How dry cleaning keeps clothes from shrinking.

There’s nothing like pulling your favorite shirt from the dryer only to discover that it’s a few sizes smaller than when it went in. Not only is this frustrating, but it can end up costing you money because it won’t be long before you replace all of these shrunken pieces of clothes. Whether your spouse is notorious for shrinking garments, or you try to prevent this common laundry faux pas from happening with no luck, there is an easier solution. Here we explore a few ways that dry cleaning can prevent your clothes from shrinking (once and for all!).

Dry cleaners are skilled at cleaning a variety of fabrics

While there are a few different factors that can result in clothing to shrink after the cleaning process, one essential aspect is how you handle the different fabrics. Even when you’re diligent about reading labels and following the directions to the letter, when the fabric is mishandled, it can lead to shrinkage. A dry cleaner is skilled at treating the many unique fibers and weaves of clothing material with care to ensure the integrity stays intact throughout the washing and drying process.

Your clothes are handled with the utmost care

There’s a good chance your favorite clothes react to the at-home temperatures they’re cleaned at. One misstep or wrong cycle setting can cause the fabric to shrink. Dry cleaners use the latest techniques to ensure that each piece of your laundry is washed with attention to detail.

Specific items need to avoid going into machines altogether because water is a primary culprit in causing fabrics to shrink. Rather than water, dry cleaners use particular solvents to clean and remove stains from the garment. The experts are diligent at separating clothing by material and colors to ensure each piece gets the attention it deserves.

Don’t take any more chances!

If you want to prevent your favorite wardrobe pieces from shrinking (and to extend their life), enlist a reputable dry cleaning service. At Old Dominion Cleaners, our specialists use eco-friendly cleaning solutions that keep clothes from shrinking and leaves the colors vibrant.

Be smart like Ms. Olivia!

Benefits of using a professional dry cleaner.

Most of the time when your clothes are dirty, you just throw them in the washer and toss it in the dryer right after. However, in some circumstances the washer and dryer can do your clothes more harm than good – that is why we suggest dry cleaning your clothing items.

Twice a week we will pick up your clothes and bring them to our cleaners for you. But, do you truly know the benefits of professional dry cleaning?

1. If you use a professional dry cleaning service, you will not have to worry about your clothes shrinking or running colors because no water is used.
2. No need to worry about loose buttons, at the dry cleaners they will repair buttons, if needed.
3. Dry cleaners can remove stains from your favorite items, allowing you to extend the wear of your clothing.
4. Saves you time. By dry cleaning your clothes you are able to not worry about folding nor ironing – dry cleaning allows you tackle other items on your to do list.
5. Need something altered? Dry cleaning has you covered. Have you loved a piece of clothing so much but it got too small or too big? At the dry cleaners, we can alter clothing items for you.

Feeling inspired to get your clothes dry cleaned? Let Old Dominion Cleaners service you with free pick up and delivery at your home or office.  Visit us at   olddominioncleaners.com 

8 Reasons to use Old Dominion Cleaners

The benefits of dry cleaning are myriad and encompass many aspects of clothing care. Here are just a few!

Professional Alterations

Old Dominion Cleaners offers the convenience of quick alterations. This service makes all your daily chores easier. Don’t sweat it; just have Old Dominion Cleaners sew it!

Simple Repair

Speaking of simple repair, Old Dominion Cleaners can re-attach a button as quickly as one-two-three. Don’t waste time and risk a possible needle poke trying to do it yourself. This service is free from us to you 90% of the time.

Convenience

Old Dominion Cleaners is especially proud of the convenience of our service. We simply come to your home our office to pick up garments that need attention. This might be the number one reason to take advantage of our services.

Dry Cleaning
Prevent shrinkage and damage to your clothing. Dry cleaning itself is a process that breaks down soil and removes grease. This process keeps your favorite garments looking great and living longer.

Specialists
When you leave your garments with us you can rest easy knowing that our specialists will take great care of your clothing..

