Smelly Clothes after Storage

November 25, 2015 by

Winter has come to Littleton! With each season change, Coloradans turn to their closet to swap out summer clothing for the winter wardrobe.

But when you pull your clothes from the back of the closet and they can have a dusty, dingy smell…  Why does this happen, and how can you prevent it?

Causes of Smelly Clothes in Storage

  1. Dust and Debris
    If your clothes are not stored properly or too tightly packed in the closet, dust and debris can collect in the back of the closet without room for fresh air to circulate. In the time between the end of the last season and the first day of winter, coats can collect enough dust and debris to permeate the fabric and leave a dusty odor.
  2. Bacteria
    Clothes that are stored before they are cleaned properly may have hidden bacteria and contaminants embedded in the fabric. A small amount of bacteria from a hidden stain can grow in storage, creating strange odors and difficult or permanent stains.
  3. Moisture
    When clothes do not dry completely before being put into storage, the moisture inside can lead to mildew. Heat from storage combined with humidity from the moisture are the perfect environment for mildew and its musty odor.

Preventing Odor during Storage

  1. Make sure clothes are cleaned before storing for the season. Wash your clothing before you store it, even if it looks clean, to remove hidden stains and lurking bacteria.
  2. Add a fresh smell. Placing a drier sheet or scented drawer sachet in with your stored clothes can hide the stale odor. Make sure your clothes truly are clean or you’ll only mask the problem.
  3. Use liners in boxes or drawers. Acid free paper can help protect your clothing from external contaminants and prevent moisture from getting in.
  4. Air tight storage options can prevent contaminants from getting in. If you vacuum pack your clothing, they may avoid the smells but can instead come out wrinkly.
  5. Store separate from laundry. If out-of-season clothes are stored in the same space as dirty laundry, the smells and debris can transfer.
  6. Check before first wear. Before you need your winter coat, summer dress, or comforter for the first time, get it out early so you have time to freshen and clean as needed.

As you swap your winter and summer closet with the Littleton weather, bring any dingy or stale garments to Green Care Cleaners. Our experts will leave your clothing feeling fresher, smelling better, and lasting longer! Give us a call to schedule a pick-up or stop by our store in Highlands Ranch – 303-798-0515

 

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Filed Under: Clothing Care

Summer Tip: Treating Sweat Stains

July 20, 2015 by

Summer has come to Colorado! But as the outdoors heat up, so do our bodies… leading to wet spots under the arms of shirts.

Perspiration stains appear around collars and under the arms of even our favorite summer shirts. These already embarrassing stains can be the worst on white shirts where they often take on a yellow color.

The culprit for these pit stains is usually deodorant or antiperspirant – specifically, the aluminum within them. This active ingredient reacts to proteins (found in both sweat and cotton) to create the yellowing reaction and staining.

The same thing that is supposed to stop the sweat is actually causing the stains! But since most people don’t want to go without and risk natural odors, your best option is to treat the stains…

Bleach

The go-to for many people removing stains on white garments is bleach. However, with these protein stains, bleach is not very effective. Bleach can even worsen the discoloration, risking another reaction to make the stain appear more yellow.

Enzyme detergent

Enzyme detergents, like OxiClean, can be effective to reduce sweat stains – if the stain is fresh, you can sprinkle some of the detergent in the machine and wash as normal. Pre-treat the stain with a spray before you toss in the laundry, and you’ll be even better off.  However, if the stain has set and dried, you’ll need to soak the garment in hot water first and agitate to work out the stain.

Home Remedies

Vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda can be used in a pinch to create your own stain treatment formula. But before trying any new formula, test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area first. Watch for negative reactions with the fabric and avoid worsening the stain.

Prevention

If your sweat glands are kicking into overdrive, blot your armpits dry with a paper towel. While this isn’t a permanent solution, it can help reduce overwetting and damaging the fabric. If you’re in a bind, you can rinse the armpits under cold water to remove perspiration and buildup of proteins. Whenever possible, pretreat the stain to prevent it from drying and setting.

The Worst Pit Stains

For the most stubborn perspiration stains, bring your garments into Green Care Cleaners! With our clothing care expertise and organic wet cleaning method, we’ll examine the fabric and the stain to determine the best solution for removing even the toughest pit stains.

If you have questions about caring for your favorite garments, stop by our shop in Highlands Ranch!

