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28 Jan

How To Prevent Shrinkage When Doing Your Laundry

We all have gone to pull one of our favorite articles of clothing out from the dryer, to realize that it has shrunk to the size of a small toddler’s top. While this is an extremely upsetting time, it is typically avoidable! Don’t continue to shrink all of your valuable garments, keep reading this blog from dry cleaning Kinston service, Vick’s Cleaners for everything you need to know about what causes laundry shrinkage and how to prevent it. 

Fabric Labels

If you want to keep your clothes from shrinking, a great place to start is the source–the fabric. Take a look at the clothing labels before purchasing, and go for articles that are labeled “pre-shrunk” or, learn which type of fabrics are more prone to shrinking, and stay away from them. When purchasing something that will require more time and attention when washing, are you able to take care of that piece of clothing? Are you willing to take that blouse or blazer to the dry cleaner every time it needs to be washed? If not, opt for something that’s a better fit for your lifestyle! 

Care Labels

If you want to know how to prevent specific clothes from shrinking, it’s probably best to read the fabric label and recommended care instructions. Pay close attention to the recommended water temperature, laundry cycle and drying instructions. Not all fabrics can be treated as equal, for example, rayon and linen tend to shrink more than nylon or polyester. Reading the fabric care labels can be a bit tough to decipher, so if you are still confused about how to care and clean your clothing, bring it into Vick’s Cleaners and we will handle it for you!

Heat

Whether you use hot water when cleaning your clothes or a hot air temperature when drying your clothes, heat is not your fabric’s friend and should not be used if you are trying to avoid shrinking your clothes. Clothing articles made out of cotton should be washed on a warm to cool temperature and then tumble dried or even hung to dry to prevent discoloration. Animal fabrics such as wool, mohair, and cashmere shrink when agitated (like in a washing machine or dryer) which is why dry cleaning Kinston service, Vick’s Cleaners, suggest getting those fabrics dry cleaned. 

Vick’s Cleaners Kinston NC

If you find your variety of clothing starting to get smaller because you are shrinking all of your clothing, it might be time to stop by and visit dry cleaning Kinston services, Vick’s Cleaners. While we can’t save already shrunk clothing, we can help you take care of your correct size articles and keep them wearable for many seasons to come. Don’t throw out your shrunken clothes though, they are still useful! Many people use shrunk and old cotton t-shirts as dust towels and for other reusable cleaning methods. If you have a whole stack of shrunken shirts and you know how to sew, you can turn them into a blanket! Professional cleaning by Vick’s Cleaners will prevent you from having to replace your favorite clothing items when they are washed improperly. If you don’t have time to swing by, Vick’s Cleaners offers pick-up and drop-off services. Contact us today!

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Laundry in Washing Machine - Vick's Cleaners
19 Dec

Why You Must Separate Your Laundry

Did you learn the hard way that washing your colors with your whites in hot water can turn all your white clothes into pastels? Even if you wash all your clothes in cold water, it is very important to sort your clothes by color. Keeping your clothing in good shape requires thought and care. Here’s what to do:

Wash When Dirty

Your clothes do not need to be washed each and every time you wear them. If you did not spill anything on your clothing, sweat in your clothing, or make them dirty in any other way, it is not absolutely necessary to wash after wearing them. Of course, you should use your best judgment. If you decide the item does not need washing, fold it or hang it back up so it will not become wrinkled. Jeans, suits, sweaters, and flannels are items that do not need to be cleaned often. 

Sort Darks & Lights

When it is time to wash your clothes, you must sort the darks and whites. Sure, washing them all together in cold water may not have dyed any of your clothes just yet, but it will still cause your darks to fade and whites to look dingy over time. It may not be noticeable after one wash, but it will become noticeable over time. Sort your clothes and when washing your darks, turn dark clothes and heavier items, such as sweaters and jeans, inside out. This provides protection and preserves the color.

Home Remedies

If you can’t make it to the dry cleaner’s and need to freshen up your clothes, add a teaspoon of baking soda into your washing machine along with your detergent. This will also help keep the colors bright. If you end up forgetting about that load of laundry you threw in the wash 4 hours ago, don’t put them directly into the dryer. If they smell a little funny from being left in the wash for hours, wash them again with a cup of white vinegar and water, which will kill the mildew. 

