Swimwear takes quite a beating in the summer. Whether you swim in the pool/natural water daily or just jump in every now and then for a quick dip, pool chemicals, the sun, sand, and lotions can all cause damage to swimsuits.

This is distressing as swimsuits aren’t cheap, and the perfect one is often hard to find. Learning to properly care for your suits can lengthen their lifespan significantly. The following are tips to keep your swimwear looking good for years to come.

Rinse ASAP
Sunscreen, chemicals, and body oils can do damage to the material that most suits are made of. Rinse suits immediately after being in a hot tub or chlorinated pool. Besides protecting the integrity of the fabric, the quicker you rinse harsh agents out of your suit, the less likely your swimwear will smell like chlorine, the beach, etc.

Hand Wash
Always hand wash your suits rather than machine wash them. The agitation from washing machines can damage all the delicate parts of a suit, leaving things bunched, stretched, or otherwise ill-fitting. In fact, machine washing is probably the worst thing you can do to swimwear.

Soap It Up
Be sure to use a very mild detergent, such as a little hand soap or baby detergent, to wash your suits. Never use anything with lotions or moisturizers in it as they are damaging to the material. Turn your swimsuit inside out and submerge in water. Swish it around for several minutes and then rinse well.

Dry Off
Never wring your suits out as this can damage the fibers of the suit and distort its shape. Lay your suit flat on a towel, roll the towel up and squeeze gently, then lay it flat to dry as hanging a swimsuit to dry can cause it to become stretched out. Also, avoid drying in the sunshine as this can cause the colors to fade, and never, ever put a swimsuit in the dryer.

Mix It Up
Spandex is a “memory fabric,” meaning it takes a full day to return to its regular form. Having more than one suit to wear means you give each one the chance to breathe and return to its original shape. Alternating suits also gives each a chance to dry thoroughly, reducing your risk of being exposed to the bacteria and mold that can grow from damp swimsuits.

Keep Cool
Hot water is bad for swimwear, and the combination of hot water and chlorine in a hot tub is even worse. Never use hot water to wash your suits, and avoid too many dips in the hot tub in your favorite suit. Instead, save an old suit, or your cheapest suit, for hot tub dipping. If you plan on spending a lot of time in a hot tub, choose a suit that is 100% polyester or chlorine resistant as cotton and natural fibers don’t hold up in chlorinated water.

Prep a New Suit
Prepping a new suit before taking a dip at the beach or in a hot tub can help lengthen the life of the suit. A 30-minute soak in a vinegar and water mixture (one tablespoon white vinegar per quart of water) should prevent dye from bleeding.

Watch Where You Park It
Whether you’re sitting on the ground, on a wooden bench, or on some other rough surface, try to always sit on a towel. These surfaces can snag and tear material, causing it to look worn and old before it’s time. If you don’t have a towel handy, wrap up in a sarong or scarf when you leave your lounge chair or the pool so that when you sit down, the bottom of your suit is protected.

Have you ever put on your socks and thought, “Gee, these used to be a lot whiter. I guess it’s time to get some new ones?”  It can be a hassle to keep your whites white, so Green Care Cleaners has a method to help you prolong the life of your white socks which, in turn, will put some extra cash back in your budget.

1. Always make sure your socks are right side out. A common misconception is that both sides of a sock will be equally washed regardless if it is inside out or not.  Since most of the dirt will collect at the bottom of the sock, being mindful of the correct position of a sock will get them as white as possible in the wash.

2. In a bucket, add two tablespoons of dishwasher detergent to a gallon of hot water. You can then add your load of WHITE SOCKS ONLY to the bucket, adding more water and detergent depending on the size of the load. Let them sit for at least two hours afterwards.

3. After they’ve have finished soaking, wash the load of white socks separately as a small load and finish them off in the dryer.

Another method to ensure longer sock life is to visit Green Care Cleaners in Highlands Ranch. Dry cleaning will always keep your whites brighter, longer. Feel free come on down today, or call us at (303)-798-0515

Spring is here, which means everyone is working out more! No matter where or how you exercise, your workout clothes always put you at risk for locker room syndrome… Locker room syndrome is when your gym bag, closet, car, and house smell like a high school boy’s locker from sweaty, damp workout clothes.

Instead, learn the proper way to care for your workout clothes so the garments (and your house) stay clean and fresh, no matter how hard you work!

Post-Workout
After the hardest workout, wash your clothing as quickly after vigorous exercise as possible. A quick rinse will help stop stains and smells from setting if you can’t get to the load quickly.

Instead of placing your sweaty garments in a heap on the floor (to become a breeding ground for mildew), lay out or hang the clothes to air out.