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Filed Under: Clothing Care, household cleaning solutions, organic cleaners, stain removal, summer clothing Tagged With: , , , ,

Cleaning Down and Synthetic Sleeping Bags

May 16, 2015 by

Summer is around the corner, which means it is camping season in Colorado! As many of our neighbors in Highlands Ranch and across Colorado know, there is nothing quite as magical as curling up in a sleeping bag and gazing up at the stars.

Unless that sleeping bag is black with dirt and grime, smells like a gym locker room, and is sticky with oil and sweat.

Cleaning and caring for your sleeping bag is critical to maintaining its freshness and performance. Whether you use a down sleeping bag or a synthetic sleeping bag, regular washes can even prolong the life of your sleeping bag. Here are a few things you can do for the best care of your sleeping bag:

While using your sleeping bag:

  • Sleep in clean clothes to avoid dragging dirt and sweat into the bag. Oils and grime will transfer to the inside of your bag if you sleep in the same clothing you wore during the day. Not only solids like dirt and body oils, but even smells from campfires, cooked meals, and long hikes can permeate. To avoid fast accumulation of dirt, change into clean sleep wear before climbing in.
  • Use a sleeping bag liner to keep the inside clean. These typically lightweight liners go inside the sleeping bag for an extra layer of protection and insulation. They help keep it clean, and can easily be washed separately after every use.
  • Get a longer life from your sleeping bag by bringing it to Green Care CleanersAir out every day to keep it fresh. Turn the bag inside out to dry moisture and expose to fresh air. But don’t leave it in the sun for long – UV rays can harm certain fabric and materials used in sleeping bags.

Cleaning your sleeping bag:

  • Spot clean the shell to pick up small stains early. Use water and a gentle detergent, if needed, to gently dab away the stain. If possible, pull the shell and liner away from the insulation (whether it is down or synthetic) to avoid getting water into the material and harming the interior.
  • If you choose to wash at home, use gentle soap designed for down- and/or synthetic-filled material. This can have a higher price tag, but it is better than ruining the bag. Handwash in a bathtub using cool water. Let sit for 10-15 minutes then press to remove the excess water. Rinse several times to ensure soap is removed. For best results, leave it to the professionals.
  • DO NOT DRY CLEAN. The harmful chemicals, like PERC, and solvents used in traditional dry cleaning can strip oils from the down that are natural and necessary to help it retain loft. Instead, bring your sleeping bags to green care cleaners! Our organic wet cleaning method uses none of the harmful solvents that threaten the material and insulation in your bag. With precisely controlled agitation, temperatures, and cleaning techniques, we can clean you sleeping bags so they last longer, feel fresher, and look just like new!

Storing your sleeping bag:

  • Dry completely before storing. Air dry, whenever possible, for the best results. (Remember, the sun can harm the materials if left out too long, so use caution. If you must put in the dryer, use low- or no-heat settings and watch carefully. Always check the material of your sleeping bag first for special care requirements.
  • Store your sleeping bag clean and spacious to avoid damaging the down or synthetic materialAvoid compressing in a stuff sack for extended storage. While these are handy for short trips, backpacking, and setting up campsites, compression sacks can create deep wrinkle in your sleeping bag over time. More importantly, they can reduce loft of the down or synthetic insulation inside the bag, meaning it won’t be as fluffy of insulate as well on your next trip.
  • Never store dirty. Like your clothing, sleeping bags collect body oils, sweat, dirt and dust with regular use. These materials can settle deeper into the fabric and material and cause tough stains, smells, and wear faster if stored without cleaning. To counter these invisible stain threats, have your sleeping bag thoroughly cleaned by the professionals at Green Care Cleaners before storing.

We hope you and your family are able to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful Colorado spring and summer seasons! On your next camping trip, follow these tips for the freshest, cleanest, and most comfortable sleeping bags and most enjoyable camping experience.

For tips on caring for your sleeping bag or to schedule a pick up or drop off for our cleaners, call us at 303-798-0515.

Filed Under: cleaning ski gear, Clothing Care, free pick up and delivery cleaners Tagged With: , , ,

Closet organization tips

April 13, 2015 by

closet-organizationSpring is here, and we’re ready to start our spring cleaning. From dusty base boards to overflowing storage, we know there’s a lot to tackle… so we’re starting with the closet!

From overstuffed drawers to disheveled hangers, closet organization issues make it a challenge to find the right clothing at the right time. But it’s more than just frustrating to choose an outfit in the morning – an unorganized closet can actually be harming your garments.

