April Newsletter 2022 - Fabricare Center

April Newsletter 2022

Fabricare Center Blog

Rejoice! Spring is here.

Ben Feingold | Fabricare Center Owner

The dogwoods are in bloom, warmer temperatures are here, and with daylight savings we get to enjoy being outside even later into the evening. As the season has officially changed, my wife and I have recently taken the opportunity to turn over our closet. This time of year means swapping out boots for sandals, pants for shorts, skirts, and dresses, and coats and sweaters for more spring friendly shirts and blouses. We also recently took off our comforter and switched it out for a much more light-weight, breathable quilt for these upcoming spring and summer months. 

It’s always nice to shed some layers for spring. When packing up your winter wear and heavy bedding, it’s important to have your items cleaned before storing them till fall or winter. There are a number of frustrating stains that can occur if your clothes aren’t properly treated before they are stored. 

One issue we commonly see is insect damage which often appears as small holes in the fabric of a garment. This commonly occurs on wool fabrics but may also occur on other fabrics, especially if stains are left on the garment. In order to prevent insect damage, it’s important that all food and beverage stains are removed prior to storage. Using moth crystals or balls or storing clothes in a cedar closet or chest can also be really valuable in combating this issue. A variety of moth proofing finishes can also be applied to clothes during the dry cleaning process.

Perspiration stains are another common issue we see. These stains often appear as yellow or tan stains, streaks, or rings and are typically found in areas that may become damp with perspiration such as underarms, neck, back, and waistband. These stains have a tendency to oxidize over time so it is important to wash and dry clean your garments regularly, so we can remove the stains while they are still fresh.

Yellow stains are another frequent occurrence that we come across. The stains vary in their degree of intensity but usually are yellow, tan, or brown, depending upon their age, the staining substance, and the fabric it contacts. These stains are caused by contact with juices, beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee, or other foods or beverages that contain tannin or sugars. The only method of prevention against these stains is to flush these stained areas with water immediately after contact. This is best accomplished by taking the garment to the cleaner as soon as possible and pointed out the stained area. Once the stain has been left in the fabric for a period of time, it can be very difficult to remove.

Oxidized oil stains can be caused by cooking or vegetable oils, mayonnaise, salad dressings, lubricating oils, or other oil-based materials. Stains from these oils are mostly invisible when they first contact a fabric, but they oxidize and yellow with age, heat, and/or exposure to the atmosphere. If the stain is fresh, it can usually be removed by professional spotting chemicals and dry cleaning. 

Many stains may appear invisible to the naked eye but they do oxidize over time, making them harder to remove. So the moral to the story is to be sure and send in your garments, bedding, etc. on a regular basis. The sooner we clean the garment and treat the stain, the better the odds are that we’ll be able to remove it. So this spring when you pack up your winter clothes and bedding for the season, don’t forget to send them in for one last cleaning. Then you can breathe easy knowing your items will look good as new when you pull them back out of storage this fall or winter.

Warm regards,


The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist

Spring is the perfect time to clear out unused items and give forgotten corners a good scrub. However, setting out to clean your entire house can be a challenging task that requires patience and organization.

Kitchen

1. Service Major Appliances: Spring is an opportune time to deal with any issues you may have been putting off, including having major appliances serviced. For example, if your fridge makes excessive noise or wavers in temperature or your oven heats unevenly, it’s important to have a home services professional take a look and provide an expert opinion that can save you money in the long run.

2. Clear Out Cabinets: Spring cleaning isn’t just about washing – it’s also the perfect time to get rid of things you don’t need. In the case of your kitchen, that means taking a thorough inventory of the cabinets and pantry.

Bathroom

1. Clear Pipes: Plumbing professionals recommend you get your pipes checked regularly to prevent clogs. Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to hire an expert to tackle slow-moving drains and give your plumbing its annual checkup. This is especially important if you live in an area that reaches freezing temperatures, as your pipes may have been affected during the winter.

2. Eliminate Grime: If you have hard water, you may notice a buildup of lime or mineral deposits in your shower or sink. There are several grime-fighting products you can pick up at the store to make your metal fixtures shine once more. For tougher stains, such as those under the toilet bowl lip, you can use gel or scrub with a pumice stick.

Closets

1. Sort Clothing: Before you can properly reorganize, you need to see what you have. Start by separating items into piles:

  • Warm weather clothes and accessories
  • Cold weather clothes and accessories
  • Clothes and accessories you haven’t worn for a year or more

2. Store Seasonal Items: When you’ve let go of possessions you aren’t actually using, you’re typically left with two piles. The first is items you can wear in current weather and the second is items appropriate for a different season.


5 Steps for Mastering Family Meal Planning

As you and your family embark on a mission to create delicious, nutritious meals all while saving money, it’s key to remember meal planning is essential for success. From tracking a list of ingredients you’ll need to noting your loved ones’ favorite foods, there are some easy steps you can take to make dinners at home enjoyable and budget friendly.

Getting on track with your own plan can start with these tips from Healthy Family Project’s Mission for Nutrition, which aims to help families find weekly meal success with an internationally inspired e-cookbook including grocery lists, recipe ideas and cooking hacks.

Work together. Before heading to the store or heating up the oven, sit down with your loved ones and make a list of easy-to-make recipes you all enjoy. Each time you discover a new favorite, add it to the list so you’ll have a reference guide when it’s time to plan a week’s worth of meals.

Stick to a schedule. Set a day and time each week your family can meet and plan out dinners. This also offers an opportunity to bring to light any newfound favorites or fresh ideas while bringing everyone to the same room for quality time together.

Plan time-saving processes. Think ahead while planning meals and consider the equipment you’ll need. Saving time while cooking can be as easy as sticking to recipes that call for hands-off appliances like a slow cooker or pressure cooker and using a food processor rather than a knife and cutting board.

