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What Clothes to Dry Clean — And What Not To

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 21:16:14 GMT

Sooner or later, you'll pick up clothes that have those fateful words on the tag: dry clean only. You may think you can get away with washing those in your personal machines, but then ruin a beautiful sweater in the process. Alternatively, you might want to take extra care and dry clean all of your clothes, rather than risk anything. Today, let's take a look at what fabrics you should dry clean, and what you should throw in your home washer.

What Is Dry Cleaning?

Before discussing what should and should not be dry cleaned, you may find it helpful to understand what the process entails. After all, dry cleaning is not exactly the right name for the process. Usually, the cleaners will treat for stains first, then run the garment through a washing machine. The main difference is the cleaning agent used - a chemical solvent without water.

Your clothes will soak in this solvent, then go through the agitation process, which will loosen dirt and stains from the cloth. The solution drains out, and fresh fluid flushes out the last of the grime. If necessary, your cleaners may treat for stains again afterward, which they will carefully remove with steam, water, or a vacuum in the affected area.

What To Dry Clean

If your clothes are made of some kinds of fabric or constructed with some common techniques, you'll want to make sure they're taken care of by professionals. These include:

Animal fibers - Some wool, silk, and leather all can shrink or incur damage in an ordinary wash at home.
Embellished garments - Beads, tassels, and sequins all have a habit of falling off in a regular cycle.
Decorated fabrics - Paint and embroidery often fade or discolor after one or two washes, if you don't take careful care of them.
Stains and discoloration - Any stain you don't feel comfortable treating yourself, your cleaner should be able to handle. Your dingy fabrics will also become pristine and white again at the dry cleaner's.
Extra pieces - If your garments have shoulder pads, sashes, padding, or other add-ons, you'll want a professional to handle them.
Specialized stitching - Shirring, ruching, smocking, and pleating can all come undone all too easily in the washing machine. Knitted or open-weave fabrics are also susceptible to stretching out of shape or coming undone.
Vintage clothing - The older cloth is, the more delicate it gets and the more likely to come to harm in your home laundry system.

What Not to Dry Clean

A lot of garments and fabrics will benefit from dry cleaning, but there's no need to go overboard. For ordinary care of these garments, stick to your home washer and dryer:

Wool - Use your best judgment and the tags on the garment, but you can wash wool in cold water and mild soap. Just avoid the dryer or any wringing; instead, stretch the garment out flat or hang it on a drying rack.
Cashmere - Though you may think you'd have to dry-clean such an expensive material, the chemical solvents have been known to harm this delicate fabric.
Cotton - Unless you shop exclusively at high-end boutiques, most of the clothes you buy will be made of cotton, which is home-machine friendly.
Synthetics - Most of your day-to-day clothing will be made of acrylic, polyester, or nylon, or some blend of synthetic and natural fibers. Don't use too much heat, but they should be fine to wash and dry in your home.

If you have any pieces that need dry cleaning or preservation, contact Crystal Cleaning Center to get the expert help you deserve.

How to Preserve and Display a Vintage Military Uniform

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 22:01:16 GMT

The preservation of military uniforms allows families to display the heroism of their ancestors. Other individuals collect uniforms because of their interests in a specific era or war. Regardless of the reason for the display, proper preservation and care prevent unnecessary damage, so the uniform can stay on view for many generations.

Preserve the Fabric

The type of material used will depend on the era of the uniform. Wool has consistently been in use in military clothing for centuries because of its availability and durability. Other materials used could include linen, cotton, and khaki. Khaki is sometimes made from wool, cotton, synthetic fibers, or combinations of these materials.

Identifying the material is the first step to proper care, but it is not always easy for people who are not textile experts to determine the material on their own. Uniforms, especially those that have been around for 50 -100 years will not always include material and care labels. Talk to an expert about the uniform before attempting to clean anything at home.

Even an obviously cotton item could become damaged if not washed appropriately. Older uniforms will also have older threads that may come apart in a modern washer. Bleach or strong detergents may be too much for fabric made more delicate through years of use, laundering, and handling.

A clothing preservation expert can identify the type of material, assess the condition of the piece, and decide on the best method of care. Some items, particularly wool, will need dry-cleaning. Others may only need handwashing in a gentle detergent at home. Follow their recommendations for the best outcome.

Protect the Medals

Many uniforms also include various medals, stars, bars, and ribbons. Remove all of these from the clothing to clean them. The cleaning process cannot take place with the medals attached. If the ribbons are easily removed from metal pieces, do so before cleaning.

To ensure the use of the right polish, research the medal to learn what metal was used to create it. Copper, bronze, and silver were all commonly used. Use silver polish when unable to determine the metal because silver is the softest and its polish will not harm other metals.

Clean each medal, ribbon, and other items by hand with a soft dampened cloth and dry thoroughly before polishing. Be careful with the polish if the ribbons were not removable because the polish can stain fabric. Use a cotton swab to clean any small depressions and crevices in the medal. Reattach the ribbons after completing the cleaning process.

Display with Care

Shadow boxes are a common way to display medals and uniforms. The enclosed frames protect against dust and they keep people from handling the items. Uniforms can still become damaged in a shadow box if they are not used properly. Always display shadowboxes away from direct sunlight and in rooms where there are not any temperature extremes.

Acid-free backings provide safety during preservation. Experts often stitch the uniforms to the backing instead of using pins or tape that could degrade and stain or otherwise damage the material. It is worth the expense to hire a trained preservationist to prepare a shadowbox. If this is too expensive, choose a kit from a reputable provider.

Display medals in a case separate from a uniform. The sulfur in wool clothing can damage the metal. Some people prefer to display medals in a format that looks the most visually appealing to them. Those that desire a more official display can look up a military precedence chart or a display chart for guidance.

Any display of a military uniform, either vintage or modern, must begin with cleaning and any repairs. At Crystal Cleaning Center , we have over 50 years of experience caring for heirloom items and other vintage treasures. Contact us to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment to bring in your uniform.

Tips to Properly Care for Your Fur Coat

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 13:56:13 GMT

Did you recently inherit a fur coat? Or did you buy one for yourself or receive it as a gift from a loved one? No matter how you acquired your fur coat, you need to know how to properly care for it. With proper care, your fur coat will maintain its luxurious appearance and last for years to come.

