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Down Comforter Care

Eric DavisJanuary 18, 2021February 8, 202324 Hour Laundry, 24/7 Laundry, air fluff, Bundle Services, Coin Laundry, Down, Down Comforter, Laundry, lukewarm water, Pressing Services, Rush Orders, Self Service Laundry, Special Care Instructions, Stains, Tennis Balls, Wash, Washing, Water Temperature January 18, 2021

Manufacturers usually offer cleaning suggestions for their down items. Most recommend cleaning down items infrequently — typically every three to five years, but life happens and sometimes that’s just not sanitary. Try following these steps to get the best results when washing and drying down comforters and pillows.

WASHING

Step 1

Check the comforter or pillow for worn stitching or holes, and repair with small fine stitches to avoid losing any down stuffing during the laundering process.  Most comforters are too big for your home washer. Instead, use the large capacity front-loading washing machines at your local Laundromat…specifically Sapulpa Laundry.

Step 2

Before laundering a down comforter or pillow, check for stains. Color-safe bleach can be used on stains caused by water or food, but blood or urine are best treated with an enzymatic cleaner such as Nature’s Miracle or Pure Green Kleen.  Pull the cover of the comforter or pillow away from the down while spot-treating stains to keep the cleaning product from damaging the down. Then launder.

Step 3

Put a sock stuffed with two tennis balls (secured with a knot) in the machine with the comforter or pillows. This addition will help keep the down from bunching and will agitate soil from the items being washed.

Step 4

Use a gentle or delicate cycle setting and a minimal amount of mild laundry detergent. Choose lukewarm water; hot or cold water can be hard on the down. Use an extra rinse cycle to ensure all soap is rinsed from the down.

NOTE: Down bears a distinctive odor when wet. The odor will dissipate when the down dries.

DRYING

Step 1

After the wash is complete, load your comforter or pillows into a dryer large enough to give the items plenty of room to fluff. Add a pair of clean tennis balls to help fluff the down and keep it evenly distributed.

Step 2

Run the dryer on air fluff or the lowest temperature possible. Stop the dryer periodically and break up any lumps that are forming in the comforter or pillow. Also ensure that the down is not getting too warm as extreme heat can scorch the down. Expect the drying process to take three to four hours.

Step 3

Make sure the down item is dry before taking it out of the dryer to avoid the formation of mildew. If the item is still slightly damp, hang it out on a clothesline or lay flat on a table with a fan blowing on it to get the down as dry as possible. Once you bring the comforter or pillow inside, leave the item out for another month to ensure all moisture has evaporated before storing.

Eric DavisJanuary 6, 2021February 8, 202324 Hour Laundry, 24/7 Laundry, Bundle Services, Cleaner Clothes, Clothes, Coin Laundry, Damp Cloth, Dryer, Gentle Cycle, Iron, Laundry, Low Heat, Permanent Press, Pressing Services, Rush Orders, Self Service Laundry, Special Care Instructions, Spray Bottle, Stains, Wash, Washing, Water Temperature, Wrinkle Free January 6, 2021

I do not like to iron! I want to pick out an outfit, put it on, and then be on my way. I do not want to pick out an outfit, get the iron and ironing board out, and then iron it. It takes more time out of my schedule if I have to iron, and if you’re in a rush, it can be stressful! Here are a few of my ”tried and true” tips to help you out.

∙Be sure to dry permanent press clothing in a gentle/low heat dryer, not HOT! Hot will only make a wrinkled mess and can melt the fabric. If you forget your clothes and don’t pull them out of the dryer in time, and they happened to get wrinkled, all you have to do is place a damp bath towel in with your clothes on gentle/low heat and dry for a few more minutes. Be sure to take them out just before or as soon as they are dry and lay flat or hang on a hanger.

∙After you’ve washed and dried your clothes, remove them immediately from the dryer. Then with a little spray bottle filled with water, spray the collar, button hole placard, and the sleeve edges. Then quickly “Finger Press” those focal points to be smooth and flat so they are no longer folded, curled, or crinkly. This easy finishing touch makes a big difference for permanent press shirts to look so much nicer….and it’s easy! No Iron involved!