Clean Your Washer & Dryer

Some high-end washers and dryers may come with a self-cleaning option, but if not, make sure to check on yours to ensure they are clean. Make sure there are no items, liquids, or anything inside the washer or dryer. Always check the lint filter as well.

Professional cleaning by Vick’s Cleaners will prevent you from having to replace your favorite clothing items when they are washed improperly. If you don’t have time to swing by, Vick’s Cleaners offers pick-up and drop-off services. 

Vick’s Cleaners

Vick’s Cleaners has been proudly serving Kinston and surrounding areas in North Carolina for more than 100 years by providing quality dry cleaning and garment cleaning services, excellent customer service, and unmatched convenience. We currently have 3 locations for your convenience in Kinston and Snow Hill as well as pickup and delivery, including New Bern. Contact us today!

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02 Dec

Successful Stain Removal

Successful removal of stains requires prompt treatment, but it can not always be done by hand washing. Many turn to the option of dry cleaning to get rid of those tough stains. For the stains to be removed successfully, one must consider the type of fabric, the nature of the stain, and the colorfastness of the dye. Colorfastness refers to the material’s color’s resistance to fading or running. 

Fabric & Colorfastness

Not all stains can be removed, even after trying every trick in the book. Dry cleaning can only safeguard against damage for some items due to the nature of the fabric. If the dyes in the fabric are prone to bleeding, the dye may bleed off with the stain. Some stains get oxidized and absorb into the fabric, making them near impossible to remove. Stains can not be removed through dry cleaning if the stain is stronger than the dye of the fabric, if the dye is soluble, or if the stains are old and have become oxidized. 

Invisible Stains

The nature of the stain can affect its possibility of removal. Foods, drinks, and oily substances can sometimes become invisible after they dry into fabric. However, they can turn brown or yellow after being exposed to air due to the caramelization or oxidation of the sugars in the substances. Inform your dry cleaner of invisible stains so the proper methods can be used for removal prior to dry cleaning.

Body Oil/Perspiration Stains

Perspiration can leave stubborn stains, especially on silk and wool. If a clothing item is continuously exposed to body oil or perspiration, it can permanently discolor the item or leave it with an odor. These stains react with the garment’s dyes, so clothing that is often exposed to perspiration should be dry cleaned frequently.

Dealing with Stains

Stained clothes should be taken to a professional dry cleaner as soon as possible. Inform the dry cleaner of the nature of the stain to increase the chances of successful removal. Do not pile stained clothes together or place them back in the closet. Exposure to atmosphere and warmth of the closet will set the stain and make it more difficult to remove. Never use common household bleaching agents to try to remove stains. Most bleach solution remove stains through oxidation, so if the stain removal fails, it will complete the oxidation process and further set the stain, making it impossible to remove. 

Vick’s Cleaners

Vick’s Cleaners has been proudly serving Kinston and surrounding areas in North Carolina for more than 100 years by providing quality dry cleaning and garment cleaning services, excellent customer service, and unmatched convenience. We currently have 3 locations for your convenience in Kinston and Snow Hill as well as pickup and delivery in New Bern. Contact us today!

 

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06 Nov

Wedding Dress Alteration Tips

Your wedding day should be nothing short of perfect, and it all begins with the perfect dress. You want to feel comfortable and beautiful in the dress that will be shown off in photos for the rest of your life, so it is important to make sure it fits as it should. This is why alterations are so important. Here’s what you should know about wedding dress alterations:

Possibility

Always keep alterations in mind when picking your wedding dress. You may find the perfect dress, but no matter what size you try on, it just doesn’t fit quite right. A simple cinched waist may do the trick, but you must first ask the salesperson what alterations are possible. If you need to change more than just taking in the dress and shortening the hem, you may want to keep searching. 

Size

Never purchase a too-small dress as motivation. It is much easier to take in a larger dress than it is to let a smaller one out. Some dresses even have built-in corsets that can be tightened or loosened easily. 

Schedule

All alterations should be scheduled with adequate time before your wedding date. Three appointments are usually sufficient. Consider having your first fitting three months ahead of the wedding date and the final fitting about two weeks out.

Speak Up

Make sure that your preferences are clear when it comes to your wedding dress alterations. Describe how you would like the dress to look on you. If something doesn’t feel right after the first alteration, let the seamstress know.