Here are some important tips you can follow that will help you properly care for your fur coat.

Properly Store Your Fur Coat

You are not going to wear your fur coat during the warmer months of the year. When you are not wearing it, you will need to properly store it. High humidity is one of the worst enemies of a fur coat because it causes dry rotting. For this reason, the best storage spots for your fur coat are cool places with low humidity.

Some fur coat owners prefer to store their coat in a professional storage facility. The storage vaults in these facilities typically range from around 35 to 45 degrees.

Here are some more storage tips for your fur coat:

Do not use air fresheners or mothballs, as these will dry out the fur.
To help the coat retain its shape, hang it on a non-wire broad-shouldered coat hanger.
Do not store the fur coat in a bag, cedar closet, or freezer.
Keep the coat protected from direct light.

Make sure your fur coat has plenty space if you hang it in the closet. The extra space will prevent your coat from getting crumpled by other garments.

Inspect Your Fur Coat for Damage

Carefully inspect your fur before you put it into storage, and then again after you remove it from storage. The sooner you notice damage, the easier it is to fix. You can also prevent the damage from becoming worse.

You should inspect your fur coats for dry rot. This condition occurs when the natural oils in the hide dry out, which causes the skins to become thin. Common signs of dry rot include tears in the neckline, pockets, and shoulders. If your coat sheds its fur, this is another sign of dry rot.

Other signs of damage to your fur coat may include:

Brittleness caused by too much heat
Changes in color caused by direct sunlight
Holes or stains caused by vermin and insects
Rips and snags caused by normal wear and tear

If your fur coat needs repairs, go to a professional. You should never attempt to fix your damaged fur coat at home, as this could result in further damage and more expensive repairs.

Take Your Fur Coat to a Professional Cleaner

If your fur coat has a light stain, you can try to remove it with a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. If you need to wash your fur coat, avoid putting it in the washing machine; detergents can stain or damage the fur. Your fur coat should also never be dry cleaned.

Fur coats require special cleaning that only a professional cleaner should perform. Professionally cleaning your coat helps to preserve its natural oils. A professional cleaning will also add luster to the fur and prevent it from matting. A professional cleaner will also condition and glaze your fur coat, which adds a protective layer against dirt, dust, and odors.

If you have a fur coat that needs cleaning and you live in the San Mateo, California, area, contact Crystal Cleaning Center. Our family owned and operated business has provided professional cleaning services since 1963. We look forward to helping you maintain your fur coats so they last for years.

4 Methods Used to Restore & Protect Classic Sports Jerseys

Sat, 25 Apr 2020 14:44:38 GMT

Classic sports jerseys showcase a fan's love for their favorite team or player. Whether you wear the jersey on your own or display the jersey in a frame, you want the garment in an ideal condition without any stains or visual issues.

Due to all the little elements put into a sports jersey, the cleaning and restoration process is a delicate one. A dry cleaner will use multiple methods to restore jerseys to their original look. Learn about the methods and how to give sports jerseys new life again.

1. Dry Clean Process

With stitched-on numbers, labels, and a variety of materials, traditional washers and dryers are not the best option for a sports jersey. Hot water could cause elements of a jersey to shrink or warp. The dry clean process helps restore a jersey without any worries of shrinking. Only chemicals are used in the dry clean process, so the jersey not only comes out clean but also free of odor.

Game-worn jerseys could have sweat odors and a funk, especially if the jerseys have sat around without a proper wash. The previous storage method of a jersey could also result in random odors. For example, the jersey may have been packed in a trunk or attic and now has a musty smell. A dry cleaner will eliminate the smells and give the jersey a fresh scent like the when the jersey was first made.

2. Stain Removal

Stains found on jerseys are tricky to remove. Avoid any attempts at stain removal without the services of a dry cleaner first. A dry cleaner uses several methods to focus on specific stains and remove them without causing additional damage.

For example, if the numbers or letters of a jersey have stains, the removal process is different than the standard fabric. A mix of steam and spot water treatments are used to remove stains such as dirt, sweat, and oils. The focus on the jersey will cover the individual stains without allowing the stains to set or causing parts of the fabric to bleed colors.

3. Wrinkle Removal

Sport jerseys stand out in a bad way when displayed or worn with a lot of wrinkles. Simply tossing a jersey into a dryer to remove wrinkles could cause additional problems. A dry cleaner uses a steam iron process to eliminate wrinkles and return a jersey to a flat and smooth form.

Once completed, the jersey is hung up until you pick the item up so no extra wrinkles form. If you plan to display the jersey, the wrinkle removal process will allow you to lay the jersey flat inside of a frame or display case without any wrinkles or creases creating issues.

4. Protective Bags

After dry cleaning, you may not hang up or wear the jersey right away. Keep the jersey in the same condition the dry cleaner created with the use of reusable dry cleaner bags. Disposable clear bags will expose a jersey to sunlight and cause possible discoloration when left in the sun for extended amounts of time.

A reusable dry cleaning bag will have solid, zip-up protection to block out UV rays and keep the jersey in pristine condition. When kept on a hanger, the jersey will not have any new wrinkles, and it will not pick up any new odors in the protection of the bag.

Some dry cleaners may offer their own reusable bags for sale, or you could purchase your own bag and bring the bag in when you drop off your sports jersey.

Contact us at Crystal Cleaning Center to set up a cleaning and restoration for your sports jersey. We have years of experience dealing with delicate clothing and will help take care of your beloved sports jersey.

4 Reasons to Protect Your Wedding Dress for the Future

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 15:47:06 GMT

After the big day, brides usually have to decide what to do with their wedding gowns. While some people opt for a nontraditional end to the wedding dress - such as a photo shoot diving off the nearest pier - most brides want to keep and protect their gowns for the future.

But the most common option - just having it dry cleaned and placing the garment bag in the back of the closet - is not sufficient to preserve the dress for long. Instead, it deserves the extra effort of proper preservation.

Since doing so involves an additional investment, why should you make the effort? Here are a few of the most important reasons.

