Are metallic winter fashions overpowered for your look? Spring usually brings up images of pink and purple blossoms, but for 2012 the must-have colors are mint green and icy blue paired with neutral accessories. Mix and match cool colors with soft textured accessories – you will be sure to turn heads with every step.

Are your table linens suffering from spring’s brightly colored cakes, eggs, candy or crafts projects? It’s always best to trust the professionals – DIY stain removal can cause more harm than good when dealing with even the dyes used in our favorite family activities – Instead, bring the boo-boos to us right away, and let us know what you were doing that caused the stain. If anyone can save your linens from an dye-tastrophy it’s your local cleaning and stain removal experts.

Now that you’ve “exorcised” the deadbeats in your closet, here’s a household checklist!

Carpet

Inspect carpets for smudges and stains. Small spots can usually be removed with a dab of a carpet cleaner (on a toothbrush or Q-tip). Be sure to “flush” the area with fresh water, and then blot dry with a clean towel.

Throw Rugs

Inspection is much the same as it is for carpets. Depending on size and weight, you may be able to shake out the dust and give it a good vacuuming. If it’s too large to handle, and you don’t want to “shampoo” it at home, then call your drycleaner for assistance. They may even pick them up from you.

Tapestries and Wall hangings

These items can accumulate just as much dust and debris as bedding and throw pillows. Be sure to “shake and dust” these items twice a year. Your drycleaner can clean them, if needed.

Needlepoint and Pillows …

Look closely for body oil and smudges. Take them outside to see them under sunlight. Untreated facial and body oil can stain fabrics, over time, causing spots to oxidize and turn dark.

Bedspreads and Cushion Covers

These should be drycleaned or washed every month or so, as needed. They can also gather facial and body oil, in addition to collecting airborne dust and other debris. Look at them closely under bright light, especially if you eat in bed!

Drapes and Curtains

These can be downright overwhelming because of weight and bulk, but they must be vacuumed, drycleaned or steam cleaned at least once every two years, if not sooner, depending on: cooking habits; furnace care; fireplace use; in-house smoking … These are expensive items, so be sure to make this a regular process, each year.

Sheers

Nylon sheers can usually be washed, but the weights in the hem will have to examined and secured before any such care. Look closely for discolorations from ceiling leaks, dead insects and cat urine … Check all hems closely and always air dry. Never tumble dry!

—The Clothing Doctor

© The Clothing Doctor. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission.

Want to make a local, sustainable choice for 2012? Well look no further than your neighborhood merchants.  Born and raised in your home town, neighborhood businesses create jobs and contribute to our community in many ways. The numbers are impressive: 73% of every dollar stays here in your community compared to only 43% when shopping at a non-local company.

Organized closets aren’t just for the birds – keeping like colors together in your closet and dresser is more than just pretty. Dyes of dark colors can “off-gas” as the fibers naturally break down from age and exposure to light and moisture.  The off-gassing from darker dyes can stain lighter colored clothes – so your white dress shirt could pick up a dark stain over time.

School’s in session for high fashion, and we are loving this geometry lesson. Block colors make a dramatic statement – from the board room to a day at the park, it’s fun, it’s accessible and it’s a Spring must have.  Gearing up for spring break?  Stylish swimwear featuring this great geometric trend is flattering for all figures.

Let us know if you have a loose button or a falling hem. Out talented staff can repair your favorite clothes so you can keep wearing them time and time again. Hemming a new pair of pants? Don’t forget to let us know if you want to keep your original hem.  And don’t forget to call ahead for a fitting on your specialty garments– our expert seamstress/tailor will keep you looking your best.

It’s spring, and stores are flinging open their doors, so start your engines.

Get what you need for summer now, but control your spending by asking yourself:

• Do I love this piece enough for it to be a favorite in my closet?
• Will I remove an old piece, in trade for the something new?

• Am I thinking basic replacement, or something trendy?

• Do I need staples or accessories?

• Can I rejuvenate my current pieces with jewelry, belt, scarf or shoes?

Take an hour, just you and your closet (and maybe your daughter) to survey your wardrobe. Try on, discard or donate pieces that you didn’t wear last spring or summer. And don’t forget the shoes, handbags, belts and scarves!

—The Clothing Doctor

© The Clothing Doctor. May not be reproduced in any form without written permission.

Have you avoided buying “dry clean only” clothes because of some “chemical” reputation? New technology has made cleaning eco-friendly and we’ve invested time and money to switch over. Ask us about our greener processes. Everything from 100% wet cleaning to new environmental-friendly professional cleaning solvents — now there are greener ways to care for your wardrobe.

Are you keeping an old military uniform, letter jacket or baby blanket in your attic? Bring us your special family heirlooms. Our cleaning process protects delicate fibers, prevents aging stains. We can repair most the tears or loose seams of time. Interested in passing it on to the next generation? Ask us about our boxing options for preservation.