Undergarments

You should bring all undergarments that you plan to wear on your wedding day to your first alteration. This can include a bra, a bustier, Spanx, etc. You should also have your wedding shoes on hand as they are essential in marking the hem properly. 

Vick’s Cleaners

Vick’s Cleaners has been proudly serving Kinston and surrounding areas in North Carolina for more than 100 years by providing quality dry cleaning and garment cleaning services, excellent customer service, and unmatched convenience. We currently have 3 locations for your convenience in Kinston and Snow Hill as well as pickup and delivery in New Bern. Contact us today!

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01 Oct

Which Fabrics Must Be Dry Cleaned?

Everyone knows that feeling of buying a new piece of clothing that you just can’t wait to wear. But when you take it off and see that “Dry Clean Only” label, you might let out a groan or two. Vick’s Cleaners provides quality dry cleaning services for those pieces that must be dry cleaned, but which ones can you actually wash on your own?

Wash-At-Home Fabrics

Cotton typically does not need to be dry cleaned, but you should machine wash cold or warm with like colors. If your cotton clothing has been preshrunk, drying in a machine is suitable. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, spandex, nylon, acrylic, and acetate won’t shrink, so it is safe to wash them in warm water. They should hang dry or be dried on low because they can be permanently wrinkled in a hot dryer. 

Fabrics for the Dry Cleaners

Linen is made from flax fibers, which are cool and breathable in hot weather. If your linen clothing is washed incorrectly, it can lose its crispness. Take it to the dry cleaners for best results. Rayon is made from purified cellulose fiber and its dyes can bleed when washed. It can also shrink or lose its shape if washed in warm water. It is usually safest to dry clean this fabric. 

The dyes in silk also tend to bleed, so dry cleaning this fabric is the safest option. Proper care will keep it from losing its soft and silky qualities. Wool will shrink in any warm or hot water, so dry clean this sturdy fabric to keep it long-lasting.

Think It Can Be Hand-Washed?

Some fabrics can avoid the trip to the dry cleaners with a gentle hand wash along with being air-dried. However, there is still the risk of something going wrong and your clothes may be ruined for good. If you have a few favorite articles of clothing, consider taking them to the dry cleaners to ensure that they stay in good shape. If your washing machine is on the older side or if you typically take your clothes to the laundromat, dry clean your clothing more often to prevent ruining an item of clothing due to a bad machine. 

Vick’s Cleaners

Vick’s Cleaners has been proudly serving Kinston and surrounding areas in North Carolina for more than 100 years by providing quality dry cleaning and garment cleaning services, excellent customer service, and unmatched convenience. We currently have 3 locations for your convenience in Kinston and Snow Hill. Contact us today!

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16 Aug

How Does Dry Cleaning Work?

Did you know that dry cleaning actually isn’t dry at all? It’s true! Sure, there’s no water involved, but garments are washed with a cleaning fluid, which is a liquid. All garments are immersed and cleaned in a liquid solvent. It is only called “dry” cleaning because there is no water involved! So what actually happens when you take your clothes to the dry cleaners?

Since World War II ended, the volatile synthetic solvents carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene gave way to a product known as perchloroethylene or perc, which is the typical solvent choice for the dry cleaning industry. 

When you drop your clothes off at the dry cleaners, they are first tagged to ensure that your clothes do not get mixed up with another customer’s. They are inspected for missing buttons, tears, etc. and made note of to prevent placing blame on the dry cleaners. To begin the cleaning process, the cleaner looks for stains and treats them to make removal easier. The clothes are then put in a machine and cleaned with solvent and any lingering stains are removed by post-spotting. To finish up, the clothes are pressed, folded, and packaged to be returned to their rightful owners. 

Pre-Treatment

Pre-treating stains at the dry cleaners is very similar to the way you treat stains at home: applying a stain remover prior to washing. To help the process, try to catch your stains early. Apply water for wet stains and solvent for dry stains, which are stains that have grease or oil in them. Tap and blot both sides of the fabric with a cloth, rinse, and let dry. Your dry cleaner will do the rest! 

Dry Cleaning Process

Your clothes rotate in a perforated basket with a constant flow of solvent from the pump and filter system. It is pumped continuously through the filter and re-circulated, free of dirt that gets trapped in the filter. The next cycle will drain and spin the clothes to expel the solvent, then circulates warm air through the clothes in a dry cycle. The remaining solvent is vaporized by warm air and then condensed over cooling coils. The distilled solvent is separated from any water that may have remained in the clothing or system and returned to the tank as distilled solvent. 

