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

Will Dry Cleaning Make My Clothes Last Longer?

Many of us see dry cleaning as one of those simple facts of life. It’s taken for granted that this is something you’re supposed to do for your delicate garments. But is taking in your articles of clothing worth the extra effort? Will it really make them last longer?

To answer the question, we’ll first need to take a look at what’s actually going on when you send clothes in to be dry cleaned.

What Exactly Is Dry Cleaning?

Let’s start by clearing up any confusion about the name. What “dry cleaning” describes is simply a way of cleaning clothes or other textiles without using water. It’s a process that originated in 1885, and has been improving ever since.

But while dry cleaning doesn’t involve water, it does use a different liquid. Specifically, clothes are cleaned with a gentle petroleum-based solvent called polyethylene (or “perc” for short). Perc dissolves dirt and oils that may be clinging to your clothing, without damaging the underlying fabric.

When you drop off your clothes at the dry cleaners, they’ll be placed into a washing chamber along with a certain amount of this solvent. As the machine rotates, dirt and particles are lifted from the clothing and suspended in the solvent, before being filtered out entirely. Of course, if you have any particularly hardy stains (or any other type of garment damage), these will need a bit of individual special attention. Fortunately, this is a service that the best dry cleaners are fully capable of providing.

A Longer Lifespan For Your Clothing

Back to the initial question: will this process make clothes last longer? The simple answer is “yes” – and here’s why:

Dry Cleaning is Less Abrasive than Washing Machines

Some fabrics are particularly sensitive to water immersion, and/or to the heat and agitation that takes place inside most commercial washing machines. But because dry cleaning drums tumble more slowly and gently – and because the process does not use water – your delicate clothes experience less wear & tear. Why risk damaging that expensive suit, dress, or tablecloth?

Dry Cleaning Preserves Fabric Qualities

Tears and shrinkage are awful, but they aren’t the only way in which machine washing can harm your clothing. Using a gentle solvent like perc, rather than hot water and soapy detergent, will also better preserve the color and texture of your fabrics. If you’ve ever seen a frayed and blotchy wool sweater or silk dress, you’ve probably witnessed machine-induced damage.

Dry Cleaning Tackles Tough Stains

The solvent used in dry cleaning penetrates deeply, dissolving and removing the oils, odors, and tough stains that diminish the garment’s value. As a result, your clothing and linens will maintain that fresh and new look for a much longer period of time.

For over 25 years, Marky's Dry Cleaners has been Denton's dry cleaning provider of choice. Stop by our convenient Denton location today, or give us a call at (940)381-1182.
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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. 

Life offers just a handful occasion to let it all loose and dress up in alluringly fascinating and glamorously chic attires. Prom night is high on the list of those days in your life when you dress to impress with your chic, contemporary yet elegant ensembles. Perfectly complementing accessories just add to the flavor of this event.

This year, try something unique and extraordinary to add a tasteful yet alluring kick to your overall look and rock your prom in ultimate swank and style.

A Little Black Leather Dress

Leather is timeless and, of course, you cannot go wrong with black. Every fashion addict knows well how to rock this combo. The best part is that there are countless ways to accessorize your enchanting LBD. We would suggest you to opt for sensuous complementing heels along with a sleek, straight mane. To add depth in your look, you can go for bold smoky eyes and nude lips.

Sleeveless Beaded Attire

We love spring because it allows us to experiment a lot with our look. A sleeveless mini or knee-length attire, embellished with beads is a perfect pick for your prom night. Keeping this attire simple and sweet will highlight your charisma. Bead-studded stilettos along with pastel makeup will ensure that you remain the center of attention.

A Formal Ruffled Prom Gown

Nothing can beat an elegantly crafted maxi dress for a prom night. The style is not only formal but also gives you a princess-like aura. Try to look for a maxi dress in trending colors. Our favorite for this spring is peach and burgundy; however, you can select a hue that complements your skin tone well. Whether you opt for an A-line silhouette with bare shoulders or a deep V-neck with ruffled or laced sleeves, the style will be a sure hit with everyone.

Allover Sequined Dress

To add a touch of glitz and glamour, opt for sequined dress this prom. You can select the length of the attire as per your own body type. Couple the dress with stylish pumps, some elegant jewelry and bronze makeup and voila! You are all set to look mesmerizing this prom.

A Little White Dress

We know for some of you white sounds absolutely dull and boring, however, believe us if complemented well, the white has all the power to give you an amazing look. A mini or midi white dress, embellished well with some beads or pearls and paired with high-heels will give you an enchanting yet exquisite look. You can also opt for some unique jewelry to go with your dress. To break the color, go for bold red lips along with full volume hair. After all white is always right!

Prom is certainly an ideal occasion to portray your fashion taste. Whatever styles you opt for, don’t forget to consider your physique as well as skin tone to select the perfect pieces for you. In addition, the way you carry that style also makes a huge difference. Take a cue from this post and rock your memorable event with ultimate allure and elegance.

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.

A great big thank you to all our customers who voted for us this year for best Dry Cleaners in Denton Texas.  We believe that our customers are our business and do what ever it takes to ensure they get the best service possible.

Visit our website, www.dentondrycleaners.com to find information and discounts for you next visit.  We hope to continue to provide the best Dry Cleaning service possible.  Let us know how we can better serve you by sending an email to info@dentondrycleaners.com or contact us at our website using this link.  Contact Comet Cleaners of Denton Texas.

Comet Cleaners   507 W. University Drive Denton, TX 76201   940-381-1182

we serve customers in the 76205, 76201, 76208, 76209 zip codes