Look your best

Before the tenth holiday party, my neighbor said to me, “Don’t wear your gold lame cocktail dress to a crowded party in a hot room.” What’s so bad about that?

Answer: Partygoers need to be particularly careful of metallic fabric that can corrode if exposed to moisture. To prevent dampness to lame and other metallics, be sure to wear underarm shields that will help prolong the life and looks of your special outfit.

After the eleventh holiday party, my mother said to me, “How are you going to clean your new beaded top after the soiree?” Good question!

Answer: The beads on many outfits are made of polystyrene, which looks like glass. Polystyrene should not be drycleaned but washed as long as it is attached to a garment that is washable.

At the twelfth holiday party, my father said to me, “You’ll look gorgeous in this new fur, just be sure to care for it well.” How do I protect this investment?

Answer: Furs, leathers, and suedes should be kept clean by keeping them covered with a cloth, not a plastic, garment bag. Each should be cleaned annually by a drycleaner who specializes in cleaning furs. Special storage facilities are recommended for seasonal storage of furs. Ask us about storage.

Now, enjoy the rest of the holiday season!

Before the fourth holiday party, my silk dress said to me, “Please be delicate when you iron me.” How should I respond?
Answer: Wrinkles should fall out of silk if allowed to hang properly. If ironing seems necessary, iron on a low temperature, 250-300 degrees.

Before the fifth holiday party, my husband said to me, “Do you know if your new rhinestone sweater can be cleaned?” Should I risk the rhinestones?
Answer: Be particularly careful when purchasing garments adorned with rhinestones or other jewelry. Bring it to us before wearing to spot test for cleanability and colorfastness. If you are not satisfied with the results, return it.

Before the sixth holiday party, my neighbor said to me, “My white leather slacks are wrinkled.” I’m pressed for an answer, what should I say?

Answer: Press leather by placing white press cloth over the item and pressing quickly with a cool iron.

More parties next week! 

With fall here, our friends at the Professional Leather Cleaner’s Association have ten tips for the care of your valuable leather apparel and accessories.  The Professional Leather Cleaners Association is aware of the increasing popularity of leather on the runways and wants to make sure your leather garments will last and look their best!

Leather ages gracefully and can last a lifetime with the proper care right from the start;

Always hang leather garments on wide or padded hangers to maintain their shape.  Use shoetrees in footwear and stuff empty handbags with tissue to help retain their shape.

Never store leather goods in plastic or other non-breathable covers.  This will cause leather to become dry.

Allow wet or damp leather to air-dry naturally away from any direct heat source.  Leather can be treated with a conditioner to restore flexibility while suede can be brushed with a terry towel to restore its look.

In winter, promptly remove salt deposits from garments and footwear by sponging with water; follow with the above treatment for wet or damp leather.

Avoid very humid and dry environments as well as direct sunlight.  

Do not use waxes, silicone products, or other leather preparations that will impair a garment’s ability to breathe.

Wrinkles should hang out.  If ironing is desired, set iron on rayon setting, use heavy brown wrapping paper as a pressing cloth on right side of the garment and a quick hand to prevent overheating and shine.

Avoid spraying perfumes or hair sprays while wearing your garment and do not apply pins, adhesive badges or tape.  Wearing a scarf at the neckline will help keep hair and body oil away from the collar.

Hems may be fixed with a tiny amount of rubber cement.  For best results, see a leather care professional.

All products formulated for at-home use should be tested on an inconspicuous part of the garment.

 

It can. Most wrinkles will hang out on their own, although you can iron leather if you use care. Set the iron on its rayon setting, and use heavy brown wrapping paper as a pressing cloth on top of the area you wish to iron. Wrinkles should come right out. As always, when doing something at home, test your procedure out on a small, inconspicuous section of the garment to see if there will be any problems.Or bring it to Sarni Cleaners.  We'll clean your leather garments for you.