with holes… sort through your wardrobe and say goodbye to those unnecessary pieces.

Donate. If you’re feeling separation anxiety over the like-new pieces that you never actually wear, donate to a local charity. You’ll be helping people in need with nice clothes and clearing space for the garments you love.

Let them breathe. Avoid overstuffing your closet or dresser drawers. By giving your clothing extra space, the air flow can help prevent musty smells, wrinkles, and damage when you’re not wearing them.

Wash smart. When you’re doing laundry at home, plan ahead for more efficient loads. Pair like colors, wash full loads, and do your loads back-to-back for more efficient washing and drying.

Organize the closet. Make this a separate mini goal, or wrap into the earlier suggestions. You’ll be able to find the clothes you love earlier (while uncovering the hidden gems your forgot and the clutter you can clear).

Treat stains. Don’t let a stain set. As soon as you notice the stain, have it treated and cleaned right away. If you wait too long, the stain may become harder to remove and the fabric can be damaged. Call us right away for advice: 303-798-0515.

Pack with care. When you pack clothes for storage, make sure they are clean and dry! Pack with care and acid free paper to keep them safe when you’re not using them.

Follow Care Instructions. The guidelines on the tags help you keep your clothes in the best condition and avoid damage during normal washing.

Dry Clean. For your best garments, leave the cleaning to the professionals! Don’t risk damage by washing in your home machine or in conditions you can’t precisely control.

Fresher, cleaner, longer lasting! Our experts and wet cleaning method can give you the best care for your clothing. We’re always available to answer your questions about your clothing, treat stains, and provide the best cleaning for your favorite garments. Give us a call at 303-798-0515.

 

Ski and Winter Sportswear Maintenance

For many Coloradans, the best thing about winter in our great state is Ski Season! Whether you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or you are a sledding enthusiast, you probably rely on warm winter sportswear to keep you dry and warm while partaking in your favorite activities.

Keeping your snow pants, ski jackets, and your warmest layers looking and performing their best requires regular cleaning and care. For best performance, it’s recommended to clean your gear at least twice per season.

Gore-Tex shells have been known to last and keep their technical abilities for 30 years with proper care. And with the cost of a new jacket costing upwards of $350-500, the regular care is the cost-efficient way to achieve longevity and extend the life of your quality winter gear.

In order to keep you warm and dry without trapping in perspiration, most ski wear is treated with special finishes to be both waterproof and breathable.

Ski-wear-winter-sports-clothing-care

Ski wear and active winter jackets are typically coated with a water repellent finish. This coating has tiny holes that allow water vapor (from your sweat and body perspiration) to escape. At the same time, the holes are so small they prevent liquid water from getting through.

As you use your ski garments, dirt, grime, and body oils can get trapped in these holes and obstruct the finish from working properly. Clogged pores trap your body heat inside the garment, while the dirt and grime can wear down the finish.

Periodic cleaning will keep your jacket looking and performing like new! Removing the accumulated dirt will open up the holes in the finish again to restore water proof properties and breathability.

Between washes, use a clean, damp cloth to brush away any visible dirt and stains. Always remember to hang, air out, and dry your winter sportswear completely before storing.

If you wash your ski wear at home, always follow the care instructions on the label. Avoid using heavy detergents, bleach, and fabric softener, and DO NOT dry clean. The harsh chemicals will damage the water proof or resistant coating on your best gear.

Our organic wet cleaning is a safe alternative for your ski wear, without the harsh chemicals that typical Dry Cleaners use. Your ski gear will be fresher, cleaner, and last longer!

With proper care and cleaning, your winter sportswear and ski clothing will last from season to season. Call Green Care Cleaners at 303-798-0515 if you have any questions regarding maintenance of your clothing at any time of year!