1. You May Want to Wear It Again

There are actually several good opportunities to wear your wedding dress again for special occasions. You might decide to put it on for your first, fifth, or tenth anniversary, for instance. What better way to relive the wonderful experience of your nuptials on significant dates? Many couples also decide to renew their wedding vows, which could be the perfect occasion to slip into your dress and wow your spouse and guests.

Some brides also choose to have the dress altered at a later date to make it more usable for formal occasions that don't involve the wedding. With some changes, it could become the perfect party dress, a great look for your holiday party, or a special throwback for your anniversary dinner. But if you don't preserve it now, you won't have these options later on.

2. Your Children or Grandchildren May Want It

The tradition of passing down a bridal gown in the family is both sentimental and practical. It's a great way to demonstrate love and unity in the family, and it saves the future bride (or her family) some expenses if the budget is tight. Even though altering will have some costs, it will be far less expensive than buying a new dress.

The problem, of course, is that you won't know today if someone decades down the line will want to recycle your dress. And, again, if you haven't preserved the dress, they may not have the choice at all. Plastic garment bags give off chemicals that are known to give white dresses a yellow tinge that can ruin the whole look.

3. You Can Recoup Your Investment

Don't want to keep your dress? Why not sell it to another bride so she can enjoy it! With bridal gowns commonly costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars, earning some money back by selling it only makes sense. You can use the money to get your new life started, pay for that great honeymoon, or even start a family.

Preservation gives you the time to decide if you want to sell the dress and - if you're on the fence about it - allows you to choose this option when you're finally ready. It also ensures that you get the best price from a great-looking, clean, wrinkle-free, and repaired dress.

4. It Reminds You of Your Big Day

Even if you don't plan to take out your bridal gown to wear on another occasion, it still has sentimental value to you. Every time you see and touch it, you are reminded of a wonderful day. You will also think about how great you looked and felt wearing it. A deteriorated dress that suffers from oxidized makeup, food, or dirt stains may not be the loving reminder you want, though.

No matter what your reason is for wanting to keep your bridal dress, proper preservation will help you reach that goal. Learn more about preservation techniques and choices by talking to the pros at Crystal Cleaning Center today.

5 Steps to Care for Your Period Costume

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 18:17:37 GMT

Making a period costume is an expensive and time-consuming enterprise. Once you have invested your time, energy, and money into your costume, you want it to last for many years and look great for those years as well.

To help you get the most from your period costume, keep these few tips in mind.

1. Choose Fabrics Wisely

Long-lasting costumes begin with long-lasting materials. Satin, taffeta, and silk - popular looks for period finery - come in thicker materials and thinner ones. Thin fabric is more likely to rip under pressure and give way around seams. Sturdier choices like cotton and polyester blends and lined material often hold up better under repeated use and normal cleaning methods.

Before you purchase or make your costume, consult with others who are experienced in fabric choices and vintage clothing. And if you've already made the costume, consider replacing portions that aren't standing up well over time.

2. Inspect Costumes Regularly

Each time you remove the costume from its storage or take it off after a fun day, inspect it completely. Look for tears or rips as well as signs of fabric under stress. Make sure the buttons and snaps are all in place and still functioning. Check zippers, seams, and ties.

Make special note of any potential stains, such as grease, makeup, sweat, or liquids - common problems after a day at the Renaissance fair or a recreational event. One of the most important elements of stain removal is speed, so do this inspection as soon as possible and get things cleaned quickly.

3. Use Professional Cleaning

Some costume materials are machine washable, but many aren't. In addition, handmade and specialty costumes may not survive standard washing practices. Hand-sewn pieces and vintage historical fabrics are the most at risk from harsh and indiscriminate washing practices.

Some cleaners prefer not to work with handmade clothing, so you should consult with a shop that specializes in this type of clothing. They will be better equipped to resolve stains or tears in older fabric that may no longer be in common use.

4. Store Properly

Talk with your professional cleaning service about the best way to store costume pieces. Many costume owners avoid storing fabrics in plastic bags or bins, for instance, as these might allow moisture to form. Delicate fabrics should be kept in an acid-free box for long-term preservation.

Other accessories - such as hats, boots, purses, or props - might be less sensitive but require proper support so they don't lose their shape. Some likely came in boxes that are ideal for storage, but other items may need something custom-made for proper storage.

5. Keep Items Together

Costume makers know that the details - shoes, jewelry, makeup, props, hats, and different layers - are a large part of what makes costuming fun and authentic. Even something as seemingly unimportant as a missing undergarment can change the entire shape of a dress or bodice.

For this reason, ensure that all parts of the costume are stored together whenever possible. This is especially important for expensive accessories like jewelry or items not easily replaced, such as handmade props.

Start by tying or bagging loose items together and gathering up larger things into a single storage box or bag. Make an inventory for the whole outfit and attach it to the outside. A written inventory helps you keep track of all the accessories, no matter where you use the costume. Make special notes as to when it was cleaned or anything that needs replaced.

Need help cleaning or caring for your costume? Start by consulting with the clothing care professionals at Crystal Cleaning Center . We can help you find the storage and care solutions for your individual fabrics, garments, and accessories. Call today to make an appointment.

Caring for Your Handcrafted and Heirloom Clothing

Mon, 21 Oct 2019 18:25:32 GMT

A lot of love and time goes into crafting handmade garments and frequently these items get passed down as heirlooms to others over time. The problem with handcrafted apparel is that it may require special care and handling when laundering, in order to preserve stitching, details, and fabric.

You can take measures to wash and care for these garments in a way that will help them last for years to come. Take care of your handcrafted and handmade clothing with these tips.

Shrink the Fabric

The best way to care for handmade clothes begins when you start making them: wash and pre-shrink the fabric first. Washing the fabric in warm water before sewing allows for maximum shrinkage, which ensures the garment stays truer to size over time and laundering. Use a tumble dryer but don't dry your fabric with other garments; the hardware, buttons, and zippers can cause damage to your fabric during the cycle.

Store Carefully

Once you have constructed your garments or are storing keepsake items, make sure that they are out of any direct sunlight. A dark closet is best but use garment bags if need be; silk is especially vulnerable to UV rays and will fall apart over time. Store knit apparel in drawers rather than hanging in bags or in a closet so they don't stretch out.