∙If you do end up needing to get the dreaded iron out, then try to iron your clothes with a damp cloth. Place the damp cloth on top of the garment and iron. This will steam the fabric and it won’t be too hot. Try a small spot first to see if this will work on the fabric. Remember, too hot of a dryer or iron on permanent press fabric can melt it.

Eric DavisDecember 14, 2020February 8, 202324 Hour Laundry, 24/7 Laundry, Baking Soda, Bleach Pen, Bundle Services, Chemicals, Cleaner Clothes, Clothes, Coin Laundry, Cold Water, Detergent, Gentle Cycle, Hot Water, Hydrogen Peroxide, Laundry, Laundry Detergent, OxiClean, Pressing Services, Restoration, Rush Orders, Rust Remover, Self Service Laundry, Soap, Special Care Instructions, Stains, Washing, Water Temperature, White Vinegar, Yellow Stains December 14, 2020

Some of us are fortunate enough to inherit a little piece of our family history. If we’re lucky, these items will be in good condition, but that’s not always the case. Some items may have dry rot, mouse nibbles and/or rust. You won’t be able to save these things if the fibers are already compromised. If you tug on two sides of a garment and it comes apart without much effort, your item has dry rot and has reached the end. Sometimes, you just have to let go, there’s no way to save it.

To start, here are a few items you should have on hand:
White Vinegar
Rust Remover
Restoration – (OxiClean is similar, more widely available and slightly less expensive than Restoration, but it doesn’t work as well.)
Bleach pen
Laundry detergent (simple soap, nothing added)

***PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT GUARANTEE ANY METHOD THAT YOU CHOOSE TO TRY. IT ALL DEPENDS ON THE CONDITION OF THE GARMENT.***

“Restoration” and white vinegar are preferred products. Read the label and use common sense. You may only need to use “Restoration” for your initial laundering to remove storage dirt. You can also use “Restoration” in the washing machine with your laundry, too. It removes odors, age spots, storage stains, label stains and often, some rust. If it doesn’t remove the rust, try using “Whink Rust & Stain Remover.” Be aware that if rust has already eaten away the fibers that you may be left with a hole where the rust had been after cleaning with rust/stain remover.

Use “Restoration” first and, if stains remain after two or three sessions with it, put the dampened piece outside in bright sunshine for a day. This is often a magical solution. Horrible stains will usually disappear within an hour. This is the least invasive method. It is effective and it’s free – it also sanitizes. However, sunlight does bleach and weaken fibers over time. Sunlight is destructive so I am not suggesting that you constantly subject your fragile items to sunlight. This method, used once or twice on a piece that would otherwise need to be thrown away, can be very helpful. If the stains persist, you may need to resort to using bleach with laundry detergent. I like to have a bleach pen on hand because it allows me to pinpoint where I apply the bleach. After using bleach, always rinse with white vinegar, then rinse again with clear water.

Step 1. Use hot water with “Restoration” until the water turns clear. (approx. 4- 6 hours or overnight) If the water is not clear after overnight soak, repeat this step. Extremely filthy items may require several soakings.

Step 2. Drain and refill container with water; add white vinegar (a splash or a cup, depending on container size); swish around and soak for 10-20 minutes.

Step 3. Drain and refill with lots of clear water; swish around and soak for 15 minutes. Done!

If stains remain, repeat entire process.
If there is rust, use rust remover on wet fabric, then repeat from Step 2.

If stains remain, lay wet/damp item outdoors in sunshine.

If stains remain, soak with laundry detergent and small amount of bleach. Or use a bleach pen on small stains. It is better to soak longer using very little bleach.

IMPORTANT!
DO NOT mix chemical treatments. Pre-rinse items that may have bleach or detergent residue with vinegar to neutralize the bleach and then rinse twice in clear water before trying another treatment. DO NOT bleach anything after using OxiClean or peroxide or any other chemical treatment. Your items may turn permanently blue, or worse Rinse really well before trying any other product.

