Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, with other holidays following soon after. Although the holidays might look a bit different than usual this year, one thing will remain constant: Along with these festive times comes colder temperatures in our area. As we all relish in the joy that spending time with loved ones brings, why not share the warmth with some of our neighbors who need it most? Thanks to a collaboration between Crest Advanced Dry Cleaners and NBC4, Burke & Herbert Bank, and the Salvation Army, giving back to your community never been easier! Our Share the Warmth Coat Drive is the perfect safe and socially-distant opportunity to help others this winter.
What is the Share the Warmth Coat Drive?
Between now and December 18, 2020, we are asking our community members to consider donating new or gently used coats to go to DC-area community members in need. As we all know, the Covid-19 pandemic has been tough on a lot of people, particularly the over 5,000 homeless folks living in our region. Some of our neighbors might need some extra assistance to stay warm this winter, and donating a coat is a great way to give back to the community without putting yourself or others in any danger as the pandemic continues. One coat could go a long way in bringing a smile to someone’s face during these difficult times!
How can I donate?
At Crest, the safety of our customers and community members is our primary concern. We are committed to collecting donations in the safest way possible. Because of this, we are offering multiple options for those who wish to donate. You can drop off donations at any of our Crest locations throughout the region, notifying the representative that the coat is a donation for the Share the Warmth drive. We also offer a free no-contact pickup service, available to Crest customers as well as other community members! If you are a Crest customer, simply leave the coat in a non-Crest bag labelled “STW” on your normal pickup day. If you are not a Crest customer, take a few moments to sign up for a free account using the promo code “STWCOAT” and we will contact you shortly with instructions for pickup.
If you have any more information about the Share the Warmth Coat Drive or other services offered by Crest, contact us today!
A beautifully organized closet!
Enlist a reputable dry-cleaning company for seasonal closet items
When you look at your closet, you may notice a lot of seasonal items that are just taking up space. Make a list of those items, and when the season is over, take them to the dry cleaner to have them cleaned and preserved until the weather shifts again. Coats, comforters, spring dresses or light suits, and other items all fall into this category.
Have a designated area in your closet for the seasonal swap of closet items, so they always have an organized place to go. If you want to be sure that you’re prepared in case the weather makes a sudden shift, keep one item handy like an all-purpose coat.
Go through your closet and donate (or sell) what you don’t wear
Now comes the hard part. Go through your closet and decide what you wear and what you don’t. You can donate these items to charity or sell them at consignment shops or online. As you’re going through each piece of clothing ask yourself questions like, does it fit? Do I want to wear it again? And so on. Also, if there are pieces in your closet that you want to keep but won’t be wearing again such as a wedding dress, take these to the dry cleaners and have them preserved for safe keeping.
Make the most of your space
We’ve already discussed having a designated space for swapping out seasonal items, and now it’s time to find a home for all pieces that remain in the closet throughout the year. Before you get started, make sure you remove everything from the closet. Measure your closet space if you’re trying to fit shelving in it, and tailor all bins, shelving, and baskets to fit your specific area and needs. Fold and hang everything in a way that takes up the least amount of space, but also leaves them accessible.
Consider signing up for home delivery for special care items
There are certain clothes that you don’t mind fading and wearing out faster than other pieces. And then there is clothing like professional attire, formal wear, and special care items that demand more attention to ensure the integrity stays intact. Make this the year that you sign up for home delivery dry cleaning service, so these don’t take up any extra time. All you need to do is have your clothes picked up, professionally cleaned, and delivered, then you can quickly put them away in your organized closet when they arrive at your doorstep!
Want a little help organizing your closet (and keeping it that way)? Let the experts at Crest Advanced Dry Cleaners help! Call today at 1-888-714-0070 or fill out our quick contact form to learn more.
Meeting with clients on a regular basis is essential for most business owners. By meeting with a customer, you will be able to find out what needs they have you may not be filling. While having a meeting in your office is convenient, getting out and exploring other meeting venues in the area can be fun. For many years, coffee shops have been one of the most popular meeting places for business professionals. If you are looking for a great coffee shop in your area, check out the suggestions below.
Killer ESP in Alexandria, VA
If you are looking for a roomy coffee shop with plenty of drink and food options, Killer ESP in Alexandria, VA is a great option. This establishment has everything from top-notch Stumptown to delicious gelato. When trying to meet with a large group of people, this coffee shop is ideal. They have both indoor and outdoor seating to accommodate you and your party.
The Clifton Café in Clifton, VA
For a European inspired coffee experience, the Clifton Café in Clifton, NJ is your best bet. This coffee shop has been supplying residents of Clifton and surrounding areas with some of the best coffee, tea and espresso for years. Luckily for business professionals, the Clifton Café is able to accommodate large private parties and offers free WIFI to all of their customers. By calling ahead, you will be able to reserve a space for your meeting with ease.