Skip the Dryer

When it comes to washing and drying delicate clothing, hang dry instead of tumble dry. The hot settings of a dryer can bake and compromise your handcrafted clothing fast. It breaks down the fibers of the fabric and always poses a risk of shrinkage. Line dry when possible but remember to keep out of direct sunlight to prevent damage.

Wash your Wool

Keep some tips and tricks in mind when caring for wool. Modern wool fabrics are fine to be washed and dried at home, but vintage or high-end wool fabrics need to be dry cleaned. Wool dries fast and can be restored by hanging it in fresh air outside or in a ventilated spot rather than subject the wool to the rigors of regular laundering.

Mind the Moths

Whether your wool is modern or vintage it will attract moths. Use moth repellents, like cedar chips or mothballs, in your closet or drawers to keep your clothes from being eaten by these pests. Tuck a sachet or two in with your items if you are sensitive to the smell of these moth repellents.

Go Pro or Wash Less

Basically, your handcrafted clothing is going to last longer if you launder it less frequently, and other perks of this practice are saving water and cutting washing costs. A professional cleaner will pay attention to the fibers in the fabric and treat them gently, while at home, clothing takes a beating even when you use gentle cycles on your machines.

Get in the habit of wearing your handcrafted items more than once, hanging or storing them when done, and laundering infrequently, or simply take these pieces to your dry cleaner each time you wear them - the choice is yours.

Don't have a dry cleaner? Don't drop your clothing and belongings at any cleaning company you happen to find; do some research. Check customer feedback and online reviews for reputation, satisfaction, and expertise before trusting them with your apparel.

Take special care of your handcrafted clothing or heirloom garments with the professional services of Crystal Cleaning Center ; for customers in the region, this is the perfect way to ensure your sentimental pieces get the care they deserve. Furthermore, having these items professionally cleaned may add years to the garment's life.

Outdoor Summer Wedding? How to Protect Your Wedding Dress

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 18:30:01 GMT

The warm weather and long days make summer the ideal season for an outdoor wedding. However, along with scenic sunsets and vibrant vistas can come mud, muck, and rain. If you plan on an outdoor wedding, take a look at what you can do to protect your dress from the elements.

Ask for Help

Dragging your dress along behind you isn't an ideal option. Whether mud is on the ground, dirt, or grass, the outdoor floor can ruin the bottom of your white gown.

Instead of trying to lift and carry your gown and walk gracefully at the same time, ask for help. Your bridesmaids aren't just responsible for throwing a shower and bachelorette party. They're here for you - all day long.

Ask your maid of honor (or a few bridesmaids, if needed) to lift and carry the back of your gown as you walk. Your friends and family will almost be certainly happy to oblige.

Tailor the Dress Correctly

Even though a train should trail behind you, sweeping out across the grown, the front shouldn't billow out too. Holding the back of your dress off the ground is usually easy for your bridesmaids. But asking for a 360 assist isn't always an option.

Make sure the dress isn't too long in the front or on the sides. While you don't need to heighten the hem excessively, talk to the tailor about creating an ideal outdoor length all around.

Use an Aisle Runner

Aisle runners aren't just for indoor events. Covering an outdoor aisle with a path of fabric can transform the wedding's aesthetic and protect your dress.

Before choosing or using a runner:

Check the ground. Covering the ground creates a visibly even surface. But it can also mask bumps, holes, and ridges. Avoid trip hazards by choosing an obstacle-free surface, making sure the ground is completely level under the runner.
Pick a smooth, but not sleek, surface. The ground isn't the only possible trip-and-fall hazard. A highly textured runner or one that's silky smooth can cause you to slip too.
Select a color palette. An aisle runner adds to your wedding décor. Choose a complimentary color that coordinates with other hues (such as drapery on outdoor tents) and doesn't overpower you or your dress.

Avoid all ceremony-related dress dirt by extending the runner past the actual aisle. Start a few feet back and end at the altar, gazebo, or wherever else you get married.

Consult a Professional

How can you protect your dress best? If you can't answer this question, don't worry. Wedding dress stress is an added headache you don't need right now.

With a keepsake quality garment, professional help is an option you shouldn't skip. A cleaner with specialized expertise in preserving wedding dresses can:

Help to protect the gown before you wear it. While plenty of DIY fabric protectors are commercially available, spraying the dress's delicate fabric with just anything off the store's shelves won't do. Talk to a professional about the right protector to pick.
Offer expert tips. The expert has plenty of experience repairing and restoring ruined gowns. Ask for advice on what to watch out for and what to do in the event of an outdoors-related accident.
Clean the dress after the wedding. Even the best plans can fall short. If you do get dirt, grass stains, or other marks on your dress, bring the gown to the professional as soon as possible. Never attempt to clean the dress in the washing machine or with stain-stick products.

Along with cleaning your dress, a professional can preserve it. This service turns your once-in-a-lifetime gown into a forever memory.

Do you need help preparing, cleaning, or preserving your memory-making dress? Contact Crystal Cleaning Center for more information.

How to Preserve and Display Antique Handmade Doilies

Tue, 28 May 2019 18:33:42 GMT

Doilies were a must-have during the Victorian era. The delicate table decorations were once something that every young woman learned to make. Over time, the lacy designs became less fashionable, and fewer people learned the crochet technique.

Today, vintage and antique doilies are very appealing to collectors. Stains and rips, as well as what to do with them, are problems many people have when they find a doily they admire or one passed down from their parents or grandparents. Here are some solutions for anyone that wants to get their doilies out of the attic.

Clean Doilies Safely

The material in vintage doilies commonly develops yellow stains. Those that were put away before they were cleaned could also have food stains. Mold and mildew due to years in storage are also common. The lacy designs were delicate when made, but they become even more so when they are decades old.

Soak the doilies in a mixture of hot water and a gentle detergent. Rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry in the sunshine. If the stains remain, and you are willing to risk some damage, add bleach to the mixture and repeat the process again. Commercial stain removers applied directly to the stains may be effective. Do not scrub the doily as it could stretch or tear the material.

If the doily is too important to risk the use of any cleaner, try just the natural approach. Wet the material and place it in the full sun to dry. Lay the doily flat so it will receive sunlight over the entire piece. Repeat the process for the other side of the doily if needed. The UV rays of the sun can bleach out fabric without the caustic effects of chlorine bleach.

