 Spring has well and truly sprung! But we don’t all have unlimited storage space, so with the new season comes the time for us to pack away last season’s clothes. If you’re like us, you’ve said goodbye to jeans and heavy coats, and waved hello to light summery tees and shorts. But where have you put these winter items? And, when the next season rolls around, where will you keep your summer items? Read on for our tips and tricks for storing your clothes each season. Clean your clothesOne of the most important steps in this process is getting your clothes ready for storage. Neglecting to double check your clothes may allow stains or spills to set while in storage – making them even tougher to clean once you unpack them. Stains can also darken over time, causing unfortunate discolouration. Plus, food stains can attract bugs and potentially ruin multiple items! During this stage, it’s important to follow the care labels on your clothes. These will provide you with cleaning instructions specific to each item and will help you sort which will need to be taken to the dry cleaner. Avoid moisture It might sound obvious, but after cleaning your clothes you’ll need to make sure they’re dry. If any items aren’t 100 per cent dry, you risk packing this moisture in with your other stored items. This can cause mould or mildew to form on your clothes, which will ruin their look and smell! In the same vein, you should aim to store your clothing in a dry place. Basements, attics, and garages may be prone to moisture, so when it comes to our best storage tips and tricks, we suggest a cool, dry, and dark spot. Cut down the workload by donating unwanted clothesThe Hunter is home to a whole range of great second-hand shops, so why not donate your unwanted items? Having entered a recession means our country is experiencing a rise in unemployment. Spring clean with a purpose and offer your unused clothes to those in need. A handy trick here is to monitor the items you haven’t worn in a while. Some people do this by facing their clothes hangers in a different direction after they’ve been worn. If you have any hangers still facing the original way at the end of the season, donate them! Pick a reliable storage method Some people vacuum seal their clothing, which is a great space saver! Make sure your suitcase of plastic vacuum bags are clean and dry before packing your clothes in (it would be a shame for your fresh, clean, clothes to be tarnished by a dirty bag!). Suitcases are also great for storage – especially since we won’t be hopping on an international flight any time soon. They also don’t take up any more room when full. If using a suitcase, consider rolling your clothes – this will give you more room to work with, and will avoid wrinkling your clothes. Plus, suitcases can easily be wheeled to and from your bedroom when the seasons change. But, if you don’t have either of these on hand, plastic, cloth, and cardboard boxes will do just fine (provided you have the space). By keeping these boxes in a cool, dry, dark spot, you’re saving your clothes from sun exposure and traces of moisture. However, another important thing to consider is whether or not your storage is airtight. This isn’t essential, especially if you know there’s no insects in the room you’ve picked for storage, but can help protect your clothes from any bugs or even pets. To hang or to fold? Different materials will require different storage methods. So, if there’s anything you’re unsure on, consider doing some research. Here are a few generic storage tips and tricks you should try to abide by:
What about mothballs? Mothballs are a personal choice. Some people swear by them, while others can’t stand the smell. Some people also steer clear of this option due to the pesticide toxins, which can be dangerous to both pets and children. However, traditional mothballs aren’t your only option!
Cedar balls, or even cedar-lined storage containers, are natural bug repellents. Plus, with cedar, you’re avoid the unpleasant, chemically smell. 3-4 balls will be enough for a standard storage container, and 1-2 should suffice for garment bags. You could even get creative and make your own – offering you with a fun activity and eco-friendly choice all in one. It’s important to note these storage tips and tricks work best when used collectively. For example, investing in moth balls may not save your clothes if you store them in a moist room. With these tips, and our dry cleaning services, taking care of your clothes has never been easier. Get in touch today to talk about your next dry cleaning order.