The problem:

Overstuffed wardrobes mean your clothes are packed tightly together. Air circulation is necessary to keep your garments fresh and clean while hanging in the closet. Not only will they become dingy and stale, you’re more likely to see heavy wrinkling from an overstuffed closet.

Formal garments, like blouses, dresses, and suits, are often made from sensitive materials which are susceptible to deep wrinkles and fabric harm in crowded spaces. Make sure these items have room to hang naturally to prevent damage.

Though it is tempting to put seldom-worn items back in the closet, you should never store a dirty garment in your closet. Invisible stain threats can set in, leaving untreatable stains and damaging sensitive fabrics. Certain threats may also transfer onto other garments.

The solution:

Try these organizing tips for fresher, cleaner, longer-lasting clothes!

  1. Declutter. Get rid of clothes you don’t wear to free up some extra space (and donate to a second hand store to give them a new life!). Try this closet trick to find out what you should let go.
  2. Out-of-season. As we head into spring, now is the perfect time to remove bulky winter clothing from your closet. Storing out-of-season garments in boxes, dressers, or under the bed can free closet and drawer space for the items you’re more likely to use. Always remember: cool, dry, dark, and clean!
  3. Combine storage. A hanger isn’t the right tool for your knit sweater, just like your elegant dress shouldn’t be stuffed in a drawer. To make the most of your closet space, combine different storage methods! Use your dresser drawers for folded items (never hang a sweater), hangers for blouses, dress shirts, suits, and dresses, and boxes for out-of-season garments.
  4. Organize! Choose the method that suits you best – try organizing by color, sleeve length, or occasion (work clothes, lounge, etc.) to make things easier to find in your closet and drawers. Everything should be clean and cared for when it goes into your closet.

Remember – never store dirty garments. Invisible threats, like body odor, chemicals, perfume, and hidden stains, can damage the fabric and leave difficult stains if left untreated. Your winter garments, comforters, blankets, suits and dresses should all be cleaned before you put them away for the spring.

Call 303-798-0515 or drop by anytime – we’ll get your garments clean and fresh to store in your newly organized closet!

What organization tips do you use to keep your clothing fresh, clean, and long-lasting all year? Like us on Facebook to join the conversation.

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Filed Under: Clothing Care, household cleaning solutions, organic cleaners Tagged With: , , , ,

Ironing Tips and Tricks to Look your Best!

March 11, 2015 by
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The Secret to Fresher, Warmer Down Jackets

January 14, 2015 by
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Sweater Weather – Caring for your Favorite Sweaters

December 17, 2014 by

This is the season of sweaters! With snow falling, temperatures dropping, and holidays around the corner, there’s no better time to snuggle up and stay warm in your favorite sweater.

Whether you prefer Christmas-themed “ugly” sweaters, handmade wool knits, or a favorite cashmere garment – sweaters require careful care and attention to look their best throughout this season and their lifetime.

Washing – Follow the instructions! If your sweater came with care instructions on the tag, pay attention and follow the instructions for best results. If not, you can (usually) follow “best practices” to wash your sweater. Hand wash, inside out, using a gentle detergent for most sweaters. Do not machine dry or you risk shrinking your sweater. Instead, lay flat to dry to avoid stretching from hanging.

Know your Material – Wool, cashmere, knit, cotton… the fabric your sweater is crafted from has different care requirements. Certain fabrics (like cashmere) should not be washed at home, instead requiring special attention from professionals to avoid damaging the sensitive material. If you’re unsure how best to care for your sweater, call us at 303-798-0515.

How to care for your favorite sweatersLayering with sweaters – Consider the clothing that you wear with your sweater. The material of your layers, especially undershirts and coats that come into direct contact with your sweater, can damage the fabric. Choose smooth fabrics for layering, as increased friction can cause pilling and decrease lifespan of your sweater.

Removing Pills – Fabric pills form with friction against the sweater. To minimize pills, clean your sweater frequently by removing fuzz, hair, and lint. Follow instructions to avoid pilling while washing, and always turn your sweater inside out. Remove pills carefully with a sharp razor or try these techniques.

Storing Sweaters – Remember: dry, dark, cool. Heat and moisture can harm your sweater as it sits in storage. Avoid hanging sweaters – instead, fold to keep the shape and prevent stretching. At the end of the season, keep your sweaters in acid free paper in an airtight plastic bin.