Get help from a professional restoration cleaner if the stains remain, if the doily seems too delicate to work on alone, or if you have an emotional attachment to the item. Restoration experts know what cleaners are safe for each type of fabric. Experts will only attempt what they know to be safe.

Display With Pride

The obvious use for a lace doily is as a decorative accent on a table. Of course, you may not want to risk new stains on a recently restored vintage item. Another option is to display the doily in a frame.

To frame a doily, remove the cardboard back from the frame and cover it with a piece of fabric. A solid color rather than a pattern can often draw more attention to the doily. Use a spray adhesive to attach the fabric to the cardboard. Position the doily where desired and either pin or use a few dots of fabric glue to hold it in place. Reassemble the frame.

Glue and pins may be unnecessary if the frame has a tight fit between the backing and the glass. In this instance, position the doily on the inside of the glass, apply the fabric to the back and reassemble. It is still necessary to affix the fabric to the cardboard backing with glue to keep the material taut.

Use With Creativity

Sometimes doilies are too damaged or stained to restore. Most will have still have at least a portion of the design that remains in good condition. Trim out the salvageable section and use to decorate bottles, vases, or to add an interesting detail to other linens. Sew the doily pieces to fabric and decoupage to solid surfaces.

At Crystal Cleaning Center , our cleaning experts have restored many items once thought too stained to save. Contact us or bring your item to us for an evaluation. We will do all we can to bring back the natural beauty of your treasure.

Protecting and Preserving Your Beloved Baby Things

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 18:40:06 GMT

Kids grow up so fast, so you should try to preserve the memories and protect your beloved baby things. Pull your favorite items out of storage and give them a once-over to ensure they are not suffering damage from stains, improper storage, or environmental conditions. Use these tips to learn how to store and display your favorite baby items and preserve them for posterity.

Baby Clothes

There are specific instructions for storing and preserving baby clothes if you want them to stay fresh and crisp. First, dry clean each piece and have any stains treated by your dry-cleaning professional. Try to leave items hanging in the dry-cleaning plastic or packaging a couple days to ensure they are completely dry before storing. Some other tips for storing these cleaned items are:

Stow the clothing in archival storage boxes made from acid-free paper to prevent yellowing.
Use airtight plastic totes, but make sure that they are constructed from plastic #5 , which is safest and won't discolor your items.
Wrap and stuff items with archival tissue, and add a sachet to keep them smelling fresh.

Store your boxes or totes in a cool dry space and check on your things each year to ensure they are safe and protected from the elements.

Bibs

Place a favorite bib in a small frame and hang it in the kitchen. You may choose to label the frame with the child's name and year or not. If you have more than one child, consider doing a grouping of bibs to hang on a wall in your home.

Plush Toys

Other sentimental items that belonged to your children may include plush toys. Though these may become a bit dog-eared over the years, plush toys can be a treasured keepsake with a bit of care.

Store your baby's plush toys and stuffed animals in a dry, ventilated space that is not in direct sunlight, which may fade them. While you may want to line them up on a shelf or cabinet, this will inevitably make the toys dusty and is not the best way to preserve them for future generations.

Nursery Décor

Don't forget about other items that you may want to pass on or stash away, such as nursery décor. Store things like quilts and linens in the same way that you would your child's baby clothes. Talk to your drycleaner about cleaning and storing other items like mobiles, wall hangings, and bumper pads.

Christening Gowns

A christening gown is a precious item that you will want to preserve and protect from dust and debris. A fun idea for a nursery or kids' room is to have the christening gown professionally framed, such as you might do for team jerseys or sports memorabilia. Just make sure to have the item professionally dry cleaned first.

Baby Shoes

Your child's first pair of shoes is something special, so consider some clever and unconventional ways to display and enjoy them. Some folks enjoy having their children's baby shoes bronzed, or having them plated with gold, silver, porcelain, and pewter. You may also choose to create a baby shoe shadow box, which shows how much their feet have grown each year, by lining up a single shoe from a span of several years.

As your baby grows, preserve and protect their other keepsake items with the same thought and care. These items can includes things like team uniforms, graduation gowns, and prom dresses.

When you are ready to preserve and pack your beloved baby things, contact Crystal Cleaning Center so your baby's items can be cleaned properly before you store or display them.

3 Reasons to Restore a Vintage Wedding Dress

Wed, 23 Jan 2019 18:54:13 GMT

Wedding dresses are one of the most commonly kept items from a wedding day. Yet many brides don't take the time to properly preserve their dress. A gown tucked away without any preservation effort can be expensive to restore decades later. The potential cost may make the task seem illogical, but restoration is worth it for many reasons.

1. Create a Tradition

Many women feel a deep connection to their loved ones when they wear a dress for a special event that their mother or grandmother also wore for the same purpose. Social media sites have countless photos of teenage girls attending the prom in a gown that once belonged to their mother. Wedding dresses have even more history and emotion attached to them.

In 2015, a family in Pennsylvania made the news as a woman became the 11th person in her family to walk down the aisle in her great-great grandmother's gown. The 120-year-old dress allowed her to become a part of a meaningful family tradition that has continued for over a century.

2. Make History Tangible

A restored antique wedding dress does not have to stay in the family. A donation to a local textile museum, historical museum, or to a costume designer can enable others to learn more about the past due to the gift.

Museums share information that people can also discover in history books. The difference between the lessons is how a museum makes history more realistic using tangible items. A photograph of a fossil is interesting, but the ability to hold a fossil and to see all the details makes the creature more fascinating.

UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, believe in the power of tangible heritage. Their belief is that touchable items help to confirm memories and allow future generations to literally touch the past. It is the same theory shared by most museums, and that includes those that display textile collections.

A wedding dress is a tangible piece of family history as well as an example of the fashion of the era. To hold a gown once worn by someone a century or more earlier allows people to have a more personal connection and appreciation of that individual. The item encourages a desire to learn more stories about the previous wearer, which helps to keep history alive.

In addition, preserved vintage and antique clothing serve as the inspiration for wardrobe designers for theater and film productions. Access to genuine items from a specific era enables the designer to recreate their wardrobes with accuracy.

