Sunscreen and Suntan Lotion Stains

Hot, sunny days require sunscreen and suntan lotion. While most people use these products to help protect their skin from the sun, others use them to enhance their skin tone.

Unfortunately, the components found in most sunscreens and suntan lotions can cause stains to fabrics. Most of these skin care products contain oils to make them moisture-resistant. They may also contain dyes to give them a certain color or to allow the skin to darken.

Initially, stains caused by these products may be invisible, but age and/or the heating of cleaning may cause them to become more apparent.

How do you prevent stains from sunscreen?
To prevent these stains, follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. The general rule of thumb is to allow the preparation to dry before it contacts a garment. Also wash your hands before handling garments to avoid possible staining. However, it is important to note that despite these precautions, some residue may still transfer to clothing through perspiration.

Can these stains be treated?
The oil component of skin care preparations may not be easily removed in normal washing or dry cleaning procedures, but appropriate stain removal techniques can be successful. For this reason, it is important to tell your cleaner if sunscreens or tanning lotions may have contacted the garment. The more information your cleaner knows about stains, the happier both of you will be when your garment is returned.]

At  Marky's Dry Cleaners in Denton Texas, we are a full service Dry Cleaners and would love to take on the task of cleaning your summer outfits
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On Site Cleaning = Access To Professional Dry Cleaning Management At Marky's Dry Cleaners we do our dry cleaning and laundry on site.  This gives you access to professional dry cleaning management and 60+ years in combined dry cleaning experience.

How to Remove Ink and Toner from Clothes

If you’ve ever had to change printer cartridges, chances are you’ve spilled toner or ink on yourself or your clothing.  When this happens there’s that sense of panic that sweeps over you.  What are you going to do now?  Did you ruin your clothes? Are you going to be able to get this stuff off?  Here are some tips from some pros to getting those toner or ink stains out of your clothes.

The first thing you will want to do before attempting to remove any stains is read the clothing label to determine the garment’s fiber content. This is usually listed on the tag on the garment. Test any chemicals in a small inconspicuous on a seam allowance or inside or the hem to be sure the material can handle it. Rayon, or acetate, for instance, are sensitive to rubbing alcohol and nail polish remover.

HOW TO REMOVE TONER ON YOUR CLOTHES:

1. Vacuum the affected area then take the garment off.
2. Vigorously shake the remaining toner out of your clothing.
3. Gently brush as much of the stain off the clothing as possible using a soft bristled brush.  DO NOT rub the stain.  This will only force the powder further down into the fabric making it more difficult to clean.
4. If you do not have a soft bristled brush, use a dry cloth, such as a towel, in a brushing motion on the stain.  (Please note that this cloth will most likely become stained, so use something you do not mind getting soiled.)
5. Dampen a dry, absorbent cloth with rubbing alcohol and then blog it on the toner stain.  (Please note that the toner will likely stain this cloth.)
6. Spray the stain with hairspray, blot with towels on BOTH sides of the fabric and wash in COLD water in the washing machine.   Make sure the stain is completely gone before placing the item in the dryer as it is the heat the fuses the toner dust and makes the stain permanent.

HOW TO REMOVE FRESH INK STAINS FROM YOUR CLOTHES:

1. Dab the stain with a clean, damp towel or sponge until no more ink will lift from the affected area.
2. Let the stain air dry.
3. Spray the stain with hairspray or dab with alcohol.
4. Put the stained fabric between two paper towels.
5. Blot the back side of the stained fabric.  This will force the stain out of the fabric and into the other paper towel.
6. As you continue to press, the stain will transfer to the other paper towel.  Move the paper towel so the clean segment of the towel lifts the stain.  Continue pressing and moving the paper towel so the stain does not re-transfer back into the fabric after you’ve gotten it into the towel.  If you need to use a new paper towel, do so.  When the stain is completely lifted, you are done.
   

   MAYBE YOU WOULD LIKE DENTON'S BEST TO GIVE IT A TRY. CALL MARKY'S DRY CLEANERS  940-381-1182 OR STOP BY THE STORE AT 507 W. UNIVERSITY DR. DENTON, TX 76201

Velvet: A Royal Fabric

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. 

Dealing with Missing Buttons: What to Do When Your Shirts Come Back Without Buttons

Dress shirts sent for professional cleaning are typically water-washed with soap, starched, and then pressed on a 3-part (collar/cuffs, sleeves and body) shirt steam/pressing machine. Shirt buttons can break while cleaning, when pressing, or just when trying to button your dress shirt.  While not a catastrophic event, it can be bothersome if you happen to be on a business trip and your important meeting is in an hour.