Eric DavisDecember 8, 2020February 8, 202324 Hour Laundry, 24/7 Laundry, Allergens, Bacteria, Baking Soda, bioclean, Body Sweat, Bundle Services, Cleaner Clothes, Clothes, Coin Laundry, Detergent, Drying, dust, Dust Mites, Dyes, Fabric Softener, Fungal Spores, Hot Water, Hydrogen Peroxide, Laundry, Laundry Detergent, Mattress Pad, Mildew, Mold, Odor, Pressing Services, Rush Orders, Self Service Laundry, Special Care Instructions, Stains, Vacuum, Warm Water, Wash, Washing, Water Temperature, White Vinegar December 8, 2020

Dust, mold, mildew, body sweat, fungal spores, allergens – all make mattresses the ideal breeding ground for bacteria and dust mites. If you’re as grossed out as I am by this, keep reading and learn how to clean your mattress for a better, cleaner sleep.

Vacuum It

Vacuum your mattress every month or so or as often as every time you change the sheets, if you or family members have severe allergies. Run the vacuum very slowly over the mattress, so it has time to inhale the dust and dust mites. Break out the crevice tool for the edges and crevices.

Treat Stains

Treat any stain immediately. The longer liquids sit in a mattress, the likelier you are to foster mold and mildew growth.

This may sound crazy, but use foaming shaving cream for mattress cleaning, in part because of its thickness. Liquids will soak right through a mattress, not allowing adequate time to dissolve the stain. Foaming shaving cream contains denatured alcohol, which is a stain remover, and it’s thick, so it sits on the surface to work on the stain. Wait 10 to 15 minutes, wipe with a damp cloth, and rinse with a 50/50 vinegar/water solution. Repeat if necessary.

Other helpful solutions for common mattress stains:

Blood: A 50/50 hydrogen peroxide/water solution.
Urine, fecal matter, or vomit: An enzyme cleaner, such as Bac-Out by BioClean, or Nature’s Miracle, available at pet stores.

Freshen Fast

Use a mixture of cornstarch and baking soda to remove smells. Place in a colander and just shake the mixture on to the mattress, let it sit for a few hours or longer, then vacuum. The cornstarch will absorb body oils, while the baking soda will work on smelly odors.

Sheet Strategy
Don’t put new sheets on until evening. This will allow the mattress to air all day discouraging dust mites and bacterial growth.

Pad It
Remember, mattress pads aren’t just for comfort. They keep your mattress cleaner, too. Wash monthly in hot water, and machine dry thoroughly, unless the tag instructs otherwise.

Eric DavisNovember 23, 2020February 8, 202324 Hour Laundry, 24/7 Laundry, Bundle Services, Clever, Clothes, Coin Laundry, Decor, Decorative Hangers, Detergent, Drying, Fabric Softener, Grouped, Guest, Holidays, Hook, Hot Water, Laundry, Layer, Pressing Services, Ribbon, Rolled, Rush Orders, Self Service Laundry, Shapes, Stacked, Towels, Warm Water, Wash, Washing, Water Temperature November 23, 2020

The holidays are fast approaching, so here are some clever ways to display your towels to impress your guest!

On a Hook

One of the easiest ways to display towels is to place them on a hook like a locker room. The nice thing about this option is that anyone can hang a towel on a hook, including children so you don’t have to worry about perfectly folded towels.

Stacked

Folded and stacked towels are a great option. You can fold towels in half or thirds for your stacks and place on an open shelf for easy access.

Rolled

Roll your towels and place on a shelf if you like a spa look. This is a great space saver and looks very decorative. It’s super easy to roll your towels, so this is a great option for saving space while looking great.

Layer

Layer your towels for easy use. This option is pretty self explanatory. Simply fold your towels neatly and layer on top of each other over towel rack. I like to layer a bath towel, hand towel and wash cloth.

Group with a Ribbon

Group your towels with a ribbon for a chic look. It’s also a great way of saying, “hands off” if you don’t want someone to use a particular set of towels.

Hang on Decorative Holders

Decorative holders are super great because they can be useful as well as decorative. You can even find towel holders that have a built in shelf.