3. Give a Gift

The restoration of a vintage gown that spent decades packed away could be a surprise milestone-anniversary gift for a loved one. Many women pack away their gown with the intention of preserving it but become too busy with daily tasks to get the project done correctly.

The gift of rejuvenating and making an aged dress beautiful again is about more than just a piece of clothing. The sight of the gown can help return the recipient back to that day years ago and bring back precious memories. Restoration of a wedding dress is a sentimental gift that is entirely unique, and the sharing of the recalled memories becomes a gift for everyone in attendance at the celebration.

The restoration of a wedding dress can take place for many reasons. However, the process of restoration on delicate materials like lace or satin is not easy to perform successfully without experience. At Crystal Cleaning Center , we help to restore and preserve the beauty of all textiles. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment or discuss your restoration project.

Howto Care for Handmade Quilts

Mon, 26 Nov 2018 19:06:02 GMT

Handmade quilts are a thing of beauty - both a practical item and a piece of art. If you inherited Grandma's handmade quilt or have other quilts in your possession, make sure they are properly cared for and used. Take a look at the following tips to do that.

Storing Your Quilt

Handmade quilts contain pieces of fabric that are cut and then sewed together by hand with a needle and thread, not by a sewing machine. Because of this, these quilts can be less sturdy than their machine-sewn cousins, especially if the thread and fabric are vintage. Still, a handmade quilt is tougher than you think, as long as you store it safely. Here's how to store your quilt:

Stay away from direct sunlight. This keeps the colors fresh and bright.
Keep the quilt rolled. Folding for long periods can cause permanent creases and other damage.
Avoid plastic and vinyl. These materials keep air from circulating through the fabric. You can keep a quilt on a shelf as-is and experience little or no yellowing.
Use professional wrappings. If you have a delicate, vintage, or extremely valuable quilt, consider storing it in professional wrappings to protect it. A dealer or professional cleaner can give you suggestions.

Keep in mind that quilts are meant to be used and enjoyed, so you don't have to keep yours stored away out of sight all the time.

Enjoying Your Quilt

If you decide to use your handmade quilt, keep some tips in mind to help minimize damage:

Don't allow pets to have access to the quilt. It's not always easy to remove dog or cat hair from a quilt repeatedly, and frequent washing will harm the quilt. Also, animals might scratch or chew the precious fabric of the quilt.
Never eat or drink near the quilt. It may be tempting to roll up in a cozy quilt and eat in front of the TV, but crumbs and liquid can stain and ruin a quilt.
Take caution with children. It's better to let young ones have a blanket that is machine washable instead.
Avoid dangerous objects. Be mindful of shoes, jewelry, and other sharp objects you wear while using a quilt. Some fabrics are easily snagged or ripped and are difficult to repair.

If you want to enjoy the quilt but are afraid of harming it, consider hanging the quilt on a wall. The quilt can still be easily viewed and admired but is out of the way of potential damage.

Cleaning Your Quilt

If you just received a quilt it might be dusty or dirty. Or, you might already have a quilt that needs to be washed. How do you decide how to clean it? Depending on the condition of the quilt, it can be washed in a washing machine or washed by hand.

If a quilt is old and delicate, do not throw it in the washing machine. Instead, consider spot-cleaning the surface or washing it by hand in a bathtub with cold water and gentle soap. If the quilt is just dusty, you can gently vacuum it with the brush attachment.

If the quilt is in good condition, you can use the washing machine to do the dirty work. Just remember to use cool water and a gentle detergent without perfumes or dyes which can hurt the fabric. Only allow the quilt to spin in the machine just long enough to remove most of the water.

To dry your quilt, skip the dryer, which will shrink the fabric. Instead, lay the quilt flat on a clean sheet, away from direct sun. Never hang a quilt up to dry because the weight will stretch and tear the thread.

If you're unsure how to clean your quilt and are afraid of ruining a work of art, visit Crystal Cleaning Center . We can wash your heirloom quilt and keep it looking as beautiful as the day it was created.

Restore and Sell Your Thrifted Clothes

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 19:10:47 GMT

Thinking about making a few bucks from unwanted apparel in your closet or from a thrift store? You can find potential revenues in restoring good, used clothing, and selling it far and wide. Before you begin to sell your goods, consider ways to restore and refresh your items to ensure buyers are satisfied and that you see a profit after the sale.

Use Dry Cleaning

Invest in dry cleaning for garments that you plan to resell - especially if you have concerns about the fabric. The crisp, fresh presentation of your goods when they come back from the cleaners could enhance the price and customer satisfaction. Talk to your cleaner about any other services that they may provide, like alterations or sewing repairs, in case you need to utilize these for other thrifted items.

Make Repairs

Try to repair any damage that the item may have before advertising, posting, or listing it for sale. While you might find a market for brand-name items with slight flaws, having the damage professionally repaired could create a better profit margin. If you have the sewing expertise, this might be something that you can easily do to enhance your price.

Get Simple Updates

Sometimes simple updates can make a significant difference in how appealing and valuable a piece is. Consider swapping buttons or accents to make a piece more current and sellable. You can find some easy ways to modernize vintage clothing, like altering hemlines, to make the garment more-current and appealing to a wider range of buyers.

Find Storage

Any time that you are reselling items from home, store your items in a spot where they won't be exposed to smoke, pet hair, or odors that could impact their condition. Some buyers could be sensitive to smells - even if you don't notice. Play it safe by storing your sellable items and clothing smartly.

Try Local Sales

When it comes to reselling clothing online, shipping can be a deterrent to potential buyers. Take advantage of local yard-sale sites and selling platforms to allow for local pick-up and to save money on shipping costs, which can significantly impact your sales. You may notice a spike in your small-ticket items when buyers can meet you and make the purchase without the added cost of shipping.

Check Your Wares

If you resell apparel and accessories, give each item a final examination before selling it to a customer. You never know what could be in a pocket, compartment, or purse. You may have heard stories of people finding money, jewelry, and other treasures in old or thrifted clothing. Plus, this gives you an extra chance to try the zippers and buttons to detect any potential issue.