So, what to do? Here are a few things you can try both before and after your button’s gone missing at the cleaners.

• There’s a possibility the button was missing before you dropped your shirts and blouses off at the dry cleaner. Take a quick look at your garments before leaving them at the cleaners and point this out to the attendant when dropping the off.  If you can't remember to do this, place a safety pin where the button belongs and that should get the dry cleaner's attention.
• Top-notch dry cleaning services (including Marky's Dry Cleaners here in the Denton, Texas area) will make the time to check for missing buttons before and after the dry cleaning process is completed, so only take your clothing to a reputable location. Though even the best service will occasionally miss one, you should use someone who makes the effort and replaces the missing buttons before returning the garment to you.
• You can request that your cotton and cotton-blend shirts and blouses be dry cleaned rather than laundered. This leaves a softer feel on your shirts and blouses and is especially appropriate for delicate items. Shirt creases are not as sharp.  Expect to pay more for this option, as it requires more labor.
• It’s possible the buttons come off because the thread is loose. Try sewing your buttons back on with professional grade thread or even dental floss, which is incredibly strong.  But make sure the thread color used is the same as for the rest of the buttons.

As for that button you need replaced for the meeting? Check the inside of the garment to make sure there isn’t a spare, usually on a side seam near the bottom of the shirt. Use your travel sewing kit or ask for one at the front desk. Those little kits usually include one or two buttons that will do in a pinch, and most people will not notice your buttons don’t match. You can also try taking a button from the part of the shirt that gets tucked in and move it to the visible location.

A good dry cleaning service will often replace your shirt buttons free of charge as part of their services. Some dry cleaners will even give you a discount on future dry cleaning services if you have to return for button replacement. Don’t be afraid to ask – reputable dry cleaners want to earn your trust and keep your business.

Money Saving Tips

Money Saving Tips

Even the experts cannot agree on when the recession will ease, some say 9/09, others 10/09.  With up to a year and a half in front of us, try some of these suggestions to keep more money in your pocket:

Ø  Turn off lights and air conditioning when not in the room, in the house, or at work. This goes for the big corps too.  Even better, use smart, programmable units and save hundreds.

Ø  Switch to fluorescent lights, the savings is significant. Look for full-spectrum bulbs. If you really don’t like all fluorescent light, use incandescent bulbs in strategic places, like where you read. 

Ø  Stop buying new clothing every season; take better care of the clothes you already own.

Ø  Minimize convenience item purchases. Wherever possible, use dishcloths rather than paper towels, a sports bottle filled with filtered water rather than a new bottle of water,  etc.

Ø  Make your own greeting cards and your own gourmet coffee at home.

Ø  Check out movies at your library before buying or renting them.  It’s free!

Ø  Before you dial 411, use the phone book or the internet to look up the number.

Summer 2013 Officewear Trends for Women From Your Dry Cleaner

Staying stylish at work is of upmost importance to appear "with it" and relevant.   Keeping tabs on new ideas for work appropriate attire is a great way to spice up your wardrobe and keep your style fresh.  As Professional Dry Cleaners in Denton Texas, we see on a daily basis new and interesting garments.  I thought it would be a great time to share some of these styles with you.

This is one of my favorite looks, classy and chic, and a great look for summer office wear.  I find the traditional long sleeved, heavy suit jackets are not only confining, but are usually far too hot and uncomfortable.  This is esspecially true if you deal with very hot and humid summers like we do in the south. By getting rid of the sleeves, you've just upped your comfort factor many times over.  A look like this also maintains it's office appropriateness by remaining structured and modest, while remaining cool and stylish.  The belt accentuates the waist perfectly.  This is a versitile piece that can be worn as shown, layered with a sleeveless blouse, or can be paired with any color slacks.

This look dresses up a pair of bermuda shorts to keep you looking professional and oh so comfortable!  Pairing a tailored short with a breezy white safari shirt and adding matching accessories make this whole look work. The belt works to dress up this casual shirt and accentuate the waist.  The bag is a neutral color that compliments the entire outfit.  Shoes are heels to keep the whole look office appropriate. For casual looks, you can wear a sensible pair of flats if your workplace allows, or dress it up with heels as shown. This look and photo is courtesy of nyandcompany.

Lastly, here we have the belted tunic.  This look is a great look for many reasons; it's cool enough for those super hot days, shorter tunics can be paired with nice shorts, a complimentary skirt, or skinny slacks. Again, the belt acsecuates the waist.  Heels are shown in the example and can be switched out for a cute pair of sandals in more casual environments.

