The slang expression “Don’t break your arm patting yourself on the back” refers to people who praise themselves too highly. Yet, according to many psychologists, it’s OK to pat yourself on the back when you’ve accomplished something special, pointing out that self-congratulation can be a healthy exercise in raising self esteem. 
 
With their new and improved website finally up and running, the professionals at Classic Cleaners have time to reflect on the results of the customer survey results from last fall, and on the wonderful boost to self- esteem that customer feedback provided.

(Dr. Michael R. Edelstein suggests self-esteem can be harmful when it causes people to have difficulty admitting their behavior is unhealthy or unwise.  Edelstein suggests that it would be healthier for us to evaluate our actions without drawing either positive or negative conclusions about ourselves.)

In the case of the Classic Cleaners survey, it was not intended for “arm-breaking” at all, but to accomplish three things:

1. Help Classic Cleaners owners know more about the demographics of its customer
   base – where they are located, what age groups they fall into, and how long they have      
   been customers.
2. Remind customers of the “Classic Rewards” program.
3. Find out what concerns customers might have with the appearance and cleanliness of the stores, the friendlessness and patience of the front desk representatives, and with the timeliness and quality of order completion.Three very important aspects of the Classic Cleaners business earned almost across-the-board rave reviews:1.  convenience

   2.  friendliness

   3.  quality

No surprise to Classic Cleaners – customers are looking for good value at the lowest possible cost.  In fact, price was the only “negative” recorded by any of the survey respondents! Classic Cleaners’ response: That’s exactly the reason we offer the Classic Rewards program and all the limited time offers – to help you save money while taking advantage of the extra quality Classic Cleaners provides.

At Classic Cleaners, WE”RE looking for value as well.  And what we value is – our customers!

 by Reb of the Classic Cleaners blog team

 ”Spotters vs. Toughies” might have been the title of Classic Cleaners’ latest film. The challenge – a white wedding dress with a big red wine stain.  The goal: demonstrate the Classic Cleaners expertise in stain removal. 

The profession of dry cleaning has challenges.  Some common “toughies” are:

• “Toughie” trimmings: beads, sequins, vinyl, feathers, fur, mesh
• “Toughie” fabrics: leather, suede, wool with spandex, cottons with silk
• “Toughie” stains: mustard, ink, caramelized sugar, oxidized oils
• “Toughie” reds – red garments, beet stains, and…wine stains!

When the going gets tough, Classic Cleaners gets going, and, as you can see from the before-and-after photos, the score was 1-0 in favor of the spotters. 

Savvy post-”game” commentators on the Spotters vs. Toughies might have mentioned several points:

1. Classic Cleaners spotters knew the stain was from red wine. The toughest stains are often those the customer forgot about; the dry cleaner needs to solve the “mystery” before deciding how to treat the stain!
   
2. The stain was recent. The sooner a stain can be treated, the better the chances for success in removing it without damaging the fabric.

toughie wine stain on wedding dress

Wine stain gone

With snow on the ground and cold winds blowing outside, there’s nothing more comforting than, well, a comforter, especially if it’s a bed comforter made of down, right? “Of course right!”, as Yenta the Matchmaker from Fiddler on the Roof might say. Ah, but, down feathers in a comforter can bring comfort only if those feathers stay where they belong!

“Down is the soft inner plumage of waterfowl such as ducks and geese,” explains Supercomfort.com, adding that” down has numerous light, fluffy filaments extending in all directions, without a feather’s quill shaft.  Down keeps birds cooler in summer yet warmer in winter, and provides breathable comfort.”

Classic Cleaners’ expertise in bedding cleaning extends to quilts, bedspreads, and down pillow rejuvenation, along with cleaning of down comforters.  Our technicians always follow the instructions given on the manufacturer’s care label of each item. In the rare instances where problems arise, those problems are due to poor construction of the comforter. The typical comforter is made from cotton fabric stuffed with goose down.  Intersecting stitching lines keep the down properly distributed throughout the entire area of the comforter.  However, if there is an inadequate amount of stitching, the tumbling action during the dry cleaning process can stress the fabric, so that the feathers pop out or become bunched in one spot.

The Federal Trade Commission says care labels must explain one safe cleaning method for each garment or item, but, if the comforter is not properly constructed to begin with, it may still break down even when the prescribed method of care is used.  Feathers poking through the fabric on a down comforter? That almost always means the responsibility lies with the manufacturer. Right? Of course right! by Reb of the Classic Cleaners blog team

Ugg boots, originally from “down under” in Australia and New Zealand, have certainly become a fashion trend in the U.S., even winning a spot on the list of “Oprah’s Favorite Things”.

Made from tanned sheepskin with the fleece attached, Uggs have rubber soles.  Today’s Uggs come in a range of colors and heights, in both pull-on and lace-up styles. While dry cleaners don’t typically get involved with footwear, we wanted our Classic Cleaners customers to say “Aah…”, never “Ugh!” when it came to their boots as well as their clothes.

According to the online encyclopedia Wikipedia, the boots originally became popular for competitive surfers, who used them to keep their feet warm after exiting the surf.  In fact, the fleece is designed to draw away moisture, “keeping the feet dry and at body temperature,” Wikipedia explains.

Still, there comes a point, even in the life of  Uggs, when boots cry out to be cleaned and freshened.

With the approval of UGG® Australia, Classic Cleaners now extends its “modern craft of clean” service to boot-freshening.  Now your Uggs need never look ugly. Your friends will never think, much less have the need to pronounce the syllable “Ugh!” when it comes to your stylish, beautiful boots!.
by Reb of the Classic Cleaners blog team