The #1 Bedding Mistake Most People Make

Most people don’t think twice about washing their sheets. It’s part of the rhythm of living—a weekly reset, a fresh start, a small domestic ritual that makes the bedroom feel just a little more put together. But what often gets overlooked, even by the most diligent among us, is the comforter.

It’s easy to forget. Comforters are big, bulky, and usually tucked away beneath duvet covers or quilts. They don’t show wear and tear the way pillowcases do. But that illusion of cleanliness is misleading. Over time, even the most well-protected comforter quietly accumulates dust, skin cells, sweat, pet dander, and the natural residue of life. What looks like a neutral backdrop to our sleep is actually absorbing more than we might imagine.

And unlike sheets, comforters aren’t something most people feel confident cleaning at home. They’re too large for many machines and too delicate for aggressive cycles. The result? They simply don’t get cleaned as often as they should. Months—and in some cases, years—go by.

But there’s a cost to that neglect. For those with allergies, an unwashed comforter can trigger restless nights, irritated sinuses, and a general sense of not sleeping quite right. For those with pets, that cozy, fur-lined feeling isn’t always a good thing. And for anyone hoping to create a restful, welcoming home—whether for themselves, their children, or visiting guests—a truly clean bed makes a noticeable difference.

Caring for a comforter doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it can be an invitation: to pause, to take stock of the small things that support your well-being, and to make space for rest. There’s something satisfying about tending to the overlooked and restoring it to freshness. It’s not about perfection. It’s about feeling at home in your own bed.

So if your comforter has been with you through spring winds, open windows, a few colds, and a sleepy Sunday breakfast or two—it may be time. Not for anything drastic. Just a little care, a little attention, and the deep clean it quietly deserves.

After all, sleep is where we begin again.

Soak in the Stillness

Life moves fast—often in a blur of responsibilities, errands, and small, accumulating moments. Amid all that momentum, the simple act of taking a bath can feel almost sacred: a quiet return to self.

“I just need a minute.” It’s a universal refrain. And a warm bath responds with more than a moment—it offers a full-body invitation to pause. To let the muscles soften, the thoughts untangle, and the spirit ease back into center.

There’s something instinctively nurturing about soaking. As you slip into the warmth, the weight of the day begins to fall away like water down the drain. Shoulders drop. Breathing deepens. The mind softens. This isn’t just a feeling—bathing calms the nervous system, improves circulation, and prepares the body for deep, healing rest. Add bath salts or essential oils—magnesium to soothe, lavender to quiet, eucalyptus to clear—and the ritual deepens further.

You don’t need a luxury spa for this kind of care. With a little intention, even the most ordinary bathroom becomes a space of renewal. Light a candle. Dim the lights. Let music—or silence—fill the air. Whether it’s a brief evening soak or a long weekend ritual, presence is what transforms it. No multitasking. No rushing. Just the bath.

Bathing can be a legacy ritual, too. Children benefit from calm as much as we do. Gentle scents and playful bubbles help them unwind, creating space for stories, connection, and quiet. It’s a simple practice that teaches the value of self-care early—something they can carry with them for life.

So let your bath be more than routine. Let it be a return, not to luxury, but to yourself. A breath. A moment. A small act of care.

You’ve earned it.
🛁

How to Prep Your Wardrobe and Home for May's Biggest Celebrations

May always seems to show up in a whirlwind of flowers, caps and gowns, and family gatherings. It’s a month full of milestones, heartfelt moments, and well-deserved celebrations. And at Clean Taos, we believe you should show up to every moment feeling fresh, confident, and ready.

Prepping for Mother’s Day brunches, graduation ceremonies, and Memorial Day gatherings doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little extra attention—and a little help from us—you can focus on the joy and let us take care of the details.

Start with your wardrobe. That delicate silk dress you’ve been saving for Mother’s Day deserves special treatment, and so does your best suit for a graduation ceremony. Professional cleaning ensures everything fits, feels, and looks its best, so you can step into the spotlight—or onto the dance floor—without a second thought.

Next, think about your home. Hosting family over Memorial Day weekend? Now’s the perfect time to refresh your guest bedding, spruce up your outdoor cushions, and give your dining linens a deep clean. Little touches like crisp sheets and clean tablecloths make guests feel welcome and cared for.

At Clean Taos, we specialize in the kinds of fabrics and garments that matter most—the ones that hold memories, honor traditions, and help you celebrate life’s biggest (and sweetest) moments.