Gym shoes are often ignored, but can be the biggest culprit for damp, smelly gear. Always let your sneakers dry out completely between wears. If needed, use a tablespoon or two of baking soda to soak up moisture and odor from your shoes.

Washing
Gym clothing is often designed to be moisture wicking or water repellant to avoid becoming saturated with sweat as you exercise. But this also makes it more difficult to wash these garments as the water must penetrate into the fibers.

Even though gym clothes are often smelly or stinky, avoid the impulse to use extra soap and skip the fabric softener. Soap and laundry detergent can form a barrier that prevents the water from effectively cleaning the clothes. Follow the instructions on the garment for best results or call our experts for tips: 303-798-0515.

Drying
Workout clothes are often made from spandex and lycra fabrics. The heat from the dryer may damage the fibers in your garments, meaning they will lose their elasticity over time. Always use the lowest setting or air dry.
If you have the option, try line drying your clothing outdoors. Direct sunlight acts as a natural bacteria deterrent to leave your clothing fresher and cleaner for longer!

For the toughest stains, persistent smells, or advice on cleaning your favorite gym clothes, call Green Care Cleaners at 303-798-0515. Our clothing experts use precise wet cleaning methods to leave your garments cleaner, fresher, and healthier than ever.

Spring cleaning might have you turning your whole house upside down for the sake of a fresh living area, but that doesn’t mean you can’t seek help along the way. As your local dry cleaner, we’re here to help you clean the tough stuff that you don’t have time for. Here’s a short list of items you may want to consider dropping off at Green Care Cleaners this spring:

Bedding

Dry cleaning your bedding will prevent your comforter from puckering and shrinking, preserving it for years to come. Most comforters are simply too big for home washing machines, which means they won’t get completely clean if you run them through a normal cycle.

Curtains

Draperies and curtains collect a huge amount of dust over time, retaining everything that blows through the window throughout the year. Clean curtains are a necessary part of spring cleaning, and bringing them by a dry cleaners is integral to removing the oil and dust that degrades the fabric over time.

Rugs

Though a handmade rug can be a work of art, it’s still meant to be used in the household. We scuff them, spill liquids on them, and drag mud over them throughout the year. While spot-cleaning rugs is a great habit, the only way to completely clean and preserve your area rug is to have it dry cleaned by a professional.

Couch Cushion Covers

It’s easy to throw couch cushion covers through the wash when a stain occurs, but often this disrupts their shape, making it difficult to fit back on the cushion. When you have your couch cushion covers dry cleaned by professionals, they won’t just fit right—they’ll be preserved for years to come.

If you need help cleaning any of these items, don’t panic! Green Care Cleaners is here to help. Bring these hard-to-clean household items by so our gentle wet-cleaning process can preserve and protect them for the rest of the year. Call (303) 798-0515 today or visit our organic wet cleaners in Highlands Ranch.

For many Coloradans, the best thing about winter in Colorado is Ski Season! Whether you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing or are a sledding enthusiast, you probably rely on warm winter sports clothing to keep you dry and warm through 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.

For specific advice on the best care for your winter sports wear, visit our store or call 303-798-0515.

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 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 leave your jacket 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 ski wear 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 sports clothing and ski wear will last from season to season! For the best, freshest, and greenest cleaning, bring your winter garments into Green Care Cleaners – call 303-798-0515.

Have you ever washed a colorful shirt only to discover that your washing machine and detergent have turned it a few shades lighter? It’s as if they’ve teamed up on you and decided to fade your wardrobe. The new, brightly colored top you just bought for spring is now dull and lifeless. It’s an unfortunate situation and it can be extremely irritating when your clothing comes out looking a decade older after one wash. How do you stop this viscous cycle of abuse and protect your colorful clothing?

To keep your colorful clothing more vibrant and happy, send them to your professional organic cleaners in Highlands Ranch! Organic cleaners are the authorities on keeping your dress the most electric shade of blue, or making sure your jacket stays that perfect shade of jet black. The same can be said for your dingy whites.

You can’t deny the fact that your white button up is not as flawless looking as the first time you wore it. Yes, dumping them in chlorine bleach might fight off the grunge, but at what cost? This harmful chemical can cause eye and skin irritation and give you headaches as well. Not to mention that an accidental spill could ruin a nearby pile of laundry. Sometimes, whites accidentally find their way into the colors basket which can cause a fade effect. You didn’t want a new pink button up, but you’ve got one now. Instead of dealing with these potential disasters you can just have your garments picked up and delivered for FREE by your caring and professional organic cleaning experts!