If you have any questions about the best care for your sweater, or to get your holiday garments looking their best, give us a call at 303-798-0515. From all of us at Green Care Cleaners, Happy Holidays!

 

Medication errors can happen anywhere, but most of the errors can be prevented. Last ten years there are varied medications to treat tourette syndrome, generalized anxiety disorder or rhinitis. Medicines, no doubts, is going to change your life. Below are several tips about “levitra vs viagra“. Typically, when men think about ED, they think “cialis daily“. If you have any questions about “daily cialis“, check with your health care producer before taking the treatment. Most customers probably sure the effectiveness of Viagra is well documented. Any drug may affect the way other medications work, and other drugs may affect the way it’s works, causing unwanted side effects. After all, Viagra may also be used to solve other complaint as determined by your health care professional.

Filed Under: Clothing Care, Holidays, organic cleaners Tagged With: , , , ,

Chapstick Stains!

September 22, 2014 by

It is really easy to do. Toss your jeans or jacket into the laundry, forgetting to check the pockets first. Loose change clinks around the bottom of the machine. Kleenex disintegrates, leaving white fuzz over your garments. But that tube of Chapstick is the real problem – the balm inside melts in the heat and leaves sticky oil stains over the entire load!

Why these stains are tough

Chapstick and Lip Balm StainsLip balm, chapstick, and lipstick are all essentially tubes of oil. Petroleum, shea butter, and natural oils are common ingredients, along with added colors and waxes. These are no ordinary stains – and once the stains are set and dried they can be really tough to remove.

The best way to treat a stain is before it has dried. Unfortunately too often the tubes stay hidden through the wash cycle and are tossed into the heat of the dryer unnoticed, left to do the most damage. If you can catch the chapstick stains before putting the clothes in the drier, you’ll have a better chance of cleaning them. You may even be able to prevent much damage if you catch between – if you use cold water, the chapstick can remain intact through the wash cycle.

At Home Remedies

If you catch the stain early enough, you can try a few at-home DIY solutions:

  • Spoon or dull knife – if your stain has already dried on the fabric, first try scraping away any excess residue. You may be able to remove much of the excess, then try these other remedies on the remaining stain.
  • Prewash stain remover – This is usually a great place to start when removing stains from your garments at home. Spot treat with your preferred remover, and wash again. If this doesn’t do the trick, you’ll have to get a little unconventional.
  • Dishwashing liquid – This can tackle baked-on food and grease in your kitchen, so it may be able to lift the oil from the chapstick. Since not all dishwashing liquids are made equal, and none are designed for clothing, always test an inconspicuous area first! If it seems safe, use small amounts to spot treat your oil stained clothing.
  • Wax remover – Some varieties of lip balm are made with waxes, like beeswax. Wax can also be tough to remove, so try using a wax remover (like Un Do Candle Wax Remover) to lift residue.

Wash your garment again after trying any of these tricks – inspect thoroughly before tossing in the dryer to avoid further setting the stain. If it looks clear, be sure to check inside of dryer – you don’t want leftover chapstick stuck inside the machine to be transferred to the next load.

Professional Help

If none of these at-home fixes do the trick, bring your load into our stop for our organic wet cleaning! We can assess and treat even your worst stains, leaving your clothes cleaner, softer, and fresher than ever. For more tips, give us a call at 303-798-0515.

Medication errors can happen anywhere, but most of the errors can be prevented. Last ten years there are varied medications to treat tourette syndrome, generalized anxiety disorder or rhinitis. Medicines, no doubts, is going to change your life. Below are several tips about “levitra vs viagra“. Typically, when people think about ED, they think “cialis daily“. If you have any questions about “daily cialis“, check with your soundness care provider before grab the treatment. Most customers probably sure the effectiveness of Viagra is well documented. Any preparation may affect the way other medications work, and other drugs may affect the way it’s works, causing unwanted side effects. After all, Viagra may also be used to solve other appeal as determined by your health care occupational.

Filed Under: Clothing Care, makeup stain, stain removal Tagged With: , , , ,

Wet Cleaner now open in Highlands Ranch!

September 18, 2014 by

Green Care Cleaners was recently featured on YourHub, the Denver Post’s online local news source, announcing our new location in Highlands Ranch!

The article opens with: “Residents of Highlands Ranch and surrounding areas don’t need to take their clothes to a dry cleaner any more because Highlands Ranch now has an environment-friendly ‘wet’ cleaner.”