This month, don’t stress over the details. Let us help you put your best foot forward for every hug, toast, and remembrance. Freshly pressed clothes and clean spaces aren’t just nice to have—they’re part of what makes these celebrations feel unforgettable.

🌎 Earth Day Every Day: How Clean Taos Is Redefining “Clean”

At Clean Taos, we believe "clean" should mean more than stain-free shirts and tidy homes. It should mean clean air, clean water, clean choices. This Earth Day, we’re proud to share how our everyday practices—guided by posterity, impeccability, and integrity—help create a healthier planet for us all.

Posterity: Cleaning with the Future in Mind

We don’t believe in short-term thinking. Posterity means looking ahead and making decisions that serve not only our customers today, but generations to come. From water-saving washers to energy-efficient dryers, we’re constantly evolving our services to minimize waste and maximize impact. Every laundry load processed through Clean Taos is a small act of environmental responsibility. 

Impeccability: Service that’s a Step Above

For us, impeccability is more than clean collars and fluffed comforters. It’s about holding ourselves to a higher standard—from the way we train our team to the way we handle your favorite garments. Whether it’s removing allergens from bedding or restoring the beauty of a treasured dress, we take pride in doing things right—down to the last detail. 

Integrity: Doing Right When No One’s Watching

We don’t just say we’re eco-conscious. We bake it into our daily operations. Our dry cleaning avoids toxic chemicals. Our retail sales products are thoughtfully chosen. Our staff is trained not just in technique, but in ethics. Integrity means being transparent, accountable, and committed to doing what’s right—even when it’s not the easy path. 

Reusable > Disposable

We’ve curated a retail lineup of eco-friendly, low-impact cleaning goods you’ll actually enjoy using. Think compostable sponges, washable paper towels, and small-batch, non-toxic cleaners. These products reflect our values and offer customers a simple way to reduce waste at home—without sacrificing performance. 

Laundry That Loves the Earth Back

From our subscription laundry service to our comforter and rug cleaning, everything we do is built around one goal: to make sustainability effortless. Whether you’re looking to cut down on plastic, conserve energy, or simply save time, we have services that align with your values—and our mission.

This Earth Day, Choose Clean

If you’re already part of the Clean Taos community, thank you. Your choices make a difference. If you’re just discovering us, we invite you to visit our store, try our services, and learn how something as simple as laundry can become an act of care—for your clothes, your home, and your planet. 

Make the Clean choice. Today and every day.

The Second Wave of Spring

Spring doesn’t just arrive all at once. It rolls in slowly—sunlight stretching a little longer each day, breezes softening, and the landscape gradually shaking off its winter sleep. Cleaning is like that too. It doesn’t have to happen all at once. Sometimes, the second wave is the one that sticks.

Maybe you started your spring cleaning in March with great ambition—and maybe life got in the way. Or maybe you’ve just now looked around and realized the rugs are dingier than you thought, the drapes haven’t moved in months, and the bedding still smells faintly like last year’s heater. Good news: there’s still time.

At Clean Taos, we believe a clean home happens in layers. It’s not about perfection—it’s about intention. Each time you choose to care for your space, you're investing in comfort, health, and peace of mind. And when it comes to the heavier lifts—your rugs, your drapes, your down comforters—we're here to handle those layers for you.

We specialize in cleaning the items that take a little extra love. Our eco-friendly methods are safe for your fabrics, your home, and the environment. So whether you're deep into your second wave of spring cleaning or just beginning to shake off the dust of winter, we’re ready when you are.

Let this month be a reminder: fresh starts don’t follow a calendar. They follow you!

Spring Cleaning Secrets: How to Keep Your Clothes & Home Fresh

Spring has a way of sneaking up on us. One day, you’re bundled in blankets, and the next, the sun is shining through the window, illuminating a fine layer of dust that somehow settled on everything you own. It’s the season of fresh starts, open windows, and deep breaths—but before you take that breath, maybe it’s time to refresh the space around you.

A good spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about clearing out the old and making room for something lighter, fresher, and better. While most people focus on reorganizing closets and scrubbing floors, fabrics are often overlooked. Your bedding, drapes, and rugs quietly collect dust, allergens, and whatever life throws at them, waiting patiently for their turn to be refreshed.

Washing your sheets regularly is a no-brainer, but when was the last time you gave your comforter the deep clean it deserves? Or those throw pillows that have absorbed months of naps, snacks, and lazy Sunday afternoons? And let’s not even talk about the drapes—those silent dust collectors framing every window in your home. They might not scream for attention, but trust us, they’re due for a little love.