As You Like
We perform our cleaning services to your exact specifications. That’s our full service product – preparing your dry cleaned garments exactly to your specifications. Light starch? No starch? Just let us know.

Fabric Expertise

If you’re reading this blog, you no doubt know that there are gaggles of fabrics – from silk to angora, polyester, synthetic blends, it can be a little overwhelming. Our specialists are experts and know ahead of time if a fabric can be negatively affected by a treatment. This will save you time, money and headache.

Neckties
Ties and other accouterments are often made of delicate materials and require special handling. We know and are ready!

This is just a short list of the benefits of our services. 

Visit us today at https://olddominioncleaners.com today to see what we can do for you. 

(c) Can Stock Photo

Interviewing for success.

There’s no end to articles about tips and techniques for interviewing for a new position. It’s all good advice, too. But some of the basics are often overlooked. If you’re a new grad entering the workforce for the first time, looking to make a change or even returning after a bit of a break, it’s good to have the basics down. 

Everyone has heard the adage, “Dress for the job you want, not the one you have.” While there seems to be a cultural shift towards business casual (sometimes more casual than business), people still are judged by their appearance. 

There are always exceptions to rules, which make them more like guidelines, but in general, these basics will apply. 

Colors: Conservative or Spring Style?

Black is a classic color for business. A simple black outfit is always a good idea. Other professional colors are Taupe and Navy. Adding a splash of color isn’t a bad idea – like a scarf or necktie. 

Accessories:
Accessories are a chance to share your personality while keeping it professional. As with all things fashion, simple is better. Dangly, clinking, sparklies might not be the most appropriate. A watch, however, sends a message of organization and conscientiousness. If your accessories are shabby, you’ll disrupt the message you’re trying to send. 

Shoes for Interviews

Men should keep it simple, but footwear especially is a quality over quantity decision. Women should wear closed-toe shoes. Starting from the ground up, the shoes are literally the foundation of your attire. 

Women’s Fashion

There are a few extra details for women to remember. Don’t wear anything sleeveless to an interview. As well, no bare legs (nylons) and be conservative with the length of a skirt. 

Dress the Season

If you’re interviewing in February in Minnesota or Wisconsin, it’s a safe bet it’s going to be cold out. So extend your interview fashion to layers – sweaters help insulate and can be removed easily enough. Conversely, it does no good to show up for an interview covered in sweat. 

Select Fabrics Carefully

Choosing something that breathes, and doesn’t wrinkle easily is very important. Wool and polyester, thick fabrics and closely woven fabrics wrinkle less.

Image credit: © Can Stock Photo Inc. / AdamGregor7

For answers to frequently asked dry cleaning questions, visit us www.olddominioncleaners.com

Cleaning resolutions for 2016.

The New Year is upon us again and people are making resolutions—at Old Dominion Cleaners, we’re resolving to keep things neat and organized. Here are a few of our favorite tips to help keep things going smoothly. 

Rotate Your Seasonal Wardrobe

We’ve talked about this before, but it’s important for organization and long term care of your clothing. By properly storing your summer or winter wardrobe, those clothes will be protected in the off-season and ready to go when you need them. 

Storage

Proper storage is important. Making sure you have your winter clothing stored in a clean, dry location is key. Sending your coats, sweaters, etc., to the cleaners before putting them in storage is a great idea. That way you’ll be all set when you need them. 

Space

The simple fact is few of us have the storage space for all of our seasonal wardrobe items. Winter gear—hats, scarves, mittens—often end up in coat pockets or in a basket by the door. Swapping out your spring coats and putting them in storage for the winter, or winter coats for the spring and summer, will free up vast amounts of space. This will make it easier to de-clutter your home. This is an important step in the Keep It Clean in 2016 resolution. 

Mudroom or Foyer?

It doesn't matter what you call it—as long as you use it! The mudroom isn’t for boxes storing lawn chairs—it’s for keeping all those excess coats, jackets, mittens, boots and all the rest from cluttering up your inside closets. So use it! 