Fold in Fun Shapes

Fold your towels into fun shapes like a resort. You can find lots of towel folding tutorials on-line from pretty shapes like fans, baskets and animals.

Decorative Decor

Add a touch of decorative decor to your towels by embellishing with elements from your decor. This bathroom has a nautical theme so the starfish is the perfect piece of decorative decor. It’s easy to add the shell to a simple stack of towels.

Eric DavisNovember 16, 2020February 8, 202324 Hour Laundry, 24/7 Laundry, Basket, Bundle Services, Cleaner Clothes, Clothes, Coin Laundry, Detergent, Kids, Laundry, Laundry Basket, Pressing Services, Rush Orders, Self Service Laundry, Socks, Special Care Instructions, Warm Water, Wash, Washing, Water Temperature November 16, 2020

GIVE YOUR KIDS THEIR OWN LAUNDRY BASKET

You can find kid sized laundry baskets at Target, or Wal-Mart that are just the perfect size for one load of laundry.

The same basket can be used to carry laundry to the washing machine, carrying the clean laundry from the dryer to wherever it’s folded, and if needed, carrying the folded laundry to the dresser to be put away. Plastic baskets are easy to wipe out regularly and keep clean. When your kids get bigger and have bigger clothes, just upgrade them to a bigger basket.

The most important tip is reinforcing the habit of putting dirty clothes IN the basket, and then washing clothes when the basket gets full instead of continuing to heap clothes on top!

HAVE SET LAUNDRY DAYS

Depending on the number of kids you have, set one laundry day, give each kid their own day, or assign multiple kids per day. Reinforce the laundry day habit by marking it on the calendar, adding it to your chore chart or maybe even an app on your phone! One week’s worth of laundry isn’t more than they can manage in one day, so it won’t be overwhelming to them.

TEACH YOUR KIDS TO DO THEIR OWN LAUNDRY

Teaching the kids to do their own laundry is probably the scariest part – but also the most liberating!

ADJUST FOR AGE

Grow your kids into these healthy laundry habits, start when they are young and eager to help and add responsibility as they grow.

Children from 2-5 can learn to put clothes in the hamper when they take them off, help load things into the washing machine, help switch over to the dryer (hand them to the child to put into the dryer), and can help put folded items in drawers.

Children from 5-7 can “fold” and put away their own clothes and load the washer and dryer with supervision at first and then increasing independence.

Children ages 8 and up can pretty much do their own laundry from start to finish. They can also assist younger siblings with the washer and dryer settings!

When my kids were little I realized that since we wash our clothes with cold water anyway, their clothes were small, and most of their wardrobe was the same color — all of their laundry could be washed together! If you want to bleach their socks or teach them to sort into lights and darks, you can do that, too, but I skipped it. Focus on checking pockets, setting aside items with stains or brand new items that haven’t been washed yet, the settings for the machines and soap, and checking the lint trap. Observe at first and give them more freedom and independence as they get the hang of it.

TEACH YOUR KIDS TO FOLD (OR NOT)

Depending on their age, I believe the bigger goal is to have them get their clothes IN the dresser, get the drawers closed, and be able to find something to wear. I’ve learned that most kids aren’t concerned about folding but as they grow, they begin to fold their clothes on their own – especially when they see everyone else doing it. As kids grow, folding becomes more important if you want everything to fit in the drawers and not be a wrinkled mess. At that point you will have to step in to teach them that folded clothes fit better, and look better. They won’t like the idea of ironing!

“Important tip” here is to choose your battles, and focus on your main goal of teaching them to be responsible for their own laundry. The precision will come with time.

SOLVE YOUR SOCK ISSUES

Here’s another crazy idea – stop matching socks! Why stress yourself out? Solve your sock issues with three simple steps. First, buy all one kind of sock, and second, buy different brands (different colored toes, etc.) for each kid. They will have some other socks of course – maybe some church socks, maybe some Christmas socks but the bulk of their daily socks will be the same. Third step – skip the “folding” and assign a drawer or basket in a drawer for socks. It keeps all the socks together, and it skips the hassle of matching and folding.

