Eventually even the softest towels can get stiff and faded. And it is one of life’s cruel ironies that the more you launder your towels, the dingier they can get. Build-up from detergent and fabric softener is the main culprit as to why your comfy linens can get rough. To help combat the build-up and help loosen up the fabric, try these home remedies.

• Soak towels in hot water and 1/4 cup (or less) ammonia. The ammonia will help remove residue.
• Add 1 cup of vinegar during the rinse cycle to help soften the fabric.
• When the machine is full of water, add 1 cup Epsom salt. This will help remove chemical build-up.
• Do not overload the washing machine. It is important not to smash and compact the fibers during the wash.
• Use a round brush to bring your towel back to life. Lay the towel flat on the bed and use long brush strokes. Follow the brushing with a wash without detergent.
• Do not hang your towels out to dry. Though quaint and environmentally friendly, line drying can contribute to the stiffness of towels. Tumble dry instead.

Try some of these tips next time you find your towels more scratchy than soft. And for all your other laundering needs, please visit your neighborhood Classic Cleaners.

It happens to us all. One day you go to put your favorite sweater on but it has taken a turn for the worse. The sweater looks worn beyond its years with those pesky pills all over it. But before you give up and make a trip to the local donation center, try these home remedies to revive your favorite comfy cardigan.

• Gently shave the sweater surface with a disposable razor. You may have to frequently wipe off the blades, but the razor will usually catch the smallest of pills.
• Use the hook side of Velcro to carefully brush over the sweater. Again, it may take some time to remove the pills from the Velcro.
• Purchase an electronic pill remover. That’s right, they make those! They are sold at some drug stores and online.
• For an extra fuzzy mess, make a bracelet of duct tape, sticky side facing out. Holding the bracelet, carefully press and release the tape to collect any loose fabric.
• Use the sweater stone. It is a specially designed pumice stone to remove pills. Some complain of the odor, though the results tend to be favorable.

The eventual breakdown of the fibers in your sweater is inevitable, regardless of the quality. The general rule is the softer the fabric is, the more likely it is to form pills. Synthetic and man-made fabrics will pill less than natural fibers like wool will. The small balls form from the smallest breaking of the fiber, so even a hug or brushing up against your kitchen cabinet can set in motion the next bunch of sweater pills.

For all your sweater laundering needs, be sure to check with the professionals at your neighborhood Classic Cleaners.

Are you constantly going back over the same wrinkle in your favorite pair of pants for the 1,000th time? If so, you may need a new iron. But an iron is an iron, right? Nope. Here are some tips on how to choose one that is right for you.

• Consider your budget. Irons are one of those products in which you do, usually, get what you pay for. So don’t be afraid to splurge if you are ironing daily.
• Bigger equals better, or at least easier. Irons with more weight do a little of the work for you. Plus the bigger the plate, the quicker the job.
• Watch the wattage. You want have to around 1,400 Watts for effective steam cleaning.
• Safety first. Try to get an iron with automatic shut-off if not used for a certain amount of time.
• Dry vs. Steam. Some people may be able to get away with a dry iron. But keep in mind that steam irons can do both; dry irons are limited.
• Shine on. The shinier the surface of the plate, the easier the iron will glide over fabrics. The more matte finishes will grip surfaces. One is not better, it is just a matter of preference.
• Check the front and back. The front needs to be pointy enough to slip in between buttons and the back should have a pivotal cord for your convenience.

Now you are ready to tackle that pesky wrinkle that just won’t budge. But don’t forget! Your neighborhood Classic Cleaners can take care of all your laundering and pressing needs. And now through Nov. 26 you can get 5 shirts cleaned for the price of 4.

Are you excited to wear your winter boots again but embarrassed by their dull, scuffed appearance? And gentlemen, do you love a certain pair of dress shoes, but know they need a good buffing? Stress no longer because do-it-yourselfers are using common household items to give dull leather new life. Check out these unusual remedies.

• Vegetable and olive oil. Use a clean, damp rag to clean off any dust from the shoe and then buff with a small drop of oil to bring
  out the shine.
• Banana peel. Yep, you get your daily potassium and sparkly shoes . Just rub the inside of the peel over the shoe and then wipe clean.
• Vinegar. Perfect for cleaning scuffs off leather tennis shoes, just use a rag and some elbow grease.
• Petroleum jelly. After you feel your shoes are good and clean, rub a bit of petroleum over the tops with a rag to prevent cracking in the leather.

If you want to go the traditional route and use a shoe shine kit, check out this great step-by-steptutorial.

And don’t forget! This is the last week to enjoy $3 off your outerwear cleaning, so stop by your neighborhood Classic Cleaners today.