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cry cleaning Kinston | Vick's Cleaners
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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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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cleaning curtains: Vick's Cleaners
18 Mar

Guide to Cleaning Curtains: Machine Wash or Dry Clean?

Over time you may start to notice that your curtains are getting dusty and discolored. Vacuuming your curtains weekly can lengthen the time in between cleanings, but at some point they do have to be washed. The dust isn’t just a sight for sore eyes, but it can be a health hazard for those with allergies. Curtains can be made from all different types of fabrics, so you want to make sure you are cleaning them the correct way.

Every Fabric is Different

  • Silk: This fabric is very delicate, so you are going to want to hand wash with mild dish soap and line hang to dry

  • Wool and Cashmere: These fabrics must always be dry cleaned

  • Cotton: If your curtains are unlined they can be either machine or hand washed

  • Suede/Crushed Velvet: These fabrics must always be dry cleaned

  • Synthetic Fabrics: The chemicals in the dry cleaning process could have an affect on this fabric, so it is best to machine/hand wash or bring it to a professional cleaning service

  • Sheer: This fabric is very thin, so discoloring can occur if they are not cleaned often. Since the fabric is so thin you are going to want to hand wash in cold water and dry without heat in a dryer

  • Stitched, Pleated, Beading: These curtains have fine details, and all should be dry cleaned. Even if the fabric itself says it can be machine washed, your safest bet to keep all of the detail in place would be dry cleaning

How Can Vick’s Cleaners Help?

Whenever your curtains are soiled and stained, it is best to have them dry cleaned. Long curtains contain a lot of fabric, which may be too large of a load for an ordinary washing machine. Vick’s Cleaners has three dry cleaning locations and two laundromats in the Kinston, Snow Hill area. No matter what kind of curtains you have, we can clean them. Our team has experience in curtain cleaning, so you can be assured the fabrics are safe with us. We offer free home pick up and delivery, so go online or call today to schedule your next cleaning with Vick’s Cleaners.

 

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19 Feb

How Often Should I Wash My Bedding

There are multiple components to our bedding that all have different timelines when it comes to needing to be washed. This is because some of our bedding such as sheets and pillowcases have direct contact with our bodies every night, while our duvet and comforters do not. All parts of our bedding need to be washed, and Vick’s Cleaners can help you complete the job.

 

Sheets and Pillowcases

We come in contact with our sheets and pillowcases every night. Just like our clothing, they need to be washed regularly, about once a week. When we come in contact with these parts of our bedding, oils and dirt go into the fibers. Over time these can build up and cause tough stains to form. Dead skin and bacteria can also get into our bedding. Dust mites love to feed on these items, and if you are one who suffers from allergies, this can make it even worse. The best way to wash your sheets and pillowcases is in warm water. Hot water can shrink your sheets, and cold water may not kill all bacterias.

 

Pillows and Blankets

The wash cycle of a pillow or blanket comes down to how often you use it. It is important to wash our pillows because oils from our face and hair can begin to soak into the pillow. If your pillow has a protector in between the pillow itself and the pillowcase, then you will only need to wash your pillow a few times a year. The protector should be washed once a month. If you are not using a pillow protector, then your pillow should be washed once a month. A blanket follows the same type of guidelines. If you have a blanket at the foot of your bed and never really use it, then it can be washed every few months. If you frequently use your blanket every night, you should wash it once a week with your sheets.

 

Comforters and Duvet Covers

Comforters and duvet covers help protect our beds from dirt and soiling. If you use a sheet and aren’t in direct contact with your comforter every night, then you only need to wash it once a year, or when a stain occurs. The larger our bed, the larger the size of the cover. Many washing machines aren’t capable of holding such a large load. That’s why many choose to have it dry cleaned, and Vick’s Cleaners can get the job done. We can dry clean any size comforter or duvet cover, while your sheets and pillows are being washed in one of our laundromats. Call to schedule a free pickup, or visit us at one of our five locations in the Kinston and Snow Hill area!

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01 Feb

Why You Should Preserve Your Wedding Dress

A wedding dress is more than just a dress. When you look at it memories and emotions start flooding back. You think about the day you finally found the dress, where you were surrounded by your closest friends and family. You think about the one you married, and how happy you were. Then you think about your reception, and how much fun you had in that dress. Vick’s Cleaners offers wedding dress cleaning and preservation services. It is important to keep that dress looking the same it did on your wedding day for years to come, and here’s why.

 

Hidden Stains You’ll Regret Decades Later

You may not see some stains now, but years from now they will appear. Things like deodorant, water or white wine. All things that are clear now, can appear years later. These stains begin to deteriorate the fabric over time, and you won’t notice until you pull out the dress later on. When you take your dress to Vick’s Cleaners your dress will be thoroughly cleaned before it is preserved.

 

Prevent Yellow, Stretched Fabric

Leaving your dress on a hanger in the back of the closet can slowly ruin it over time. With so much fabric, that weight can begin to pull the dress on the hanger, giving your dress a stretched out look. As the season’s change, so does the temperature of your closet. Moisture in the air can wear on the dress, giving it a yellow color over time. When you preserve your wedding dress, it is stored in a box where it will have a permanent location, with no exposure to the air. Open this box decades later, and see the beautiful white dress you fell in love with the first time.

 

A Living Memory

You never know when you’ll want to pull out your wedding dress again. It may be on an anniversary years later when you and your partner want to take a look and reminisce. It could be decades later when your daughter is getting married. It is very popular today to see vintage dresses. Whether she wants to wear the dress or take a piece of it to add to something new, you’ll want that dress looking just as white as it did on your special day.

You’ve been dreaming of your wedding dress since you were young, and the day finally came. You spent so much time looking and trying on until you finally found the dress of your dreams. Keep it looking pristine by preserving it, and trust the best to do it. Vick’s Cleaners is more than just a dry cleaner. We have three locations in Kinston and Snow Hill, and two laundromat locations in the Kinston area. Besides dry cleaning and laundry services, we offer alterations, shoe repair, leather and suede cleaning, and wedding dress preservation.

 

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