All of these habits work together to create an easy laundry system your kids can help with. By having their own basket, they are responsible for their own laundry. By having laundry days and small baskets you are limiting the amount of laundry they have to wash at one time. By foregoing sorting, sock matching and folding, you’re preventing your children from becoming overwhelmed with the details of perfection and focusing instead on being responsible and the joy of independence.

Eric DavisNovember 10, 2020February 8, 202324 Hour Laundry, 24/7 Laundry, Alliance Laundry, Alliance Laundry Systems, Bundle Service, Bundle Wash, Certification, Certified, Clothes, Coin Laundry, Customer Service, Gold Medal, Gold Medal Certification, Gold Standard, Laundry, outdoor car vacuum, Pressing Services, Same Day Service, Sapulpa Laundry, Self Service Laundry, Speed Queen, Speed Queen Quantum, Speed Queen Quantum Certified, Speed Queen® Express commercial washers and dryers, Wi-Fi November 10, 2020

Gaining certification as a laundry facility is as important for the business itself as it is the clients that utilize it. Certification can ensure guests will know they have access to the best equipment possible without the risk of faulty or dated machines. Though the process for obtaining certification is rigorous, the benefits achieved are worth the process.

We have worked very hard to obtain an official Speed Queen® Quantum™ Gold Medal Certification to ensure guests have the best experience possible. To achieve certification, an Alliance Laundry Representative is required to review the store’s blueprints, inspect the construction site, check equipment installation for accuracy and provide on-site inspections of the laundry equipment once installed. Once these requirements have been fulfilled, the laundry facility is officially eligible to receive a Gold Medal certification.

Alliance Laundry Systems is the only laundry manufacturer to provide development and education of their employees on such a grand scale. To become a representative for Alliance, technicians are required to complete roughly 30 courses before passing a final exam to gain certification. This process ensures that certification for laundry facilities maintains the same standards at all times.

Being an official Speed Queen® Quantum™ Gold Medal Certification recipient means that Sapulpa Laundry utilizes the most up to date Speed Queen® Express commercial washers and dryers available. With several one, two, three and six-load front washers available, guests can quickly and efficiently complete their clothes washing and with two, four and eight-load high capacity dryers available, guests can ensure they are getting the best deal possible.

Our goal at Sapulpa Laundry has always been to have great customer service and to offer a clean, relaxed, pleasant experience for those doing a chore that most dread doing. With unique features like 24 Hour Security Camera’s, Wi-Fi access, pressing services, same day bundle washing, an indoor ATM, two change machines and an outdoor car vacuum, we strive to offer the best laundry experience available. If you have any questions about our facilities or services, please call us at (918) 805-6440.

Eric DavisNovember 2, 2020February 8, 202324 Hour Laundry, 24/7 Laundry, Bundle Services, Clothes, Coin Laundry, Cold Water, Denim, Detergent, Drying, Hot Water, Laundry, Pressing Services, Rush Orders, Self Service Laundry, Special Care Instructions, Warm Water, Wash, Washing, Water Temperature November 2, 2020

Chances are you bought those new jeans or that denim jacket because you liked the color and texture of the denim, right? Well, those new jeans and denim jackets have been dyed to get that color and rough-and-tumble look to last through multiple washings.

To keep jeans looking good, you will need to launder your denim carefully to keep the look you love.

Always wash new jeans separately.

Dark wash jeans should be washed separately the first time, and in a laundry detergent designed to keep their dark colors safe and intact. The dye in most jeans transfers readily during the laundry cycle, so it’s important to bathe them all by themselves.

Turn jeans inside-out before washing.

Washed jeans should be laundered inside-out in warm or cool water to prevent fading (unless you want fading, of course.) Keep both new and washed jeans away from laundry detergents with bleach for the same reason. This is one time you’ll want to use a basic laundry detergent without additives or boosters.

Avoid frequent tumble drying and dry cleaning.

Avoid frequent tumble-drying and dry cleaning. Heat may damage fibers, and dry cleaning may cause discoloration. When necessary, tumble dry while the dryer is cool and use the delicate setting.

To extend the lifespan of jeans, lay them flat to dry whenever possible instead of tossing them into the dryer.

