Summer Weather Garment Care

With summer comes an environment that promotes perspiration and a set of seasonal products that can damage clothing. Here are some quick tips to minimize damage:

Antiperspirant/Deodorant:

•  Potential Problem: Build-up from deodorant and antiperspirant products can cause fiber damage and yellowing. It can also weaken fibers in cotton, linen, rayon, and some synthetic blends, leaving holes during cleaning.
• Clothing Care: Avoid overuse and allow antiperspirant/deodorant to dry before dressing. Soiled garments should be washed or dry cleaned as soon as possible.

Sunblock and Suntan Lotion:

• Potential Problem: Dyes and oils in these lotions can stain clothing. This color loss or change may not appear until after your clothes have already been cleaned.
• Clothing Care: Avoid staining by allowing the lotions to dry before dressing and wash your hands before handling clothes.

Swimwear:

• Potential Problem: Chlorine in pools, spas, and hot tubs can damage spandex used in swimwear.
• Clothing Care: Rinse your suit with cold water after wearing and follow the care label’s instructions.

Self-Tanning Lotions:

• Potential Problem: Self-tanners may discolor anything they touch! Light tan, brown, or yellow staining on the cuffs, color fold, neckband, and upon button areas are common.
• Clothing Care: Be sure to wash your hands immediately following application and allow your skin time to dry before dressing. If the product gets on your clothes, wash them as soon as possible – as these stains can be difficult to remove.

Insect Repellents:

• Potential Problem: Insect repellents typically do not damage fibers; however, some products contain alcohol and can cause color loss or color change on fabrics, such as acetate on rayon.
• Clothing Care: Ready the label carefully, especially if applying directly to clothing

As always, Anton’s Cleaners is happy to  help keep your summer wardrobe looking vibrant. Have a question about a garment or stubborn stain? Visit one of our 37 convenient locations and make sure to point out any stains at drop off.