Think of your organic cleaners as the guardians of your closet/dresser. They vigilantly defend your honor and keep you from looking like you got dressed in a dumpster. Organic cleaners that use soy-bean technology have the capability to preserve the colors of your intensely hued garments. Only sophisticated cleaners will use Soybean Nano-Technology to make your garments resistant to stain. Whether you realize it or not, maintaining the vibrancy of your clothing makes a statement to your friends, family, and coworkers. Failing to acknowledge your dinginess also makes a statement. What does your clothing say about you?

Winter in Colorado means layers to stay warm in unpredictable weather conditions. We love to wear our knit sweaters, scarves, and accessories – especially the handmade items with extra sentimental value. But cleaning those items can be tricky! You don’t want to damage the carefully crafted items in your washing machine, or risk shrinking, stretching, and ruining the yarn.

Before you clean your knit garments at home, keep these things in mind:

Type of Material

Yarn comes in as many fibers and materials as fabric, and each has different care requirements. Is your sweater made of cotton yarn? Wool? Acrylic? Check the label on the sweater. For handmade items, you can refer to the label on the yarn itself, if possible.

If you have a sweater without a label, an expert can help determine the material it is made from and recommend the best care options. Bring your hand-knit garments to Green Care Cleaners so our clothing care experts can offer advice or clean the item for you.

Risks to Hand-Knit Items

• Stretching – Natural elasticity can be damaged by normal wear and tear, but washing can expedite the damage. Never hang these items, but instead store folded in a drawer. Do not hang dry either, as wet fibers may stretch even more with gravity.
• Shrinking – Heat from the dryer can cause knit items to constrict and shrink. We recommend laying flat to dry whenever possible.
• Tearing – The agitation of the washing machine can cause some hand-knit items to pull apart, tear, or become damaged. For these items, wash by hand or take to a professional.

Proper Care

If you are going to clean the items at home, always follow the care instructions. If you don’t have instructions to follow, first test detergent on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it does not damage the material. Then use a gentle cycle or handwash the items carefully. For best results, bring your garments to our professional wet cleaners for advice on how to wash the item.

Never put hand-knit items like scarves in the dryer, as the heat and agitation can damage the fiber and the weave. Instead, lay flat to dry and reshape to prevent damage.

For advice on caring for your favorite knit clothing and accessories, bring them to Green Care Cleaners in Highlands Ranch! Our professionals will keep your garments and scarves looking their best, without the risk of washing at home. Call us at 303-798-0515.

It’s Halloween Season! If you have young children or are a Halloween enthusiast yourself, you’ve probably already gathered your costumes, props, wigs, etc. for the occasion; if you need to freshen up an outfit before this year’s party or want to clean and store at the end of the month however, here are a few tips for cleaning your Halloween costume:

Keep in mind that Halloween costumes are often made with inexpensive fabrics, cheap materials, and basic stitching.

Unlike your everyday clothing, these outfits are not designed to last but rather for the one time, once per year events of the holiday. However, with proper and gentle care, you can get the most out of your costumes and keep them looking fresher longer!

Bright colors and unique patterns could bleed dye from your costume – before you wash the garment, test for color stay by running a small area of the fabric under water (the same temperature that you would use to wash the costume). If it does bleed, bring the costume in for professional cleaning to avoid ruining the costume or other articles in the load.

Always check for washing instructions that come with the costume or on the label. Typically, it is best to hand wash your costume, inside out, using gentle detergent. Rinse well to remove all traces of soap. Hang dry or lie flat to avoid shrinking and pilling in the heat of the dryer.

If your costume just needs a little de-wrinkling, iron on low heat with distilled water. The inexpensive materials like rayon and polyester can be especially sensitive to heat, so check your settings before putting the iron to the fabric.

You could also try steaming with your bathroom shower or running a no-heat wrinkle release setting in your dryer.

Before storing your costume, make sure it is free of stains and moisture. Pretreat any stains and clean before putting away for the year. Sweat and body odor can cause stains and damage fabric if left untreated – you should always air out, if not clean, your costume before storing.

To have your garments looking their absolute best, drop them off for our organic wet cleaning service! For advice on your specific costume, a tough stain, or to schedule a pick-up, give us a call at 303-798-0515.

Over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies every year. In addition to peanuts, cats, bees, etc., a common allergy for many is the chemicals used by traditional dry cleaners.

Allergic reactions to these chemicals can cause sneezing/coughing, skin irritation, rashes, or even hives.

The solution? Go Green!

While standard dry cleaners use harsh, petroleum-based chemicals solvents like perchloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene and various chlorocarbons, the organic dry cleaning process uses temperature-controlled water, sophisticated computer-controlled machines, and gentle detergents to get your clothes clean. This gentle process is hypo-allergenic and has no scents or perfumes that cause skin irritation as a result of allergies.

If you have clothes that are ‘dry clean only’ but you have sensitive skin, organic dry cleaning is definitely the way to go!