Use Selling Sites

Use a seller's platform for high-end or brand-name garments that can fetch a decent price when authenticated. The commission they take should still leave a profit that makes it a worthwhile piece to restore and sell. Furthermore, many of these sites deal with elements like returns, payment processing, and buyer disputes on the seller's behalf.

If you thrift and buy used goods to resell, check items carefully before buying. While damage doesn't negate a possible purchase, it may not be worth taking the time to restore to resell the items later.

Got some apparel that you want to resell? Use these tips to restore and resell items that you find thrifting - or hanging in your own closet! Treat special clothing with dry cleaning, alterations, and basic repairs to attract buyers to your products and to fetch the best possible price for each item. Visit and talk to the professionals at Crystal Cleaning Center to ensure your goods look their best before they head home with a buyer.

Restoration, Storage, and Display of Vintage Christening Gowns

Sun, 29 Jul 2018 19:13:34 GMT

A delicate white christening or baptismal gown is a symbol of purity during a ceremony that is meant to wash away sin. Many families once reused the gowns out of thriftiness or need, but the passing down of garments is now more of a matter of tradition. Even the British royal family follows this custom with a gown commissioned by Queen Victoria worn by every generation since 1841.

The natural aging process of fabric makes caring for vintage items like these gowns daunting. Careful cleaning, restoration, and a few storage tips can help you to hold on to an important piece of your heritage.

Yellowing and Stains

The yellowing of the fabric is the most frequent problem with vintage christening gowns. Natural and synthetic fibers are at risk of yellowing due to exposure to light and to air. Stains on gowns that were not cleaned prior to storage are another common problem restorers experience. Many dresses look clean before storage, but dirt collects on any oils left on the dress.

Stain removal and whitening are often done by soaking the gown in bleach or a deoxidizer. Not all fabrics can withstand this method and require a gentler cleanser. Material that is old or thin, gentle fabric like silk, or delicate embellishments like lace or embroidery need special attention and special products designed for use in these situations.

Never machine wash vintage christening gowns, and only soak the garment if the material is known to be durable enough to withstand the detergent of cleanser. Remember that a cotton gown may be okay to soak, but the embroidery or lace may not survive the process.

Holes and Tears

Vintage clothing that has rips, holes, or other damage needs an expert touch. Many clothing restoration experts keep pieces of unrepairable vintage gowns on-hand to replace damaged sections in other garments that have too much damage to repair. The restoration team can use these materials to replace lace or even entire panels of the vintage gown to make it durable enough to wear.

Extensive repairs of this type help keep heirloom items in use, but they may not be advisable for collectibles. Many collectors of antique and vintage items prefer the signs of age and use. Repairs or replacement of damaged fabric could reduce the integrity, and the value, of an antique gown. Clean the gown to prevent more damage, but avoid replacing any fabric.

Store and Display

Make certain to have the gown professionally cleaned again after the christening. Even if it looks clean, there will still be some dust and body oils on the material. Store it for future use by wrapping the entire gown in acid-free tissue paper and placing it inside an acid-free box. Use the tissue paper as well to fill the folds and creases in the gown to prevent these spots from wearing out.

A shadow box prevents air from reaching a gown that is out on display. Use an acid-free backing inside the frame and suspend the gown from a museum-quality padded hanger. Wear cotton gloves while arranging the gown to prevent any oil from the hands from transferring to the gown. Display the shadow box where there is no direct sunlight or bright overhead lights.

If you have a special christening gown that needs some work before its next use, see us. At Crystal Cleaning Center our experts use safe cleaning methods and products to ensure that every vintage piece returns as close to its original beauty as possible. We can offer advice on storage, future care, and more extensive restoration efforts too. Contact us today.

The Top Benefits of Dry Cleaning Your Clothes

Mon, 04 Jun 2018 19:21:53 GMT

That tiny little tag on the inside of your shirt, pants, coat, or dress that reads "Dry Clean Only" means business. Even though it's tempting to ignore the washing instructions, think of the tag as a warning. Saving money on dry cleaning costs isn't worth ruining your delicate or dressy wardrobe pieces.

Along with your "Dry Clean Only" laundry, you may also have iffy items that could go either way - in the washer or sent to the dry cleaners. Whether you're looking to save money on laundry-related costs or you're just not sure if your sweater needs a professional wash, take a look at some of the top benefits that dry cleaning offers.

Shrinkage Prevention

There are several different reasons why clothes may shrink. Your clothes don't just magically get smaller the moment you toss them into the washer or dryer. Some fabrics tend to shrink more easily than others. Then there are your washing practices. Hot water and the high drying heat can also cause delicate items to get smaller and smaller.

Choosing the wrong wash cycle (with too much agitation) or drying pieces that are made from delicate linen, cotton, or wool fibers again and again can shrink your clothes. Instead of ruining your wardrobe, or taking chances with some of your favorite items, a dry cleaner can properly handle your clothes. This means a reduced risk of shrinkage that leads to a better fit and a longer fabric lifespan.

Stain Removal

DIY stain-removing hacks, tips, and tricks may seem easy, but they often don't truly remove the offending area. A splash of seltzer or a rinse with vinegar may look surprisingly simple on a YouTube video, but in reality, the correct method of stain removal needs to match whatever made the mess as well as the fabric you're trying to clean.

Dry cleaning professionals have expert knowledge and years of experience working with stains. Whether there's a red wine spot on your light-colored sweater, sweat stains on your work shirts, or any other mess that makes you wonder if you should trash the item, you need help from a pro. Washing the stained item on your own may set the stain, making it cling for good.

Delicate Handling

The fibers of your "Dry Clean Only" clothes aren't made for the heavy-duty agitation cycle of your largecapacity washer. They also aren't made for the hour-long dryer session you have in store for them. Silk, wool, rayon, and some cotton items may require dry cleaning to keep their structure intact.

Along with the type of material the item is made from, adornments (such as a lace trim or buttons) can fall off, tear, or sustain damage in the washing machine and dryer. The dry cleaner knows how to appropriately care for both delicate fabrics and delicate embellishments. This can save you money in repair costs or simply save your clothes.

Complete Care

Your time is precious. Even though putting a load of laundry in the washer and transferring it to the dryer isn't exactly a time-exhaustive pursuit, adding starch, fabric softener, ironing, folding, and storing your clothes can all cut in to your daily schedule.