That’s where we come in. At Clean Taos, we take care of the things that are too big for your washing machine and too important to ignore. We clean bedding, rugs, drapes, and other household fabrics, removing dust, stains, and allergens while being gentle on delicate materials. Our eco-friendly cleaning process ensures your home feels as fresh as the season itself.

Spring is the perfect time to reset, to shake out the old and welcome the new. Whether it’s fresh bedding, spotless drapes, or a favorite rug that just needs a little extra care, we’re here to help. Drop off your household items today and let’s make your home feel as fresh as the season.

5-Step Guide to Washing Swimwear and Delicates

Treat your swimsuits and other delicates like the treasures they are.

1. Sort by Color: Group similar colors together to prevent color bleeding and minimize water usage.

2. Use Cool Water & Eco-Friendly Detergent: Wash in cool water using a gentle, biodegradable detergent or mild natural shampoo.

3. Swirl Gently: Swirl your delicates gently in the water over the course of an hour, ensuring a thorough yet gentle clean that is considerate of both your clothing and the environment.

4. Squeeze, Don’t Wring: Carefully squeeze out excess water to prolong the life of your garments.

5. Air Dry: For optimal results, air dry your swimwear and delicates on a rack rather than using a dryer, which benefits both your clothes and the environment.

Simple Tip: Rinse your swimwear with fresh water after each swim to preserve its elasticity, reduce washing, and save water and energy. Good for your suit 👙, good for the planet 🌎!

The Joy of Bathing

In our hustle-bustle world, the humble bath often gets overshadowed by quick showers. But let’s be honest: a good soak is more than just a treat—it’s like a warm hug that melts all your stresses away. Picture this: warm water wrapping around you, calming your nerves and making you feel pampered. Throw in some bath salts or oils, and voilà—you’ve got your very own mini spa right at home.

Struggling with restless nights? A bath before bed might just be your secret weapon. Soaking in warm water and then cooling down helps signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down, making it easier to drift off into dreamland. It’s like a bedtime ritual that nudges you towards better sleep.

And let’s not forget the benefits of soaking itself. Warm water gets your blood pumping, easing those nagging aches and pains while boosting circulation. This means more oxygen and nutrients for your muscles and joints. For those of us dealing with chronic pain, a regular bath can be a true lifesaver. Add some lavender or chamomile, and you’ve got a dreamy, pain-relieving potion that makes every soak even more soothing.

If you’re looking to give your body a bit of a detox, special soaking salts can help with that too. Sweating it out in a hot bath helps your body flush out toxins, while Epsom salts work their magic by replenishing magnesium, which is fantastic for your muscles and nerves.

Your skin will also thank you. Warm water opens up your pores for a deep clean, while the hydration leaves your skin feeling soft and refreshed. Want to take it a step further? Customize your bath with natural goodies like oatmeal, milk, or honey to tackle dryness and irritation.

Baths aren’t just good for your body—they’re a treat for your mind too. That quiet, uninterrupted time is perfect for clearing your head and indulging in a bit of mindfulness. It’s an invitation to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with yourself.

By incorporating baths into your routine, you not only take a moment for self-care but also create a serene space to unwind and rejuvenate. So, next time you feel overwhelmed or need a little pick-me-up, draw a bath, and let the soothing waters carry your worries away. Embrace the joy of bathing and discover the transformative power of a simple humble soak.

Keeping Your Comforters Clean

There’s nothing quite like a clean bed with fresh linen a clean fluffy duvet and a perfectly soft pillow. While most of us change the sheets often we’re less likely to clean our blankets and comforters as regularly. Now that it spring is here our laundry specialists at thought they’d offer up a few tips on how to clean your blankets:

Always check the care label. Before you do anything, check the care label on your blanket to make sure you know how to clean it. Some blankets can only be dry cleaned, while others can be machine washed. Some can be tumble dried while others must be hung. You get the idea.

Pre-treat stains. If your blanket has any stains, pre-treat them with a stain remover before washing. This will help to remove the stain and prevent it from setting.

Clean your blankets regularly. Most blankets should be cleaned at least once a month.

Store your clean blankets in a clean, dry place. This will help to keep them in good condition and safe from pests.

Following these tips will help you keep your blankets clean and looking their best. And, you can always bring them to us at Clean Taos, where we care for them like they are our own.