Don’t spot clean jeans.

Don’t try to spot-clean denim. Instead, wash the entire pants so you don’t create a faded area where the spot or spill was.

If needed, iron jeans while damp.

This step is extremely easy and for those who like the crisp, pressed look. To put it simply – iron the denim while it’s still damp on the highest setting recommended for denim on your iron. Another option is to bring your denim in to us at Sapulpa Laundry. We will get your jeans crisp and pressed with a crease or not, and starched or not – however you prefer.

Eric DavisOctober 26, 2020February 8, 202324 Hour Laundry, 24/7 Laundry, Absorb, Air Dry, Baby Shampoo, Bundle Services, Cleaner Clothes, Clothes, Coin Laundry, Detergent, Drying, Gentle Cycle, Laundry, lukewarm water, Pressing Services, Re-shape, Rush Orders, Self Service Laundry, Shrink, Shrinkage, Soak, Special Care Instructions, Sweater, Warm Water, Wash, Washing, Water Temperature October 26, 2020

Step One: Soak

Fill a sink or bathtub with lukewarm water then add a cap of baby shampoo to the water.

Place the sweater into the sudsy water. Let it soak for a minute or two, then gently massage the item with your hands to help relax the fibers.

Remove the sweater from the water and gently squeeze it to remove some of the water. (But do not wring or rinse the sweater!)

Step Two: Absorb

Lay out a big, clean bath towel and lay the sweater flat on top of it.

Roll the towel up from one end so the sweater is wrapped inside. Press on the towel gently to absorb the excess water, then unroll the towel.

Step Three: Re-Shape

Grab another clean bath towel and lay the damp piece of clothing out on it.

Use your hands to gently stretch the item to its original size. Last, but not least, leave the sweater on the towel and allow it to air dry completely.

NOTE: Do not rinse out the little bit of shampoo that is left in the garment after Step One. This process doesn’t leave very much soap behind in the sweater, and the little soap that does remain helps keep the fibers pliable during the stretching process.

Eric DavisOctober 19, 2020February 8, 202324 Hour Laundry, 24/7 Laundry, Alcohol, Bacteria, Bundle Services, Cleaner Clothes, Clothes, Coin Laundry, Detergent, Hot Water, Laundry, Mesh Bags, MRSA, Pressing Services, Rush Orders, Self Service Laundry, Special Care Instructions, Staph Bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Warm Water, Wash, Washing, Water Temperature October 19, 2020

We see it all the time. You spend your hard-earned money washing and drying your clothes, towels, sheets etc. Then, without thinking, you place all your clean belongings back in a dirty laundry basket. Dead skin cells, grime from your sweaty workout clothes, and whatever else hitches a ride on your clothes throughout the day, are all lurking in that laundry basket! Let’s don’t forget to mention bacteria, including the dreaded staph bacteria also known as MRSA!

*Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium that causes infections in different parts of the body. It’s tougher to treat than most strains of staphylococcus aureus – or staph – because it’s resistant to some commonly used antibiotics.

What to Do:

Wash it. Give that basket a good washing with soap and hot water, or simply use an antibacterial wipe and wipe the basket down thoroughly before putting your clean laundry back in it. You can also use any hard surface disinfectant but be watchful of anything with the potential to discolor (i.e. bleach). Make sure to dry the basket completely before putting your belongings back in it.

Bag it. Try using washable laundry bags. Wash the dirty bag along with the clothes. Once the bag is dried, place the clean clothes inside the bag to transport back home.

Line it. You can also use a disposable plastic laundry bag, clean trash bag, or a reusable cloth liner to line your laundry basket. Set your clothes inside the bag that lines the basket. Dispose of the plastic bag once you have put your belonging away and wash the cloth liner the next time you do laundry.

Blog

Down Comforter Care

Wrinkle Free Permanent Press Clothing – Without the Iron!

Caring for Antique Linens

Don’t Forget To Clean Your Mattress

Teaching Kids the Importance of Laundry

The Importance of Laundry Certification

Denim 101

How to Unshrink Your Favorite Sweater

What’s Lurking In Your Laundry Basket?