Summer fabrics are going to be light and airy by design.  This means that most wont last too long if you were to just throw them in a washing machine.  Pay special attention to care labels and if it says Dry Clean only, be sure to bring it to you Dry Cleaner!

Hanger Recycling

Comet Cleaners has joined with the Dry Cleaning and Laundry Institute to  reduce the energy, raw material, landfill space needed for steel hangers and contribute to a greener planet.

Our Goal

30 Million Less Hangers in 2013!

2013 will see thirty million fewer hangers making their way to landfills thanks to cleaners participating in the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute's "DLI Cleaners Care Hanger Recycling Program." The new program spans the globe and encourages members to recycle hangers to reduce waste.

How to Remove Coffee Stains on Dress Shirts, Upholstery, and Carpet

 For as long as life goes on, stains will as well.  It's inevitable that you will find yourself with a stain.
Coffee stains are some of the most common stains we encounter at Comet Cleaners of Denton, Texas .
A coffee stain can be a real pain to deal with.  Stain removal techniques have to address tannin,protein, possibly sugar, animal fat in cream, or non-dairy creamer. Coffee alone is a natural dye.  When combined with other ingredients like sugar and cream, it is much more complex.
 If the stain is fresh and is coffee only, it's fairly easy to remove.  If the stain has dried, has sugar, or has been ironed, it makes removal much more difficult.  On some light fabrics such as wool or cotton, or if the coffee includes sugar or cream, usually multiple attempts are needed.

Here's our advice on How to Remove Coffee Stains.

Oh No, I spilled coffee on my shirt!

Customers most frequently inquire about stain removal on their clothing.  From Dress Shirts, to Silk Blouses, coffee loves to find it's way onto your clothes, especially right before you head to work.  If you're running short on time, you may opt to just change into a new shirt.  It's always best to treat a stain immediately for the best possible chance at removal, but we understand that life happens.

So here's what you do:

1. Determine if the garment is Dry Clean Only or machine wash.  If Dry Cleaning is recommended based on the care label, do not put anything on the stain and take it immediately to your Dry Cleaners. Try to absorb as much of the excess liquid as possible.  Do not rub vigorously...just soak up as much of teh spill as possible.  Skip the rest of the following steps and head to your dry cleaner right away.
2. If you can wash the garment (i.e., not a "Dry Clean Only" garment), grab a sponge and carefully dap the stain with cool water. You can also soak the entire item in cool water for about 30 minutes
3. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover. 
4. If you added any sort of dairy in your coffee like milk or cream you will need to use a laundry detergent that contains enzymes.
5. Launder the item, and if safe for the fabric, use a chlorine bleach.

Oops, I spilled Coffee on the couch!

Coffee stains on Upholstery is an even bigger pain that a simple spot on your shirt.  Since we can't throw the living room sofa or Grandpa's old recliner in a washing machine we have to take a slightly different approach.

1. Make a solution of one tablespoon liquid dish detergent and two cups of clean, cool water.
2. Obtain a clean white cloth and sponge a hidden area for colorfastness.
3. If no color appears on the cloth, move to the coffee stain and sponge.
4. Blot the area until the coffee stain disappears
5. With a new white cloth, sponge cold water onto the area to help "rinse" the stain.
6. Blot with a dry cloth to dry the area.

What if it's in the carpet?

Besides hauling out the heavy machinery, (big ol' carpet shampooers which may do more harm than good) there is a way to treat Java on the floor.

1. Blot up as much as you can with a dry cloth, try using a pinching motion like you would to add a pinch of salt to your cooking, as simply applying pressure can push the coffee further down the fibers and possibly into the padding.  You definitely want to avoid getting the padding wet as the stain will wick back up into the fibers, over time making the stain reappear.
2. Use plain water and a white cloth first and sparingly sponge the stain.  When the fibers start getting more than damp, blot up the moisture with a dry white cloth.  This is to avoid too much liquid on the carpet, again to protect the padding.
3. If the stain isn't budging, use a solution of one tablespoon liquid dish detergent and one tablespoon of white vinegar to two cups of water. 
4. Just like in step 2, dab a little solution on the stain, then blot dry.  Continue until the stain disappears.
5. Use plain cold water and dab the area, then blot dry to "rinse" the dish detergent/vinegar solution out of the carpet.

Always remember, If the garment is Dry Clean Only, take it to your local Dry Cleaners like Comet Cleaners in Denton, Texas where Professionals will get the job done right.