Post-Spotting

Post-spotting uses professional equipment and chemical preparations using steam, water, air, and vacuum. If the stain was a wet stain, water or wet-side chemicals are used to remove it. If it was a dry stain, solvents or dry-side chemicals help to remove the stain. 

Finishing

During the finishing process, steam is applied to soften the garment, it is reshaped through quick-drying, the steam is removed with air or vacuum, and then pressure is applied to the garment from the head of the pressing machine while steam is diffused through the bottom.

Vick’s Cleaners

Vick’s Cleaners is the oldest professional dry cleaners in North Carolina, proudly serving Kinston and surrounding areas for over 116 years. We provide quality dry cleaning and garment cleaning services, excellent customer service, and unmatched convenience. Contact us today!

 

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26 Jul

Questions to Ask Your Dry Cleaner

Your clothes are very important to you, and keeping them in pristine condition is a priority. When taking your clothing to a dry cleaner’s, you want to be sure that they will take good care of your garments. To get informed, consider asking these questions on your next trip to the dry cleaner’s:

Where Is The Cleaning Done?

Some dry cleaning shops are just drop-off locations, and the clothes are transported to another location for the cleaning. You may want to know how many other stores deliver clothing to this central plant. It may include other dry cleaning chains in the area, so your clothes may not be getting individualized attention. You want the best results for your clothing, so being informed of the care they will be receiving is helpful.

What Happens If My Garments Get Damaged?

Mistakes may happen, but it is nice to know how the mistake will be handled if so. Ask in advance who will be responsible for damaged or lost items so you can be prepared.

What Equipment Is Used For Pressing?

Your dry cleaning service may either press your garments by hand or by machine. Most machine pressers blow steam through garments to remove wrinkles. Hand pressing is best for delicate fabrics or items with embellishments.

What Is The Average Cost?

Ask about prices for dresses, suits, slacks, and sweaters. This will give you an idea of what to expect when bringing in garments in the future.

What Kind of Dry Cleaning Solvent Is Used?

There are different kinds of cleaning solvents, and some are more environmentally friendly than others. Also, ask if they use freshly purified/distilled fluids with each run. 

Vick’s Cleaners

Asking these questions will give you peace of mind in knowing what happens to your clothing after you drop them off at the dry cleaner’s. For excellent dry cleaning services with free pickup and delivery, contact Vick’s Cleaners! 

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27 Jun

Taking Care of Your Suede Garments

Although suede is a form of leather, it can not be cared for in the same way as other leathers. If one of your suede items gets a little too dirty, Vick’s Cleaners can take care of it for you! However, take these precautionary measures to prevent ruining your suede items.

Treating Small Stains

Blot off wet stains as soon as possible. Place a paper towel onto the wet area and press down. Small, dry stains may be erased with a clean pencil eraser. Be careful with at-home techniques, as damage from simple soap is irreversible. Taking your suede to a professional dry cleaner is always the best option!

Keep Away From Sunlight

Keep your suede away from direct sunlight! Sunlight can cause fading. If you have suede upholstery in your home, be sure to place it in a spot that does not receive tons of direct sunlight.

Transporting Your Suede

When transporting or storing suede shoes, place them in a pillowcase and store them in a dark place where they will not fade. However, do not store them in plastic! The fibers in the suede need room to breathe. You will also want to avoid direct sunlight and the lack of air circulation. Exposure to the sun can shrink, fade, or harden the suede. Make sure they are completely dry before storing.

Many people overlook the concept of when to wear their suede items when discussing how to care for them. Water can really damage a suede piece, causing the velvety texture to become hardened, so check the weather forecast when planning your outfit for the day/night.

Suede Care Tips

Here are a few more tips for keeping your suede in prime condition:

  • Apply a waterproofing spray
  • Use a suede eraser for stains
  • If suede shoes get muddy, let dry overnight and brush off with a stiff brush
  • Always brush your suede in one direction

Keeping your suede pieces looking nice is all about giving it the proper care. Brushing your pieces regularly will get rid of dust and help retain the look of the suede. Suede clothing should be professionally cleaned about once or twice a year, depending on how often you wear it. Too much cleaning can actually strain your suede clothing!