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 Local parenting expert Mel has dubbed our contactless 24/7 system as a modern-day solution to laundry for busy parents. “Take the kids along with you, show them the magic of dry cleaning. Change things up while, you know, trips to Fiji are off,” she joked. And Mel’s from Love Parenting, so we’re thrilled to have an industry professional endorsing our business! Mel tagged us in this great little video, which shows our RedBox system in action! Her caption said she was “oh so excited about the magic of disappeary/reappeary automation”, admitting she felt like a child marvelling over the novelty. We were thrilled to see this post and reached out to Mel for some more feedback on her experience with Pride Dry Cleaning. Mel’s introduction to Pride Dry CleaningMel runs a local grannyflat as an Airbnb and said she initially came across Pride Dry Cleaning through one of her guests. He was a specialist from Canada, in town for nine weeks, and told Mel he was using the free pick-up and drop-off service to have his work clothes dry cleaned. Mel was excited to try the Pride difference and said that the business ranks as one of the Hunter's best. However, she still had never used the RedBox system. Using the contactless system for the first time.That all changed when COVID-19 hit. On her most recent visit to Pride, Mel tested out the contactless system. She popped three work shirts in for a spruce-up. “The inner four-year-old in me couldn’t resist the RedBox pick-up option. My shirts magically appeared, delightfully shazzammed ready for me to take. I was so taken by the experience that I posted about it on my socials for other parents to know that it exists.” Mel thinks that the RedBox would be a real novelty to many kids, making laundry for busy parents more enjoyable. Easy for first-timers Mel also praised the system for its ease-of-use, saying that laundry for busy parents is a breeze with such user-friendly technology. “I always manage to jag a movie-star carpark right out the front of Pride Dry Cleaning. The required PIN had been sent by SMS, so I had it at the ready. "To be honest, using this system was just the excitement I needed after what had been a pretty serious few months across COVID,” Mel explained. Changing up the norm: laundry for busy parents no longer a hassleAfter such a positive experience, Mel said she’d highly recommend Pride Dry Cleaning and our RedBox system. “Being able to drop-off and pick-up in the early morning or late evening is great! It’s the ideal excuse to step out of the hoobala of the regular routine at home,” she said. Local cafes and eateries make the experience even more enjoyable, according to Mel. “Add in a Suspension coffee or cheeky milkshake from Jim's Milk Bar and you’ve got a fun outing! A lot of the nearby businesses are either open very early or later than usual, so I can go whenever. It’s a way hotter option than roaming about under Kmart's bright lights with all the other parents also taking time out,” she joked. Mel even went as far as the call RedBox the solution to the headache that is laundry for busy parents, explaining that RedBox is so much more than a method of submitting dry cleaning. “It's a mental health initiative that Newcastle needed.” Thanks again Mel for your lovely feedback! To learn more about our RedBox system, head to our website or get in touch with our friendly team.  Dry cleaning your clothes offers numerous health benefits that your normal washing machine cannot. Not only will our dry cleaning offer a better, more thorough clean, but we’ll use environmentally friendly products to keep your clothes in pristine condition. Now, more than ever, people are wanting a guarantee that the clothing they’re wearing is clean and safe. Read below what the health benefits of dry cleaning are and how we’re keeping COVID-19 at bay. Sustainable dry cleaning as a health benefitSince dry cleaning began in 1821, there have been various technological advances which have enabled safer and healthier dry cleaning processes. Recently, sustainable dry cleaning has become the way of the future. Sustainable dry cleaning is about limiting the use of harsh chemicals to clean clothes or garments. Before sustainable dry cleaning, dry cleaners often used the chemical perchloroethylene (perc).Perc has been revealed to cause long term health issues like cancer and fertility problems. Instead of using perc, we offer sustainable alternatives for dry cleaning, which are safer for you and less abrasive on your garments. Our sustainable dry clean services include using hydrocarbon and wet cleaning. Why are hydrocarbon and wet dry cleaning methods better? Hydrocarbon is a less invasive chemical than perc and hasn’t been linked to long term health problems. Wet dry cleaning certainly sounds like a contradiction – we know! But trust us, wet dry cleaning is a safer option with health benefits for you and the environment. The wet dry cleaning process is safer and healthier than any other form of dry cleaning. Wet cleaning uses water combined with dry cleaning-based chemicals that won’t harm or damage material or skin. Wet dry cleaning is:
Our COVID-19 safety guarantee COVID-19 is changing the way we look at cleaning. At Pride Dry Cleaning, we have a range of procedures to ensure we’re abiding by COVID-19 guidelines. Some of these include:
Our main priority is the health and safety of our team and customers. Alongside these procedures, we’re following social distancing and general hygiene guidelines. Our wet dry cleaning process offers a range of health benefits over out-dated procedures using perc. If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly, safe and healthy dry cleaner, contact us today!