Get Help With All Your Spots From Comet Cleaners in Denton, Texas Don't Know What That Spot is or How to Get It Out? Call 940-381-1182 for assistance or visit any of our three locations.

Guide: Care and Cleaning of Common Clothing Fabrics

You wouldn't clean your whites the same way as you would a black silk blouse, would you? Different fabrics will have different cleaning and care instructions.  At Comet Cleaners in Denton Texas, we check every care label to ensure that each garment is cleaned according to the manufactures instructions.  Here are some of the most common fibers and fabrics to help you with your laundry.







Acetate  Dry Clean Only synthetic fiber.

Acrylic  A synthetic fiber;  Woven fabrics can be Dry Cleaned, knits are to be machine washed in warm water on the gentle cycle.  To reduce the occurrence of pilling, wash inside out and lay flat to dry.

 Blends  Combined fibers, can be natural or synthetic.  As the care depends on the fibers in the blend, always follow care label instructions.

Canvas  Can be natural or synthetic; a firm, heavy, tightly woven fabric.  Machine wash cold and tumble dry.  Always test for colorfastness.  Dry clean if not colorfast.

Cashmere  Natural fiber; made from the undercoat hair of a cashmere goat.  Similar to wool.  Dry Clean only.

Chiffon  Usually silk or synthetic fibers; thin transparent fabric.  Hand wash only.

Chintz  Cotton with a glaze and usually has a bold print.  Unless label states otherwise, Dry Clean Only.

Corduroy Cotton, cotton/polyester blend, or rayon.  Ridge pile fabric.  Turn inside out and wash, and dry.  Remove from dryer while still damp and hang dry.  Smooth out pockets and seams with hands.

Cotton  Natural vegetable fiber that is very versatile.  Light weight fabrics such as batiste, organdy, and voile should be hand washed and hung to dry.  As cottons vary, always follow care label instructions.

Damask  A fabric woven jacquard style and may be comprised of almost any kind of fibers. Dry Clean Heavy weight fabrics, Hand wash light weight ones.

Denim  Usually cotton or cotton/synthetic blend, it is a strong, twill weave fabric that is prone to shrinkage.  As dyes often bleed, wash Denim pieces together on warm or cold, dry at low setting.  Can be ironed while damp.

Down  Natural under plumage of birds.  Can be machine washed or dry cleaned so be sure to check care label.  Always tumble dry, fluff and turn every few minutes.

Flannel  Plain or twill weave napped fabric.  If cotton or synthetic, machine wash.  Wool must be dry cleaned.

Gabardine  Worsted wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers.  Closely woven and firm plain or twill weave.  Follow care label, should be able to be dry cleaned.

Lace  Cotton, linen, or synthetic fiber.  Hand wash with mild detergent.  Do not rub.  Hand shape, air dry or dry flat.  If very delicate, pin lace to a cloth before washing.

Linen  Natural flax fiber.  Hand wash or Dry Clean.

Microfiber  Polyester yarns that are woven tightly.  Machine wash cold and air dry.

Mohair  Natural fiber from the angora goat.  Treat the same as wool.

Organdy  Plain weave cotton.  Hand wash and starch.  May be dry cleaned.

Polyester   Synthetic fiber used alone or blended.  Does not shrink or stretch. Machine wash warm and tumble dry.

Ramie From the ramie plant, a natural fiber similar to linen.  Used alone or blended with cotton.  Machine wash warm, tumble dry, remove while damp and hang to dry.

Rayon  Synthetic fiber, term is used interchangeably with viscose.  Dry Clean Only.

Satin  Fabric made of silk, acetate, or polyester.  Dry Clean silk and acetate.  Follow care instructions for polyester.

Seersucker   Cotton, nylon, polyester, or silk fabric with puckered stripes woven in during manufacturer.  See care label for specific fiber care instructions.  Drip dry.

Silk  Dry Clean Only.  Some silks state they can be washed but usually do not turn out properly.

Spandex  Stretch fibers often blended with other fibers to give material stretch.  Machine wash on warm water and dry flat.

Terry Cloth  Cotton or cotton/polyester blend.  Machine wash and tumble dry.

Velour   Can be multiple fabrics.  Napped and usually Dry Clean Only.

Velvet  Cotton, rayon, or silk soft pile fabric.  Dry Clean Only.

Wool  Natural fiber made from sheep's fleece.  Hand wash or Dry Clean.


Note:  If you choose to clean any of the above items at home, always check for colorfastness.
Or you can leave it to us at Comet Cleaners in Denton Texas.  We know how to keep your clothes looking great.