Storing Your Winter Clothes

Here are some helpful tips from our clothing specialists on how to store your winter clothes:

• Properly clean your clothes before storing them. This will help to remove any dirt, sweat, or body oils that could damage the clothes over time. Properly cleaning your clothes will also deter any unwanted pests from feasting on them during their season off.

• Fold or hang your clothes to prevent them from getting wrinkled or damaged.

• Put your clothes in a storage container to keep them clean and organized.

• Store your clean and dry clothes in a cool, dry place to prevent them from getting moldy or mildew.

• Label your storage containers and make it easier to find your clothes when you need them.

• Use a vacuum-sealed bag to store bulky items to save space.

• Use cedar or lavender to deter pests.

• Donate or sell any clothes that you no longer wear. This will free up space in your closet and make it easier to find the clothes you need without adding more waste to the landfill.

By following these tips, you can store your winter clothes properly and keep them in good condition for years to come.

Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning, the annual ritual practiced across cultures for millennia, loathed by many, celebrated by some, can be more than just another bothersome gigantic chore. A thorough cleaning of your house in the spring can and will improve your home's air quality. Thoughtful s help get rid of allergens and dust mites, invite you to get rid of clutter, refresh your home's appearance, reduce your risk of fire, and improve your mental and emotional well-being. Sure, spring cleaning can be a lot of work, but it's also a great way to start the new season fresh.

By following these tips, you can make the process easier and more enjoyable.

• Start by making a plan. Decide what areas of your home you want to clean, and how much time you have to do it.

• Break the cleaning up into smaller tasks. This will make it seem less daunting and more manageable.

• Set realistic goals. Don't try to do too much in one day.

• Delegate tasks to others. If you have family or friends who are willing to help, let them!

• Have fun! Listen to music, watch a movie, or invite friends over to help you.

And remember, Clean Taos is here to support you. We clean most household items including comforters, curtains, couch cushion covers, and woven rugs. Unsure if we can clean it? Give us a call and find out.

Caring Matters

Everyone has their favorite clothes that they love to frequently wear. What most people don't realize is that the way they care for their clothes can have a big impact on the garment’s longevity and overall appearance overtime. Properly caring for your clothes will also save you money, reduce your carbon footprint, and contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry and world.

Caring for your clothes can also save you a lot of money in the long run. When you take care of your clothes, they last longer and don't need to be replaced as often. This means you can spend less money on buying new clothes and more money on other things you enjoy.

When you take care of your clothes, they have longevity of life. This means you can wear your favorite outfits more often without worrying about them losing their shape, color, or texture. Properly caring for your clothes can also help prevent common issues like pilling, fading, and shrinking. Of course, every garment has a lifetime, and no garment lasts forever, but caring for your garments will add longevity to their lives and that will add joy to your life.

By taking good care of your clothes, you reduce the resources spent to produce new ones. This includes things like water, energy, and raw materials. It also reduces the amount of clothing waste that ends up in landfills, which can take hundreds of years to decompose. So not only will you be saving money caring for your clothes you’ll have a feel-good side effect from reducing your consumption and environmental impact. Virtual high-five!

Let's Talk - Ski Gear

It’s ski season! For many, this is a favorite winter pastime. If you are one of them then you likely have a host of skiing equipment, including some hardy skiwear. And your skiwear must be hardy because skiing is a rough and tumble sport, no matter how many years you’ve been hitting those steeps.

Keeping your skiwear in its best possible condition requires your attention to care,  especially if it’s going to endure more than a couple years of you shredding the gnar.

Skiwear can be either drycleanable or washable, depending on the fiber content of the shell fabric and lining. The outer fabric on most skiwear is usually made of durable polyester, nylon, cotton, or a blend of these fibers. Linings are typically made of lighter-weighted fabrics containing fibers such as polyester, nylon, cotton, acrylic, or wool.

Most skiwear contains protective coatings or filler materials, such as polyester batting, down, or feathers, to give added warmth and water repellency to the garment. Buttons, reflective coatings, fur, leather, vinyl, zippers, and other trims and accessories can also affect the care method.

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To help you care for your skiwear, try following these tips:

• Because it is constantly exposed to the elements, clean your skiwear often to avoid permanent soiling.

• Follow the care label. Manufacturers usually consider components of a ski jacket and provide appropriate care instructions.

• Avoid excess temperatures when drying, especially if the care instructions indicate "Tumble Dry Low," "Cool Iron," "Do Not Steam," or "Do Not Press." The inner linings used to contain the filler materials in some skiwear may draw up, stiffen, or shrink when exposed to excess temperatures. If in doubt, consult your local drycleaner.