For all your leather, suede, and fur cleaning, bring your garments to Vick’s Cleaners! We currently have three locations for your convenience in Kinston and Snow Hill. We also offer free pick-up and delivery to your home or office, available in Lenoir, Craven, Jones, and Greene counties! Visit our website or contact us today, online or by telephone!

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Winter Clothes Storage - Vick's Cleaners
30 May

Tips For Storing Winter Clothes

It is officially Summer! That means you can pack away your coats and boots and bring out the shorts and sandals. You may not have enough closet space for all of your clothes, so this may require you to store the winter clothes away for a few seasons. The first step to clothing storage is making sure everything is clean. You’ll want to run everything through the washer and dryer before putting them away in storage. You want your clothes to stay clean and dry so it is important to store them correctly. There are plenty of storage options, but which one is the best for each type of clothing?

Delicates

These items are called delicates for a reason, so they require some extra care. You’ll want to fold these items and place them in non-acidic tissue paper. Once wrapped up, these items should be placed in a cotton garment bag. Unlike plastic garment bags, the cotton will allow the fabrics to breathe properly.

Non-Delicates

Plastic bins are perfect for these items. Jeans, sweatshirts and everything else should be folded and placed in the bin with the heaviest items on the bottom. Although plastic bins do take up space, they allow for the fabrics to breathe. Vacuum seal bags can distort the shape of your clothing and don’t allow the fabric to breathe. To keep your clothes smelling fresh and keep pests out you can throw a lavender sachet or cedar ball in the bin.

Shoes

Winter shoes come in contact with harsh salt and snow throughout the season, so it’s important to clean them thoroughly before placed in storage. Shoes can easily lose their shape if they are not stored correctly. Tall boots should have boot trees placed inside, and smaller shoes such as ankle boots and loafers can be stuffed with tissue paper. Shoes can be stood up in the back of the closet, or if you need to save space they can be placed in a plastic storage bin. The largest shoes should be laid down at the bottom of the bin and a cotton t-shirt or shoe bag should be placed in between each pair.

What Should Be Folded, and What Should Be Hung

Hangers are not ideal for sweaters and bulky coats. When a piece of clothing is hung for months at a time it can become misshapen. These items can also be placed in a plastic bin, with the heaviest items on the bottom. With these items it is important not to over stuff the bin. Compressing these items can lead to a distorted shape. Dresses and fur coats are the only winter items that should stay hung up in your closet. They should be placed in a cotton garment bag, in the back of the closet, away from light.

Once all of your winter clothing is packed and stored away you’ll want to store them in the right place. Your bags and bins should be stored in a cool, dark and dry place. Before hitting storage, Vick’s Cleaners can help prepare every piece of clothing by cleaning it right. With three dry cleaning locations and two laundromats we can help anywhere in the Kinston area.

 

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29 Apr

How True is “Dry Clean Only”?

The care labels on the inside of your clothing can tell you a lot of information about the product and how it was made. The main purpose of the care label is the care instructions, which will tell you if your garment is machine washable or is better off being dry cleaned. Many clothes today will have a “dry clean only” instruction, but how true is this?

When You Should Definitely Dry Clean

  • Silk, wool, velvet, taffeta, leather and suede must all be dry cleaned
  • Special finish such as beading, embroidery or lace
  • If the garment has structure such as a suit jacket
  • If the garment is lined-Each fabric will have a different shrinkage rate
  • Does the color run when it is wet? Test a wet cotton swab on the fabric
  • Is the garment expensive? You may want to play it safe and have it dry cleaned
  • The fabric is made of acetate, triacetate or rayon- these fabrics can be carefully hand washed but would be better of dry cleaned as they easily shrink and get misshapen in water

When You Can Wash “Dry Clean Only”

  • Use cold water and a gentle detergent
  • Wash the garment alone so it does not mix with others
  • If you decide to machine wash, use the gentle cycle
  • Never put the garment in the dryer, hang to dry or lay it flat if it is a knit garment

How Can Vick’s Cleaners Help?

Vick’s Cleaners is your go-to for your professional dry cleaning and laundry services. We offer free pick up and delivery so you never have to worry! We have three convenient dry cleaning services in the Kinston area, as well as two laundromat locations with wash and fold service. We understand how important your clothing is to you, so we want to ensure that you can trust our services. To get started you can visit us online to schedule your free pickup, or drop off at one of our locations today!

 

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