The dry cleaner is a one-stop shop. All you need to do is drop your laundry off, and they do the rest for you. From washing your delicate dresses to pressing and preserving vintage pieces, the pros will take care of every part of the cleaning process - from start to finish.

If you don't have plans to wear your just-washed wardrobe right away, the dry cleaner may even be able to help with storage.

Do you need a dry cleaner to care for your delicate laundry? Contact us at Crystal Cleaning Center for more information.

What Actually Happens When You Don't Dry Clean Clothes?

Wed, 04 Apr 2018 19:28:34 GMT

Most people have idly wondered from time to time, what would happen if they put something particular in the wash. Having something specially cleaned can be a hassle, and many people believe that clothes will be just fine if they go a cycle or two through the washer. But that's pretty far from the truth. There's a lot that can happen to your clothes even if you put them in the gentlest cycle of your washer.

Your Clothes Could Begin to Unravel

A washing machine agitates delicate clothing quite a bit, even on the gentle cycle. This agitation can pull off small additions, such as the beads and sequins you might find on a wedding dress. Other clothing is simply not meant to be agitated at all, so the threads will begin to pull and tear through the cloth. Delicate cloth, such as lace, can be particularly susceptible to this. An abrasive cotton thread will eventually work its way through even a strong lace.

DIY clothes cleaners will often recommend that you simply soak your dry clean clothing rather than agitating it, and gently rinse it. This can work for some types of material, but it's still dangerous. Suede, leather, taffeta, velvet, rayon, and fur will usually not be able to be washed this way. On the other hand, silk, cotton, wool, and linen possibly can be, but there's a caveat: stretching and shrinking.

Your Lining Could Warp

The major issue that occurs with dry clean clothes is that the exterior or interior will shrink. Most dry clean clothing has an outer layer of cloth and an inner layer of cloth. These are usually two different types of cloth. When subjected to either water or heat, one of these are going to warp and shrink. This is going to alter the lines of the outfit dramatically.

When the interior lining gets smaller, the clothing will appear to be pulled in, creating creases and lines where they didn't exist before. When the exterior gets smaller, the interior lining will start sticking out and will be visible when it shouldn't be.

Your Clothes Could Dull or Pill

Some types of cloth, such as a high-quality cotton, shouldn't be cleaned in a washing machine because they can get dull or pill. If they are fragile, then the structure of the thread is going to be damaged by washing. The fibers will begin to fray, which will eventually make something that looks shiny look dull.

If it's a thicker fabric, such as wool, a normal washing could cause it to pill. This is when fibers collect on the surface, usually in small balls. Both of these scenarios are difficult if not impossible to fix and restore, as the fabric itself is damaged.

Your Clothes Could Bleed

Finally, sometimes clothes are dry clean only because the dye itself could come off in the wash. Even with normal, washable clothes, dye sometimes rinses off the first few times you wash them. If you have a dry clean only item, you may find that the dye runs when you wash it.

This could either lead to other clothes being dyed or it could lead to clothing that is lighter or blotchier than it was before it went into the wash. Using a color-fast detergent could help, but could also cause solvent damage to the clothing.

If you have very small stains on your clothes, it is possible to wet blot them out, and it may not damage it. But for the most part, an all over cleaning is really going to require the services of a professional. You can get a consultation at the Crystal Cleaning Center .

Cleaning And Care Tips For Your Custom-Tailored Suit

Fri, 02 Feb 2018 19:32:11 GMT

One of your most prized possessions is your custom-tailored suit. You can wear your suit to a variety of events: weddings, business events, and other special occasions.

Keeping your suit in prime condition is important for two reasons: you've spent a lot of money on having your attire designed to fit your body, and you have a personal interest in always looking sharp when you put your tailored suit on. Here are cleaning and care tips you can use to keep your custom-tailored suit in excellent condition for as long as you own it.

Dry Clean OnlyDry Clean Only

Whether you wear your suit on a regular basis or only a few times a year, you should only clean your suit by having it professionally dry cleaned. Signs your suit needs to be professionally cleaned include:

Wrinkling
Odors
Stains
Hair/debris
Dust

Suits come in a variety of materials, with wool being among the most common. Your dry cleaning specialist will professionally remove stains and smooth pills and wrinkles, air out dust and other particles, and keep your suit in beautiful condition. Only have your suit dry cleaned when it is showing signs of wear; having your suit professionally cleaned every time you wear it can cause it to lose its shape.

Never place your custom suit in the washing machine, as the constant rotation of even a gentle cycle can cause your tailored suit to lose its shape. If you must remove wrinkles quickly, place your suit in the bathroom on a wooden hanger on a towel rack or over the door, then turn your shower on the highest heat setting. The steam will help pull out the wrinkles without damaging your suit.

Attend to Damage Rapidly

Even if you only rarely wear your custom-tailored suit, signs of wear and tear is bound to happen on your clothing. Buttons can come loose, seams can begin to pull away or small strings can become visible.

Your dry cleaning specialist can inspect your suit for any signs of damage to the inner lining or exterior construction of the material and make small repairs as needed. Never attempt to repair your suit on your own, rather, allow a professional tailor or dry cleaning specialist to reconstruct your suit for you to keep it in lasting condition.

Hang Your Suit Right

A custom-tailored suit should always be hung on a wooden hanger to prevent pulls and dents in your clothing. If you can, place your suit in a garment bag when not in use to protect the garment from sunlight, debris, odors, and dust.

Rotate your suit often, readjusting the crease in the shoulders due to the hanger by turning your suit another direction. Store your suit in the back of your closet where it is least likely to be disturbed when you are not wearing it.

Your dry cleaning specialist will inform you how often you should have your suit dry cleaned based on its material's composition and how often you wear it (in addition to what you wear your suit for). If you have concerns over caring for your suit at home, your dry cleaner may be able to store your garment for you for a small fee.

Caring for your custom-tailored suit can allow you to own it for many years. The right care and cleaning techniques can allow your garment to keep its shape and luster longer. For all your dry cleaning needs, from precious tablecloths to wedding dresses, allow our staff at Crystal Cleaning Center to assist you. We care for a variety of fabrics and fine linens and can help you keep your suit in beautiful condition.