NORDSTROM, MISSION VIEJO & FASHION VALLEY
CLOTHING CARE CLINICS, 2005
Presented by Chuck Horst

St. JOHN AND OTHER KNITWEAR

PURCHASING

• Ask for extra buttons
• The classics never tire, especially black
• Buy within the season to match, especially white

ALTERING

• Altering knits is generally more expensive than for fabric garments
• Save the trim for repairs if needed later in the life of the knit

WEARING

• Comfortable-breathable, hygroscopic, stretchable & wrinkle resistant
• Careful taking off, do not over stretch

PACKING AND TRAVELING WITH KNITS AND OTHER GARMENTS

• Excellent for packing, wrinkle resistant
• Hang blazers in a wardrobe bag (one to a poly bag)
• Okay to fold slacks, sweaters and shells
• Hang up as soon as you check in
• Never trust an unproven cleaner with your fine knits
  

WHAT IS KNIT BLOCKING?

• It is not pressing. Blocking is a series of steaming, distributing and cooling the knit with vacuum
• Knit blocking can increase a size and a half or reduce half a size

REPAIRING & RESTORING

• Solid whites can be brightened
• Mending & re-knitting, darker pieces mend well
• Change shoulder pads and update buttons

 

CLOTHING CARE

SEASONAL STORAGE

• Don’t overcrowd closet
• Always put garments away clean at the end of the wearing season
• Use padded hangers on knit tops, blazers and blouses, unless there are shoulder pads
• Never store in plastic non-breathable bags, neither vinyl store bag nor a cleaners bag.
• Vinyl bags are great for traveling
• Store in a breathable bag to protect from insect damage.
• Hang to dry before placing in a closet to prevent mildew growth.
• Fold and shelve sweaters to keep their shape
  

LONG TERM STORAGE

• Cedar & lavender
• Breathable garment bags can prevent mold and insect damage
• Moth balls are not recommended if you intend to use garment again as mothball odors are hard to remove
• All knits should be folded

Leather & Suede Storage

• Dry before storing
• Usa a breathable storage bag

CLEANING

What is Dry cleaning

• Similar to machine washing with a solvent and little water
• Best cleaning for oily stains (salad dressing, lipstick)

How to choose a dry cleaner

• Ask managers of finer department stores
• Abandon a cleaner immediately if your clothes smell of cleaning solvent
• Only let a specialty dry cleaner handle embellished pieces.

When to dry clean?

• Before putting away for the season
• Shortly after any soiling...old stains are more difficult to remove

What to tell your dry cleaner

• Any unique care label requirements like do not tumble dry
• Knits and ties are to be blocked never pressed
• You should request blocking every time a knit is cleaned
• Special blocking
• Stains (visible or invisible) and content of the stain
• This is just one piece of an outfit
  

Wet Cleaning

Laundry

• Biggest problem is over drying
• New equipment is great
• Best for removing water stains (drinks, perspiration, some foods)

Hand washing and cleaning

• Couture garments
• Leather & suede
• Purse cleaning