Schedule a “leftovers night.” When you prep dinners that call for crossover ingredients, it’s easier to turn one meal into two. For example, buying sweet onions and chicken breast to make Chicken Apple Enchiladas means you’ll have those ingredients on hand for Greek Chicken Bowls later in the week.Make a list. Once you’ve decided on recipes for the week, create a list of all the ingredients you’ll need. While you’re at the store, stick to your plan and avoid impulse buys to help stay on track while getting in and out quicker.


4 Tips to Make Adopting a Dog a Paws-itive Experience

Adding a dog to the family can be exciting, but it comes with responsibility, too. When you involve the entire family and plan ahead, you can be better prepared to provide a loving home and enjoy all the unconditional love only a four-legged best friend can give.

1. Prepare Your Home for Adoption

In order to make the transition as smooth as possible, prep your home and make sure you have all the necessary items for your furry friend’s arrival. You’ll need supplies like a crate or kennel, food and water bowls, collar, leash, grooming supplies and toys. It’s also a good idea to stock up on puppy pads and cleaning supplies for inevitable accidents when you’re potty training.

2. Search for Your Ideal Dog

When you start your search, you’ll likely discover a wealth of choices and options. Think about your lifestyle and the type of breed, mix or size dog that best suits your family. Some breeds require more exercise than others, so you’ll need a fenced yard or enough time for regular walks. Also think about grooming and maintenance; longer-haired dogs require more regular, hands-on care. If you’re overwhelmed by all the options, try using a breed selector tool to help narrow down the choices. 

3. Encourage Kids to Get Involved

Childhood pets can create sacred memories in later years, and having your kids take an active role in helping choose the family dog can make the experience even more special. Kids aren’t always able to communicate what they envision, but they can often show you in a drawing.

4. Begin the Shelter Adoption Process

To find “your dog,” keep an open mind. It’s important to find the right dog for you – one that fits your lifestyle, family dynamic and home. Be prepared to visit and meet potential matches as many times as it takes. Bring a notepad and pen so you can write down pertinent information and important questions you want to ask, including any information the shelter can provide about the dog’s history, health, training and behavior. Once you find the right dog to join your family, be prepared for some paperwork. Adoption questionnaires help shelters ensure dogs are going to loving, responsible families that are willing to provide forever homes.


8 Spots for a Spring Getaway to the California Central Coast

Long among the most popular areas for homeowners to undertake improvement

Monterey

The historic fishing town offers iconic attractions like Cannery Row, Old Fisherman’s Wharf and Monterey Bay Aquarium, where the “Into the Deep: Exploring Our Undiscovered Ocean” exhibit opens this spring. Visitors will discover many California firsts, including the first state capital, first brick house, first public library and first printing press, which printed “The California,” California’s first newspaper. 

Carmel Valley

Reminiscent of the French countryside, this sun-kissed region offers rolling hills covered in grapevines, olive groves and lavender fields as well as more than 20 wine tasting rooms and wineries. If you’re undecided on accommodations, consider Los Laureles Lodge, a historic property with old horse barns converted into rooms and a saloon restaurant. Carmel Valley is also home to America’s first co-ed spa, Refuge. 

Moss Landing

This small fishing village, located at the mouth of the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Reserve, is the ideal destination for those who enjoy outdoor recreation and wildlife. Moss Landing is a popular spot for surfing and nature watching, including year-round whale watching on Monterey Bay, as well as a hidden gem for antiquing. 

Pacific Grove

Founded in the 1870s, this historic town’s Victorian-style homes evoke yesteryear nostalgia, and each spring a purple carpet of ice plant blooms spans the coastline. Picturesque Lovers Point Park and Beach is a popular spot for surfing, swimming and picnics, and you’ll find some of the area’s best tide pooling, too. In addition, Pacific Grove CiderWorks – the only cider tasting room in Monterey County – offers temptation in the form of award-winning hard cider, pear cider and pear port.

Marina

If the beach is calling, Marina offers miles of beachfront and stretches of sand dunes. It’s the spot for active adventures such as hang-gliding, paragliding and skydiving. In addition to sampling a selection of restaurants, visitors can explore the remnants of Fort Ord, a military training ground that closed in 1994. The area also offers luxury accommodations and family-friendly hotels, including Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton scheduled to open spring 2022, which features amenities including a pool, gym, meeting rooms, business center and expansive breakfast area. 

Salinas

This vibrant agriculture hub is the county seat of Monterey and a culinary hotspot thanks to the growing food scene and numerous breweries. Emma’s Bakery & Cafe has quickly become a local favorite, while authentic Italian is what’s for dinner at Mangia, Eat on Main. Home of the nationally renowned National Steinbeck Center, Salinas also hosts the annual California International Airshow and California Rodeo Salinas. 

Seaside

This up-and-coming city boasts easy beach access for sunset views. It’s packed with activities from skateboarding to rock climbing and golfing at former military golf courses Black Horse and Bayonet. Plus, the town provides access to Fort Ord National Monument and its 86 miles of trails for hiking, biking or horseback riding and an array of diverse dining options, including several Black-owned restaurants. 

Salinas Valley

A rich agricultural region known as the “Salad Bowl of the World,” this fertile area is home to Pinnacles National Park and more than two dozen wineries and tasting rooms, including an expanded second tasting room at Joyce Wine Company. Most of the wineries are connected by the scenic River Road Wine Trail, which runs along the Santa Lucia Mountains.


SERVICE SPOTLIGHT – Spring Cleaning

It’s time for spring cleaning!

Let Fabricare Center clean your coats, sweaters, and winter wear before storing them.

Includes free pickup & delivery.

fcdrycleaners.com