Lake Anne Coffee House and Wine Bar in Reston, VA
When looking for a great cup of coffee and a beautiful atmosphere to host your meetings in, the Lake Anne Coffee House and Wine Bar is a great option. The baristas at Lake Anne’s have a lot of experience when it comes to whipping up a delectable cup of coffee. This coffee shop is housed in a large building, which means there is plenty of room for you to set up shop and do business.
The Barking Mad Café in Gaithersburg, MD
The Barking Mad Café brings a more bohemian approach to the traditional coffee shop. They have a large variety of premium coffees, organic vegetables and other farm-fresh ingredients to offer. Not only will you and your clients be able to get a great cup of coffee at this café, you can also partake in some of the great food they have to offer.
Phoebe’s Coffee and Dessert
Once you visit Phoebe’s Coffee and Dessert, you will see why it is such a staple in the Rockville, MD community. This coffee shop has everything you could want; great atmosphere, delicious coffee and some of the most delectable desserts in the area. The building where this coffee shop is housed is very large, which makes it great for meetings with clients.
The team at Crest Cleaners is passionate about shopping local. Using one of these coffee shops is not only great when trying to host a meeting, it is also great for the local economy.
Complete Fabric Care Guide
Every type of fabric requires a personalized care routine, which can make laundry very complicated. Here is a list of some of the most common fabrics, their qualities, and how to care for them:
Polyester – Chances are, you have quite a bit of polyester in your closet. It’s one of the most used synthetic fibers in clothing due to its wrinkle and shrink resistant qualities. Polyester can be washed in your machine at home with no issue.
Linen – Due to its breathable texture and lightweight feel, linen is a favorite for warm days. Some linen blends can be washed in your machine at home, but to keep the original look and feel of linen it should be dry-cleaned.
Silk – Luxurious as it may be, silk items take a little extra care. Some silk items have already been treated and pre-shrunk but it’s best to check the label before tossing it in the washing machine. For best results your silk items should be dry-cleaned.
Cotton – The easiest fabric you could ask for, cotton typically doesn’t call for specialized care. Because it’s one of the most popular fabrics used for clothing, most all cotton items have been pre-treated and shrunk and are ready to be washed in your washing machine.
Rayon – Similar to cotton and linen, rayon is a comfortable fabric that seems to get even cozier with wear. Since it’s made from natural fibers and prone to shrinking, rayon should be dry-cleaned or carefully hand washed.
Take the worry out of laundry day by dropping off your delicate care items with us. We guarantee a professional and timely cleaning for the most beloved pieces in your wardrobe.
We all know that wearing the right outfit can drastically increase your confidence but it can also improve your productivity! The way you dress can put you in the proper work mindset and allow you to focus better. Trends in work fashion change every year. Take a look at these 2016 trends to make it your best (and most fashionable) work year yet!
For the Ladies:
Mix it up with light fabrics and pops of color. As is the trend with spring, pastels and floral prints are always a great choice, but don’t be afraid to go a bit bolder with color and pattern. A brightly patterned blouse or dress paired with a structured neutral jacket, skirt, or trouser will be a great look for spring. And don’t forget the shoes! Step out in a bright heel with a neutral dress or choose a classic flat with gold metallic finishes for a brighter outfit.
For the Men:
While the last few years have seen a trend in close cut suits, look for them to loosen up a bit. Styles will still be tailored and cut close to the body but the looser fit will show a little less ankle and will be a bit more conservative. The cut of the suit may be a bit more conservative but this season will be the time for colorful and patterned suits to shine. Look for the trendy “new navy,” a shade of blue a bit brighter than the classic navy shade. Besides color, subtly patterned suits will be making a comeback as well.
Stay stylish throughout 2016 and trust us with your delicate care pieces. We guarantee professional and quick results every time, keeping your favorite items looking runway ready.
Holiday parties are one of the greatest parts of this season, but the cleanup afterwards is never a desirable chore. Take some stress out of your cleanup routine by tackling your table linens with our simple tips for care. And if you want to make your cleanup list even shorter, bring the table linens to us for a quick, professional clean.
Polyester: A simple fabric to care for, polyester is machine washable in cold water. If your polyester table coverings have stains, stain remover is also safe for this fabric. Polyester is also safe for dryers, on a low heat setting.
Satin: As satin is a more delicate fabric and treating stains can be more difficult. Take time to assess the stains,
Lace: The best way to clean lace is by hand washing and using a mid detergent in cold water. Avoid using force to scrub at the material as it can damage the delicate fabric. After washing your lace tablecloths don’t wring out the excess water, instead gently squeeze and press out the remaining water and air-dry only.
Linen: For delicate linens, it’s best to hand wash in warm water. Use gentle detergent or soap to keep the material intact. Do not use a chlorine based bleach to remove stains and be sure to clean quickly when stains are fresh.