 At Pride Dry Cleaning we are often asked, what are your cleaning tips for my garments when I’m at home? It’s always important to know how to keep your garments in the best condition possible. Dry cleaning is a great way to save time and ensure your garments are completely cleaned. You don’t have to worry about colours mixing, threads pulling or damaging delicate items. But it’s also important to know some dry cleaning tips for home to keep your garments in perfect condition. We’ve listed some of our professional dry cleaning tips to make you a laundry legend and a cleaning convert. Dry cleaning tip #1: Let your clothes breathOur ultimate dry cleaning tip - let your clothes breathe! If you have a garment at home that you store in a garment bag, try to use a breathable bag. Garment bags protect your clothes against dirt, dust, and insects. But clothes stored in bags that let in minimal oxygen can cause mould to grow. It can also leave your garments with a strange smell which can be difficult to wash out. Breathable bags are a better storage option for your garments. You can get in touch with our team to get your hands on breathable garment bags to use at home. Dry cleaning tip #2: Know what you can and can’t dry cleanThe question our customers ask the most is ‘what can I get dry cleaned?’ While the list is endless, a key dry cleaning tip is to understand that not everything can be dry cleaned. However, our services suit a range of materials and care label instructions. To read more cleaning tips on what you can and can’t dry clean, read our blog here. Dry Cleaning Tip #3: If it says dry clean only, it means dry clean only Everybody has garments at home that has a label stating, “DON’T MACHINE WASH. DRY CLEAN ONLY.” We promise these labels are not a mere suggested cleaning tip. Dry cleaning is gentler than machine washing and offers a better, more thorough clean. So, always follow the instructions on your clothing labels to keep your garments in the best condition. Dry Cleaning Tip #4: Understand what your clothing label symbols mean If you have ever turned to the underside of the tag on your clothes, you’ve likely seen some confusing symbols. One of our tips is to ask our friendly staff what these symbols mean. They can help you determine the best way to care for your clothes. There are various processes that we can use to clean clothes. The basics are hand washing, machine washing, and dry cleaning.
Dry Cleaning Tip #5: Not all stains vanish with the same type of remover Red wine. Ink. Mud. These are three of the most common stains on clothing we see from customers who come into our store. One of our key dry cleaning tips is to know these stains won’t always be removed with the same product. Every stain is different and requires specific chemicals and processes. When it comes to stains, you are best to leave it to the professionals. Products such as baking soda, water and vinegar can make it more difficult to remove stains. To understand what the best solution for your stain is, leave it, and get in touch with our team. Dry Cleaning Tip #6: Suede and leather can’t be cleaned the same way as other fabricsSuede and leather have to be dry cleaned differently. As the texture of suede and leather differs from most fabrics, special procedures and additives are used. This helps suede and leather products to maintain their colour and texture. Our team have an array of dry cleaning tips and are always happy to answer any questions you have.
Whether you’re new to the service, or a regular dry-cleaner, Pride Dry Cleaning is here to help. If you’re looking for a sustainable dry cleaner in the Hunter region, contact us today.  It’s a question we’ve all asked at one time or another – “what items are deemed dry clean only?” Maybe you just bought a new outfit, or you’re wearing a dress you only pull out on special occasions. Or perhaps you’re not sure if your winter knits are safe in the washing machine. Whether it’s delicate material, or a precious article of clothing like your wedding dress or a family heirloom that you want to look after, it can be tricky to know which washing method is best for your clothes. So how do you know whether you really need to dry clean only? We’ve got you covered! Take time to read the manufacturing label, and follow its adviceReading the label on your clothes is the first step. In Australia, manufacturers are required to attach care instructions to all articles of clothing. These labels must be written in English and be appropriate for the care of that specific item. In other words, labels never lie! Ignoring these care instructions can be disastrous for your clothes, with incorrect washing practices weakening the material and shortening their lifespan. So, if the label on your t-shirt clearly states: “hand wash in cold water” and “do not bleach”, it probably means it. And when it says “dry clean only”, you’re best to leave it to the professionals. You don’t want to ruin your new clothes simply because you forgot to read the directions. So, when in doubt, follow the care label. Understanding clothing care labelsUnfortunately, clothing labels provide a tiny space for