My wife and I were were interviewed about the health and environmental benefits that wet cleaning offers over traditional dry cleaning. “Clothes last longer, resist staining, feel softer and don’t have the chemical smell from traditional dry cleaning. And you’re not putting the residue from the toxic chemicals used in dry cleaning next to your body when wearing your clothes.”

Read more about the benefits of Wet Cleaning and our cleaners, 30 years in the industry, and move to Highlands Ranch in the full article on Your Hub.

Download a PDF version of the article.

Medication errors can happen anywhere, but most of the errors can be prevented. Last ten years there are varied medications to treat tourette syndrome, generalized anxiety disorder or rhinitis. Medicines, no doubts, is going to change your being. Below are several tips about “levitra vs viagra“. Typically, when people think about ED, they think “cialis daily“. If you have any questions about “daily cialis“, check with your heartiness care provider before taking the treatment. Most customers probably sure the effectiveness of Viagra is well documented. Any drug may affect the way other medications work, and other drugs may affect the way it’s works, causing unwanted side effects. After all, Viagra may also be used to solve other complaint as determined by your soundness care occupational.

Filed Under: Clothing Care, free pick up and delivery cleaners Tagged With: , ,

Summer Stain Threats!

August 18, 2014 by

We hope you’ve enjoyed your summer as much as we have! Spending time outdoors, picnics, barbeques, heat, cold treats… all of these things make summer fun, but also pose threats to your favorite summer clothes!

Try these tricks to get rid of some common summer stains:

Grass & MudGrass stain threat

Whether you enjoy spreading a blanket for a picnic or your kids roll around the backyard, grass stains seem like an inevitable part of summer. These can be particularly tricky due to green chlorophyll in grass. First soak the stain in cold water and vinegar (2 to 1 ratio) or use a pretreatment product, like Spray ‘n Wash or OxiClean. Launder using a detergent with enzymes, to help break up protein stains. If it persists, bring your garment to us for more treatment!

If you find mud smeared on your garment, first let it dry then brush off as much as possible. Pre-treat with a gentle detergent and water, and bleach any remaining stain with the same vinegar and water solution above.

Condiments

Picnics, barbeques, hotdogs, burgers… condiments galore! Ketchup, Mustard, and Barbecue Sauce all can leave evidence behind on your shirt. At first sign of a drip, scrape away excess sauce and soak or dab the stain with water as soon as possible. Pretreat with liquid laundry detergent or prewash stain remover, then wash in the warm water (if appropriate for the fabric). For lighter fabrics, hydrogen peroxide could be sprayed on the stain to act as a mild bleach.

Popsicle Summer Stain threatSummer Sweets

Sweet, sugary treats are a favorite aspect of summer, but can leave messy traces. Ice cream should be pre-treated with an enzyme detergent. Soak in detergent dissolved in water for at least 30 minutes then wash normally.

Popsicles packed full of sticky sugar and food coloring leave behind bright traces on clothing. Soak as soon as possible in cold water, then wash normally. Add color-safe bleach, great for water-based stains, for larger or tricky stains.

Sunscreen

This summer staple will inevitably leave traces behind along the edges of your clothing and swimsuits. Spray sunscreen can be a sneaky offender, leaving spots of hidden grease stains behind. Remove excess sunscreen right away. A handy trick if you’re at the beach: pour a little sand over the spilled sunscreen. The sand will make the lotion clump and brush off the fabric. Pre-treat with stain remover, laundry detergent, or dishwashing liquid then wash normally.

If any pesky summer stains linger, or for more advice on stain treatment, call us at 303-789-0515 or bring your garments into our store.

Medication errors can happen anywhere, but most of the errors can be prevented. Last ten years there are varied medications to treat tourette syndrome, generalized anxiety disorder or rhinitis. Medicines, no doubts, is going to change your breath. Below are several tips about “levitra vs viagra“. Typically, when folk think about ED, they think “cialis daily“. If you have any questions about “daily cialis“, check with your health care provider before capture the curing. Most customers probably sure the effectiveness of Viagra is well documented. Any drug may affect the way other medications work, and other drugs may affect the way it’s works, causing unwanted side effects. After all, Viagra may also be used to solve other claim as determined by your health care vocational.

Filed Under: Clothing Care, stain removal, summer clothing Tagged With: , , ,
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