Clothesline Cleaners has been doing social media since 2009 and our programs have won industry awards. So we’re proud to be sponsor of Social Media Yak!

Clothesline Cleaners-Social Media Yak Radio Show 1

Clothesline Cleaners-Social Media Yak Radio Show 2

Metallic fiber garments can be huge problems.  Typically, tiny strands of metal are woven into strands of fabric to make the garment  shimmer. This isn’t usually a problem as long as the proportion of metal doesn’t exceed around 10 percent and the care labels are strictly followed.  The main concern is controlling fiber distortion.  Metal fibers do not shrink, but rather bend and crimp like aluminum foil when agitated in the cleaning process.  During the cleaning process, the fabric may become hopelessly wrinkled and distorted from its original shape.

This example garment, however,  contains around 65 percent metallic fibers!   Basically, it is impossible to clean with any standard method – even any non-standard method.   It is essentially an uncleanable item.   There is a separate all-cotton lining.   The care label says, “Dry Clean Only” with no other instructions or any International Cleanability Code symbols.

As dry cleaners, we are often caught in the middle and similar considerations exist for any difficult-to-clean item. All the customer knows is their precious metallic item was fine when they brought it in, then destroyed when it came out of our process.  Under the “Care Label Rule”, the Federal Trade Commission advises that items like this be returned to the retailer where they were purchased. Sometimes, we will reimburse the customer, then seek compensation from the manufacturer under federal law. Often, we will advise the customer in advance the item will be problematic and they should have their receipt ready for return to the retailer if the item is damaged in the cleaning process. For a few items, like these pants, we would simply decline to clean them, knowing it will end in disaster.

If you have any ideas for a charitable partnership, please contact Gary McCracken 342-0538 or Martin Johncox at 658-9100. This could be anything from a partnership with a nonprofit, to something as simple as some gift cards for your next charitable auction or for door prizes.

For more information:
Gary McCracken, Clothesline Cleaners, 861-8588
Martin Johncox, Alexander and Associates Public Relations, 658-9100

Do you have a good business suit that you aren’t wearing anymore? If so, donate it to the Boise Rescue Mission by leaving it at either Clothesline Cleaner location in November.

Clothesline Cleaners, which has a delivery service in Boise and Meridian, will also pick up donated clothing from homes or businesses.

“We have a work search program for men and we really can use professional-type office clothing for them,” said Kristen Ransom, spokeswoman for the Rescue Mission. “We enjoy working with local businesses like Clothesline who can help us meet the great need for assisting people trying to get back on their feet. Any donations will be put to good use.”

In September, Clothesline customers donated nearly 50 suits to Dress for Success, which collects professional clothing for disadvantaged women re-entering the work force. A number of donated men’s suits could not be used, so McCracken has partnered with the Rescue Mission to get those suits to the people who need them.

“Helping professionals look their best is a core part of our business. We know many of our customers have clothing they could donate to help others and we are asking them to donate,” said Gary McCracken, owner of Clothesline Cleaners. “Also, people occasionally abandon perfectly good items of clothing with us and we are pleased to work with the Rescue Mission which can get the clothing directly into the hands of job seekers who need them.”

All donations should be appropriate to wear to work, as well as clean, stylish and in good condition. Please provide all garments on hangers, as they will be made available to job seekers immediately. Clothesline will donate services for any suits that need cleaning.

If someone is on Clothesline’s delivery route, all they need to do is leave out the clothing and the driver will pick it up. However, it is not necessary that someone be an existing Clothesline customer to take advantage of free donation pickup; non-customers should call 342-0538 to schedule pickup at their home or workplace. In all cases, donated clothing for pickup should be on the porch in a plastic bag marked “Rescue Mission.”

Suits may be left at the Clothesline Cleaners locations at Orchard and Franklin in Boise, or at Meridian and Overland Roads, until close of business Nov. 30. After Clothesline collects and prepares the suits, it will hand them over to the Rescue Mission at the Clothesline location and Orchard Road and Franklin Street on Thursday, Dec. 1. News media are invited to attend this event.

For more information on Clothesline Cleaners, go to www.clotheslinecleaners.com, www.facebook.com/clotheslineidaho, www.twitter.com/clothingcare and www.youtube.com/clotheslinecleaners.

For more information:
Gary McCracken, 861-8588, www.clotheslinecleaners.com
Martin Johncox, 658-9100, www.alexanderandassociates.com

In honor of Veterans Day, Clothesline Cleaners in Boise and Meridian will clean one military uniform free of charge if it is brought into either Clothesline location on Friday, Nov. 11.

“We owe our veterans a huge thanks for protecting our nation and we hope to show our appreciation with this gesture,” said Gary McCracken, owner of Clothesline.

The offer applies to veterans, active-duty personnel and civilians. The offer applies to cleaning and pressing only of any military dress or class A uniform.   Alterations, sewing and repairs are available upon request.  Active duty personnel may bring in a uniform for professional cleaning, or veterans may bring in their old uniforms for sprucing-up, or civilians can bring in heirloom uniforms.

“Active duty personnel need professional uniform cleaning, while veterans may want to get their original uniform cleaned and restored.  We also have many family members that bring in their dad’s or grandfather’s uniform in preparation for a shadow box display,” McCracken said.

As always, a 10 percent discount applies for active duty personnel for any and all clothing they bring in for repairs or cleaning. Clothesline Cleaners is at the southeast corner of Orchard Road and Franklin Street in Boise and at the southeast corner of Overland and Meridian roads in Meridian.

For more information, see clotheslinecleaners.com, facebook.com/clotheslineidaho, youtube.com/clotheslinecleaners and twitter @clothingcare.

244 South Orchard
Boise, ID 83705
M-F 7:30am to 6pm
Sat 9am to 1pm

1800 S. Meridian Rd. #105
M-F Meridian, ID 83642
8am to 5:30pm
Sat 9am to 1pm

e-mail: info@clotheslinecleaners.com
Phone: (208) 342-0538
Fax: (208) 344-1445