• Inspect your skiwear periodically for rips or weak areas in the fabric, especially at creases and folds along the elasticized cuffs of the sleeves or lower hem edges. As your body moves, these areas are constantly abraded, weakening the fabric.

• Have all stains treated by a professional cleaner.

• Waterproof your gear.

Waterproofing is a process done to clothing and other material items to increase their capacity to provide protection against rain, snow, and other wet environs. Waterproof gear is meant to resist water for long stretches of time. Over time waterproofing can wear down and needs reapplication. Caring for waterproof clothing should not only include cleaning of the items semiannually but also reapplication of waterproofing semi-annually as well.

At Clean Taos we have specialty detergents and waterproofing agents to meet most of your waterproofing needs from ski and snow wear to downs and soft-shell garments. We love to get outside during all seasons and are more than happy to provide you with the services you need to enjoy all your outdoor sports activities.

Stay warm, stay dry, have fun.

Let's Talk - Sparkles

We love getting dressed up for New Year’s Eve. It’s a great time to wear things we likely may not wear all year long, like sequins and fur. Sequins and fur are not just fashion statements, they are a utilitarian part of our history as they have been adoring humans for centuries.

When it comes to luxury garments our minds don’t jump right to their utilitarian functions, but that’s how most fashion trends start. Sequins for example are the evolution of sewing coinage to clothes. That’s a twofold utilitarian function there. Let people know you’ve got money and assure you’ll keep your money by having it sewn to you. One doesn’t necessarily need a history lesson to conjure up an image of fur in a utilitarian function. The stuff keeps you warm.

Most modern closets containing furs and sequins hold such treasures for fashion purposes. Yet, fur is still a great asset on a cold night and sparkles speak celebration.  Truly, there’s no better night than New Year’s Eve to don those metallics and fuzzy coats as you sip on the bubbly and celebrate another year gone by.

Tips for a sustainable holiday

The holiday season is a celebratory and joyful time of year. Most of us choose to spend the season with loved ones in a spirit of generosity and gratitude, enjoying the gift of good company. But the holiday season is also a wasteful time of year. A time of year where much attention is placed on giving to each other and little attention is placed on giving care and gratitude to the Earth. This bit of truth does not have to be something that derails our festive spirit. Rather, it can be a catalyst to green up your Christmas a bit. Here are our suggestions and tips to help you have a more sustainable holiday.

When it comes to presents, we have so many more options than some plastic item wrapped in paper. Green up your holiday gifting by avoiding gifting things that are just making a pitstop on their way to the landfill? Consider gifting an experience or a service instead of a thing. Preferably, one that's low impact. Challenge yourself to only purchase gifts, cards, and wrapping materials made from recycled products and/or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified papers? Give to a cause for a better future in the name of that someone you love. And don’t forget, love and kindness are the most sustainable of all gifts. A warm smile can and does change a person’s day, and sometimes it changes their life. Extending your kindness with sincere generosity of spirit is not only sustainable for the Earth, but it also sustains others.

When planning holiday meals be conscientious of where your food is coming from. Factory farming and the crop export/import industry are some of the largest polluters in the world. Industrial livestock farming is one of the main contributors to soil erosion around the world. Regenerative farming and ranching practices exist and are becoming more common. Knowing where your food comes from means knowing why to purchase from regenerative and local producers as often as possible, and then doing it. This means you will eat seasonally, and close to home while contributing to regenerative practices on sustainable farms and ranches. That’s a lot good eating for the holidays and year-round.

As for aesthetic, i.e., décor and attire, the age-old rule applies. Less is more. Less plastic. Less electricity. Less shopping. Less sequins. Less Trash. Those stringy tinsels sure are pretty but they are a major polluter. Consider ribbon instead of tinsel. It can be used again and again year after year. Or even better, string some popcorn and cranberries and then throw them in the compost when the tree comes down. For outfit inspiration dig deep into your closet. Should it leave you wanting, see what you may be able to borrow from others. If you must buy, shop consignment and second hand. The clothing industry is the second largest polluter in the world behind petroleum. Reducing our consumption and reusing as many articles of our clothing as possible, we can greatly reduce our contribution to an already gargantuan problem.