These care tips will keep your favorite table linens party-ready for the years to come. And remember, for any difficult cleaning, large jobs, or delicate materials, bring your table linens in to us for a professional cleaning!
As you settle down to make your New Years resolutions does your laundry make the list? Get your resolutions off to a good start by allowing us to take care of your laundry and dry cleaning needs.
Our experienced cleaning professionals will save you the headache and time of spending a whole evening or even a weekend taking care of laundry. Our trained team specializes in delicate care, stain removal, and specialized cleaning techniques. We’ll keep your new holiday garments looking great all year round and provide you with the highest level of service.
At our facilities we will give your clothes a deeper clean with less wear than you would experience with a washing machine. We know how easy it is to lose track of garments in the wash, mixing delicate materials with hardier fabrics. We will keep your delicate and gentle care garments in pristine condition without unwanted shrinking and color fade.
Make one resolution that’s easy to keep this year. Bring us your laundry and we’ll take care of the rest!
Tis the Season for holiday parties! But what exactly does that “festive attire” mean on your invitation? Be prepared for any festive occasion with our Holiday Party Dress Code.
Office Party- Sure, the office party is a great event to have some fun but it’s a good idea to keep in mind those attending the party with you. Keep your attire festive, but still professional. Throw in a little sparkle or bright holiday color without going overboard.
Black Tie- This is your chance to pull out the most glamorous look in your closet! Grab your formal attire but don’t forget to add a holiday touch. Whether you add a little extra
a sparkle with cufflinks or a statement necklace, maybe
a festive tie, or even some holly in your hair, keep some seasonal colors in your outfit.
Ugly Sweater- The only rules at these parties is to have the most outrageous attire possible. Bells, sequins, and decorative glitter will let you take home the cake for the ugliest sweater in the house.
Causal- Casual may mean different things to different people, but this party is probably not the time to step out in your active wear. A great pair of jeans with a casual sweater will keep your outfit seasonal and stylish.
As always, when you need a professional after-party clean for your favorite festive garments, send them over to us. Happy Holidays and enjoy the parties!
It’s officially sweater weather! Start sweater season out right by taking your favorite cozy sweaters to the dry cleaner for a professional cleaning. They’ll need a fresh start after they’ve been hidden in the back of your closet!
While most synthetic blends are fine in your washing machine, extra care needs to be taken for natural fibers and fabrics. Check out our guide to proper cleaning for your favorite sweaters:
Sheep Wool- Do you have a cozy Merino or Lambswool sweater? Heat can easily dam
age your favorite wool sweater, so leave the cleaning to the professionals! We’ve been trained to treat delicate fabrics and keep your favorite garments in perfect condition.
Cashmere- Keep that cashmere luxurious by hand washing in cold water. Always dry the sweater on a flat surface to reduce shrinkage.
Angora- Keep your sweater comfy for years of wear by taking it to the dry cleaner. Angora is very prone to shrinking when washed in a machine or by hand; not the fate you’d like for your sweater.
Chenille- Your sweater will quickly lose it’s soft, silky feel when put in the washing machine. For best results, always hand wash the sweater inside out and dry on a flat surface.
Always read the care label on your sweaters before washing to keep your favorite sweaters looking runway-ready all season. And remember, when in doubt, you can bring your delicate fabrics to us for a professional clean!
During the holiday season it never seems as though we have enough time to check everything off our to-do list. Wouldn’t it be great to have a few extra hours in the day? While we can’t add any time to your day, we’d like to give you a few tips for saving time!
Auto-paying bills: Sometimes there just isn’t a good time to sit down to pay all your bills at once. If you have regular monthly charges, sign up for an auto-pay program. Save yourself a little extra time and rest easy knowing your bills will be paid on time without any worry from you.
Dry Cleaning Pickup and Delivery: No matter how close you may be to the cleaner, setting time aside in your schedule for dropping off and picking up items can be difficult. Here at Crest, we offer convenient pickup and delivery options for your cleaning needs. Let us handle your dry-cleaning without any added stress on you.
Grocery Shopping at Night: Tired of fighting through the crowds to stock your pantry? Schedule your grocery shopping later in the night. You’ll be able to skip the crowds and cut down your grocery time.
Divide and Conquer: Don’t do it all on your own! Enlist the help of family members when it comes to tackling chores. Make a list, delegate, and watch the chores get checked off in no time.
Get Prepared: Prepare meals and meal plans early on. Dedicate a day to organize a meal plan for the coming week and prepare as much as you can in advance. Pre-cooked and frozen homemade meals can save quite a bit of time during busy days.
Finding free time during the holiday season can be difficult but these tips are sure to save you a few minutes for yourself.
Why choose Crest Advanced Dry Cleaners?
