Wool & Cashmere: Trusty Tips

January and February are without a doubt the two coldest months in Tennessee. The temperature drops well below freezing almost every night, and the 30-second walk to the car in the early morning frost is just about enough to call in sick. It’s the perfect time of year to pull out those thick, wool and cashmere suits and sweaters that keep warmth in and the wind out. However, these two comfy and cozy materials will easily wear away if not properly cared for.

Worrisome Wool

·       Wooden Hangers: Wool is an extremely heavy material. When hung on metal hangers wool can actually loose its shape or stretch in the shoulder area. Hanging wool garments on wooden hangers helps them maintain their shape and fit, so they always look and feel just the same as the day you brought them home!

·      Blot, Never Rub: Most people’s first reaction to a sudden spill or setting stain is to rub, rub, rub. What many people don’t know is rubbing wool is the most effective way to set the stain for life. If you happen to slosh a bit of red wine onto your grey wool sleeve always blot, blot, blot! The stain will lift immediately and your sweater will be good as new. Hot water is another sure way to set that nasty stain so always, always use cold water to blot away the stain.

·      Resting Required: After being dry cleaned wool should be given a minimum of 24 hours to set. That means do NOT wear it the next day! Giving the fabric some time to sit helps eliminate wrinkles, keeping your suits and sweaters looking nice and crisp all day long.

·      Let It Breathe: The same way wool requires time to rest it also needs some space to breathe. Never pack your wool garments too tightly. Crowded drawers or closet shelves can cause the wool’s fine quality to deteriorate. Fold or hang your wool garments in spacious places with plenty of ventilation to maintain their superior quality.

Careful Cashmere

·      One or Two, That’ll Do: The divine quality of Cashmere garments are created from the delicate hair of the Kashmir goat. To keep this luxurious material in immaculate condition never wash it more than one or two times per year.

·      Definitely Dry-Clean: Unfortunately cashmere is a material that moths find highly desirable. Moths are often attracted to your favorite fine garments because of various odors. If you wore your cashmere out for pizza and the Italian scents still linger when you put them away for the summer moths are sure to munch on it. Having cashmere dry-cleaned every few wears and at the end of the season is a great way to keep luring odors out of the material and the moths away.

·      Cedar Says: Cashmere is a very delicate and particular fabric. The best and most protective way to store cashmere clothing is in cedar drawers. Something about this particular wood helps maintain the pristine quality of the soft fabric. However, you probably won’t be running to the store for a new dresser, so just grab some cedar chips, put them in a candleholder and set it in the drawer with your cashmere.

·      Wrinkle Free, Fold by Three: It’s almost impossible to keep cashmere from wrinkling when hung, and creases often form when the material is folded incorrectly. The most effective way to prevent wrinkles and creases in cashmere is to fold your garments into thirds.

McPherson Cleaners in Nashville has the perfectly trained staff to adequately handle all of your wool and cashmere clothing. McPherson Cleaners is proud to offer excellent customer service and fulfill any special customer requirements. Click here to see McPherson’s special offers!

 Visit their website for more information.

Red Wine Reunion

Bri had been anxiously anticipating their five-year reunion in May. It was the first time her entire class would be together since high school. Most of them had graduated college, some were married, and few had children. Bri never cared much for high school. She was teased often and hadn’t grown into her 6’0 frame until her sophomore year of college, at which point she became quite beautiful. She’d secured a well paying job with a law firm in the Nashville area that she loved and was expecting to be promoted soon. Not to mention she had met the man of her dreams, and he’d asked her to be his wife just the week before. She had come such a long way from high school, and she couldn’t wait to show all the people that ignored her just how wonderful her life was. She had it all, the good looks, the corporate job, and her dream man. Wait, she had it all, all except the perfect dress! Bri knew this small detail would be heavily judged at the reunion and decided she would spend as much time and money as it took to find the perfect gown. She went to store after store downtown, but nothing seemed to be perfect for the occasion. She left a bit discouraged and decided to swing by her favorite vintage store on the way home, just in case. As she got out of her car the sign signaling “couture sales” immediately caught her eye She walked in to see a chic, black mannequin dressed in a gorgeous, long, backless, white, Channel gown. A small gasp escaped her lips and she ran her fingers down flawless fabric. Bri didn’t eat a single carb for two weeks before the reunion and finally the day arrived. Once the finishing touches had been made to her hair and make-up she carefully slipped into her gown. She couldn’t help but smile as she looked at herself in the mirror, thinking how absolutely perfect it looked.

When Bri opened to door for her fiancé he seemed to be speechless, and she knew she would get exactly the reaction she was hoping for at the reunion. They pulled up to the Opryland Hotel around 7:00. As Bri’s heels hit the pavement she took a deep breathe, straightened her shoulders, and smoothed her hands down her gown one last time checking for any speck of dirt. She took her fiancé’s arm and strutted confidently into the gathering. Just as she had hoped everyone was jealous of her fabulous life and extremely complimentary of her perfect gown. It was the perfect choice.

Just as Bri decided to call it quits and asked her fiancé to get the car, one of her old acquaintances approached her. They were leaning in to hug goodbye when she tripped over the carpet. It was like watching a nightmare in slow motion as the crimson red wine flew out of the glass moving like a wave towards Bri. She didn’t even have time to move. Before she could blink her snow, white dress was covered in dark red wine.

The next day, devastated and embarrassed Bri drove to McPherson Cleaner’s, where she always had her custom, work suits tailored and prayed they could lift the stain. The friendly staff paid complete attention to Bri’s beloved dress when she walked in. They assured her they could get the wine out of the vintage fabric. The dry cleaning store had all the latest technologies for removing stains, and its highly trained staff was qualified to work with even the oldest vintage items.

Just two days later Bri got a message from McPherson Cleaners that her dress was ready for pick-up. Gritting her teeth as her dress was brought to the front, Bri’s mouth dropped to the floor when the dress came back looking as white as the clouds in the sky. Bri could not even tell the wine had touched the fabric! Bri couldn’t have been more pleased with McPherson Cleaner’s exceptional work on her gown. She was already impressed with their jean and suit alterations and was relieved to have discovered another of their talents.

Has red wine ruined one of your special occasions or favorite outfits? Do you need alternations in any of your work suits, jeans, or formal dresses? Visit the link below to see all special offers for McPherson Cleaners!

http://www.lebanontncleaners.com

Phone: (615) 444-3873

Website: http://www.mcphersoncleaner.com