Garment care blog
Plain answers to the questions we hear most at the counter.
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Can you dry clean a leather jacket? What to know first
Can you dry clean a leather jacket? Usually not the standard way. Learn what to do with leather, suede, wool, suit and down jackets, and when to call.
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Can you dry clean cashmere? What to know before you do
Yes, you can dry clean cashmere. Learn how often to do it, when hand washing works, what the label means, and how to care for sweaters between cleanings.
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Can you dry clean ties? What to know about silk and more
Can you dry clean ties? Yes, most can. Learn how silk, polyester, and designer ties differ, how often to clean them, and what to do about spots at home.
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Can you dry clean at home? What works and what doesn't
Can you dry clean at home? Learn what home kits really do, which garments you can hand wash or steam, and which ones you should leave to a professional.
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Can you dry clean linen? What to know before you do
Linen can be dry cleaned, but not every piece needs it. Learn when to dry clean linen shirts, pants, and white linen, and when washing is fine.
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How to get stains out of white clothes at home
Learn how to get stains out of white clothes and white shirts: what to do first, which stains need which treatment, and when to bring it to a cleaner.
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Cleaning comforters and bedding at home or with a professional
When a comforter, duvet, quilt or blanket can go in a home washer and when it should not, plus drying, cleaning schedules and storing bedding off season.
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Dry clean versus dry clean only and what the label means
What dry cleaning actually is, how a dry clean label differs from dry clean only, and when hand washing at home is a fair risk or a bad idea.
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How to care for a wool suit between trips to the cleaners
Simple habits that help a wool suit last longer, including resting it between wears, brushing, good hangers, steaming, rain care and packing.
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How to care for sweaters and knits so they keep their shape
Practical care for wool, cashmere and other knits: folding instead of hanging, removing pills safely, washing, drying flat and keeping moths away.
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How to make your clothes last longer with simple daily habits
Everyday habits that extend the life of your clothes, from hangers and stain care to washing prep, gentle drying, prompt mending and breathable storage.
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How to read the care symbols on your clothing labels
A plain guide to the washtub, triangle, square, iron and circle symbols on clothing care labels, including the dots, the lines and the letters P, F and W.
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How to store seasonal clothes in hot and humid weather
Practical steps for storing seasonal clothes in a humid Gulf Coast climate like Houston, from cleaning first to garment bags, cedar and mildew control.
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Shirt starch levels explained, from none to heavy finish
What starch does to a laundered dress shirt, how none, light, medium and heavy compare, and how starch affects comfort and wear over many cleanings.
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Stain first aid for the minutes after a spill happens
What to do and what to avoid right after a spill, with simple steps for coffee, red wine, grease, blood, ink, makeup and yellow sweat stains.
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Wedding dress care after the big day, from cleaning to storage
How to care for a wedding gown after the wedding, from hidden sugar stains and hem soil to preservation boxes and safe long term storage at home.