12 Holiday Parties: Laundry Tips for Holiday Spills and Splashes

Are you partied-out this holiday season? Have your finest party items endured as well? Even the heartiest holiday reveler must pause to deal with an occasional party mishap or clothing care decision. Take heed of these clothing care tips and chances are you’ll be ready to ring in the New Year!

Before the first holiday party, my closet said to me, “Why not wear this cheery red wool suit?” But when I put on I was crushed by how crushed it was. What’s a quick rejuvenation for wool?

Tip: Hang it in a steamy bathroom. The moisture from the steam will remove the wrinkles.

 

 

 

At the second holiday party, my boss said to me, “Please forgive me, I just spilled wine on your beautiful silk blouse.” Should I take care of the spot immediately? How?

Tip: Blot it, don’t rub. Light areas can develop from rubbing which cleaning may not be able to remove. Bring it to us as soon as possible.

 

Before the third holiday party, my best friend said to me, “That’s a dazzling sequin outfit.” But how am I going to keep the sequins from falling off?

Tip: If the sequins are sewn on rather than glued on, the risk of losing some of that glitter is minimal. Best to check before purchasing.

 

Before the fourth holiday party, my silk dress said to me, “Please be delicate when you iron me.” How should I respond?

Tip: Wrinkles should fall out of silk if allowed to hang properly. If ironing seems necessary, iron on a low temperature, 250-300 degrees.

 

Before the fifth holiday party, my husband said to me, “Do you know if your new rhinestone sweater can be cleaned?” Should I risk the rhinestones?

Tip: Be particularly careful when purchasing garments adorned with rhinestones or other jewelry. Bring it to a dry cleaner before wearing to spot test for cleanability and colorfastness. If you are not satisfied with the results, return it.

 

Before the sixth holiday party, my neighbor said to me, “My white leather slacks are wrinkled.” I’m pressed for an answer, what should I say?

Tip: Press leather by placing white press cloth over the item and pressing quickly with a cool iron.

 

After the seventh holiday party, my cousin said to me, “My suede outfit got soaked in the rain.” How do I handle soaked suede?

Tip: Hang it out to dry. Do not use a blow dryer or heater. When dry, brush with a stiff brush.

 

After the eighth holiday party, my daughter said to me, “Do I hang up my knit sweater and skirt outfit or should I fold it?” For once she wants my advice!

Tip: Keep knits in good shape by storing and cleaning them properly. Keep sweaters folded loosely with lots of room to breathe. If you must hang it up, fold it over a crossbar. Never hang like a shirt on a wire hanger – this will stretch it.

 

After the ninth holiday party, my sister said to me, “I’m sorry my baby drooled on your red velvet dress.” How do I remove milk stains, not to mention the baby?

Tip: Blot it gently and bring it to us. Crushed areas of wear can be improved by lightly brushing with a soft brush. As for the baby, don’t pick him up when you have on a velvet dress!

 

Before the tenth holiday party, my neighbor said to me, “Don’t wear your gold lame cocktail dress to a crowded party in a hot room.” What’s so bad about that?

Tip: Partygoers need to be particularly careful of metallic fabric that can corrode if exposed to moisture. To prevent dampness to lame and other metallics, be sure to wear underarm shields that will help prolong the life and looks of your special outfit.

 

After the eleventh holiday party, my mother said to me, “How are you going to clean your new beaded top after the soiree?” Good question!

Tip: The beads on many outfits are made of polystyrene, which looks like glass. Polystyrene should not be dry cleaned but washed as long as it is attached to a garment that is washable.

 

At the twelfth holiday party, my father said to me, “You’ll look gorgeous in this new fur, just be sure to care for it well.” How do I protect this investment?

Tip: Furs, leathers, and suedes should be kept clean by keeping them covered with a cloth, not a plastic, garment bag. Each should be cleaned annually by a drycleaner who specializes in cleaning furs. Special storage facilities are recommended for seasonal storage of furs. Ask us about storage.

Now, enjoy the rest of the holiday season!