Dry Cleaning

No matter how fastidious you are, winter is messy. Mud, slush and salt can take a toll on your winter wardrobe. Be sure to send your coats in to be dry-cleaned at least once a season. Removing excess salt from garments can prolong their lifespan and keep that salt from mixing in with your other laundry items.

You’ll find that you have many tools at your disposal to help you stay focused on your resolution to Keep It Clean in 2016! 

For answers to more questions about our services, visit us at olddominioncleaners.com

Don't sweat the sweaters.

Despite the warm November we've had, it is still advised to go through your winter clothing and preparing for the colder weather and snow. Unpacking the winter clothing can be fun – sometimes you forget about all the great outfits and fall clothing you have. Here’s a quick guide to getting your winter wear back into rotation and ready to go!

Freshen up!

If you didn’t store you clothing with cedar chips (smells great!) or mothballs (sometimes not so great!) your clothing might have a scent you need to get rid of before use. The best way to get rid of the stale, musty smell is to prevent it. But if it happens, then there are a few things you can do.

Natural Remedies

Storing your clothing with cedar chips is the best way to prevent the mustiness from accumulating. But you can’t always prevent mustiness. Rather than use chemicals, which might be harsh on the skin or cause an allergic reaction, some people like to use all-natural remedies. In this case, the best remedy for mustiness would be steam followed by fresh air.

Brushing

Yes, brushing. Brushing can remove hair, lint, dirt, oils, pet dander, pollen and other particles. While the clothes did go into storage clean, a quick once over with a brush never hurts. 

Fresh Air

Hanging your stored clothing in a fall breeze is a safe, chemical-free way to literally, air them out. No need to make it complicated! 

Professional Care Recommended

Although there are other no-cost options such as those recommended above, your best bet for garment care is to take your sweaters to a trusted, professional dry cleaner. They have the equipment, cleaning agents and knowledge to help preserve your sweaters for a longer life and can revive them so you are ready for cold weather whenever it decides to show up. 

For answers to more frequently asked dry cleaning questions, visit us at olddominioncleaners.com

How to care for velvet clothing.

Velvet is one of winter’s fashion favorites, especially crushed velvets and velvet garments with decorative trim. Many types of apparel are made of velvet, including pants, dresses, gowns, coats, capes, and jackets. Velvet is also popular for household items, such as furniture covers and drapes.

What is velvet?

Velvet has long been known as the fabric of royalty. At one time, blue velvet was reserved solely for use by the French king, his family, and favored subjects.

Velvets are made on a double action loom. Two layers of fabric are woven at the same time, and the space between them is interlaced with connecting yarns.

The two layers are then cut apart as they come off the loom, producing two pieces of fabric with an upright pile surface.

True velvet is usually made of rayon, acetate, silk, or a blend of these fibers and has a short, closely-woven pile. Velveteen is similar to velvet, but it is usually made of cotton or cotton/polyester blend and has a shorter pile. Finishes are often applied to velvets to keep the pile erect and resilient, to secure the pile, or to give the fabric body.

What types of problems can velvets experience?

Velvet can experience a variety of problems, including a loss of pile, flattening and matting, pilling and tufting, and shrinkage. Crushed velvets have a tendency to experience a loss of design and distortion from wear alone. Velvets made of acetate pose special problems: the pile can become permanently flattened with moisture, heat, or pressure. As a result, the pile on an acetate velvet dress is more likely to show the effects of wear. Even greater flattening develops if the velvet is brushed or if any pressure is put on it while wet.

How can you keep your velvets fit for royalty?

• Hang velvet garments in a well-ventilated closet after wearing.

• If a velvet garment gets wet, do not apply pressure, as this can flatten the pile.

• Do not iron velvets. Hang in the bathroom and steam the garment to remove any wrinkles.

• Clean velvet garments immediately after use.

• Shake excess spills from the fabric and allow to dry. Do not blot or apply any pressure in damp areas.

If you do get a stain on a velvet garment, our stain removal experts can help. 

 For answers to more frequently asked dry cleaning questions, visit us at:

https://www.olddominioncleaners.com