sharing information. Therefore, they won’t always answer your question directly. Rather than clearly stating “yes you have to dry clean this” or “no you can wash it at home”, they often feature symbols instead. Among the many examples of common clothing care labels are ‘do not iron’, ‘dry clean only’ and ‘must be hand-washed’. If you’re unfamiliar with these symbols, it can be tricky to understand, and figuring out if you have to dry clean an item, or if it’s best to wash it at home, may still be a mystery. Thankfully, the Drycleaning Institute of Australia has guidelines explaining what each dry cleaning symbol means. What if there is no dry clean only label? On older pieces of clothes, or items you’ve picked up second-hand, the text may have rubbed off the tag. This can happen after several cycles through a washing machine. It may also be a consequence of the tag sitting somewhere the body that moves around a lot. So, what do you do when trying to decide whether to dry clean an item of clothing, and the label is either unreadable or missing entirely? Don’t worry, it’s not the end of the world if there’s no care label! You can simply come me into Pride Dry Cleaning and talk to one of our staff for guidance. So, next time you’re getting ready to wash your dirty laundry, consider the care label – it’s there to help! You may even realise you’ve been washing a loved item incorrectly – which is where we can also come in. Following the care label will ensure you're caring for the clothes, keeping them in great shape for seasons to come. When it comes to those special event outfits, or delicate fabrics, it’s always best to be on the safe side. Let us take care of your valuable and sentimental items, showing them the care they deserve. Still not sure? Contact our team to discuss your particular item, and we’ll have it looking brand new!  The consumers of today want to find a sustainable dry cleaner nearby. Somewhere that offers a more co-conscious option for their dry cleaning needs. People are putting their money where their mouth is by picking products and services that align more with their values. This is resulting in a lot of businesses adopting greener practices. At Pride Dry Cleaning, we believe in offering our customers an ethical service, with great bang for their buck. We’re proud to be a sustainable dry cleaner. Making us one of only a handful in the Hunter region. . How can a dry cleaner be sustainable?Sustainable dry cleaning takes an alternative approach, moving away from traditionally used chemicals. In the past dry cleaners would use perchloroethylene (also known as perc). It was revealed, however, that exposure to perc could cause a variety of negative health effects. Humans who breath in the fumes from perc, or have skin contact with the solution, are put at further risk. The chemical also has the potential to harm the environment by contaminating soil, air and water. Some businesses made the move away from this unsafe practice and started engaging in greener chemicals for dry cleaning. However, not all dry cleaners made the shift. And not all businesses actively engage in an eco-approach. So, the task of finding a sustainable dry cleaner nearby fell to the consumer. How do I know if my dry cleaner is using dangerous chemicals? This might sound obvious, but the best way to know what your clothes are cleaned with is to simply ask. A good business will be transparent and tell the truth. And a great dry cleaner will be one step ahead of you to offer information. This can often be sought via their website, social media, or Google. Thanks to health and safety training, the Pride Dry Cleaning team are aware of the dangers associated with harmful chemicals, such as perc. And, we are happy to pass this information on to any interested customers. If your current dry cleaner nearby is unable to provide an honest response in relation to the products used, we recommend making the switch. We’re always open to new customers 😉 If not perc, what chemicals are used?Health is our number one priority at Pride Dry Cleaning. We ensure that our business isn’t causing any damage to our team, customers, or the planet. To stay true to being a sustainable dry cleaner nearby, we make an active effort to pursue safer, efficient cleaning methods and solutions. One of the more popular alternatives to perc is hydrocarbon, a solution we use here at Pride. The option is a lot less hard-hitting than perc, so it’s better for the environmental and people in contact with it. We are proud to remain the dry cleaner nearby with a quick turnaround. Pride Dry Cleaning’s approach: wet cleaningAt Pride Dry Cleaning our service features wet cleaning practices. It may sound strange, but it's not as crazy as it sounds! Wet cleaning is an alternative to common commercial laundry practices, water combined with dry cleaning based chemicals to clean your clothes. It’s the preferred cleaning method in most parts of Europe! This approach is very gentle on the garments, and the environment. It’s a win-win!
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February 2022
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