Did you know that you can cut down trees in a sustainable manner? Yes. Yes, you can. Especially if your friends live in the forest and have no defendable fire break around their homes. Help them out, cut down a couple of dangerous evergreens and chop up some firewood while you're at it. And as for the tree you cut down to decorate, make that one into firewood too when it’s through brightening up your home. Of course you can also get a live tree to plant after the holidays are done, that is a very green option. Just don’t plant it too close to the house when it’s time to plant, especially if you live in a wooded area.

The most important tip we can give you to help you have a sustainable holiday is to remember the airline safety rule and put your own mask on before assisting others. Take care of yourself. Take care so that you can enjoy the entire holiday season. And, if you need us, we’re here to help you with all of your laundering needs.

On Voting...

Next week is election week! Elections don’t get everyone jazzed but at Clean we get excited about our opportunity to vote. At Clean, we understand the ripple effect choices have and voting is making a choice, hence rippling an effect into the world.

Every choice contributes to a ripple effect. Some choices enhance life and others do not. Our tagline “Make Clean Choices” is more than some mere marketing ploy. To us, making clean choices is a life philosophy. It is the ethos of our business and a daily invitation. To make clean choices is to be aware. Conscious of our shared humanity, our home the Earth, and our shared responsibility to the future.

In America we vote at the ballot box, and we vote with every dollar we spend. Whatever it is we are voting for, having choices like these gives people agency. When people feel like they have agency, they have power. That is why voting is so powerful.

And society is not homogeny. Society is more like your average American wardrobe. There are quite a few different kinds of garments made of different fabrics and different patterns. Each garment has their own history, their own unique care and cleaning requirements, much like people. Some get all the attention and others are mostly ignored. If we lived in a world where everyone had to wear only blue - the same blue and the same fabric and the same cuts – even if it's a nice blue, it would be miserable. If we lived in a world where everyone looked the same and had the same values, histories and needs, that would be miserable too.

Diversity is what makes people interesting, just like color, texture, and pattern make wardrobes interesting. Having the choice to express ourselves through our style and having the choice to express ourselves through a vote for democratic leadership, are each unique privileges not to be squandered in apathy or for comfort.

 So, put on some stylish clothes and go vote! Join us and ripple some effect into the world. Vote your values and celebrate your freedom to choose.

Last Minute Costume Ideas

Though some of us might be overexuberant about Halloween preparations, there are many who are less enthusiastic. For them, Halloween is just another distant day on the calendar until the invitation to the Big Halloween Bash shows up and the unprepared party goer finds themselves in a pickle.

This is not a moment to lament or stress out. These days most of us have closets full of clothes that do nothing more than collect dust most of the year. So, rather than rushing off to the costume store, make your way back to your own closet and see what treasures it may hold.

Here is a few of my own personal quick fixes and a couple others I just love.

• Have an old white sheet? – You can now go out as Patrick Swayze, Whitney Houston, Arthur Manby. Really, with this costume you can go as any dead person you can think of.

• Have a long black skirt, a black dress, a black shawl, a black blouse, and some black lace? – You can now go out and scare all the children as La Llorona. Put on some fake nails and grab their shoulders from behind to really creep them out.

• Have an all-white ensemble? – Be a member of the creepy silent chainsmoking cult The Guilty Remnant, from the show The Leftovers.

• Have some blue yarn laying about? – Wrap it around yourself and arrive to the party “tangled up in blue.”

• Own a suit or some vintage duds? – Be a time traveler.

Of course, you could go simply wear your pajamas and be “ready for bed.”

Whatever you get up to, have fun and be safe - that’s a requirement.

When the parties over and you’ve returned to the land of the living, bring us your clothes and we’ll get them cleaned up for their return to your closet. Except for that sheet, it’s time to throw the sheet away.

Let's Talk - Costumes

Costumes are an iconic part of October. Many of us get so excited about Halloween we start making costume plans before the month even begins. For us overenthusiastic celebrants putting a costume on gives us permission to play, and no matter our age we know that play is good for us.   

While the idea of wearing a costume for Halloween may seem childish, I’m here to tell you it’s anything but.  

The most basic definition of the word costume is “a style of dressing”. Which makes it unsuprising to learn that the etymological root of the word costume, from the Latin consuetudinem - translates simply to - custom, habit, or usage. Wearing a white dress as a bride then is not just putting on the appropriate costume it is also honoring a custom and tradition. 

Costumes are not just for ceremonious occasions, they are also worn to indicate the personification of customs during certain eras in time, such as the costume one would wear in a theatrical or historical performance. Costumes also denote archetypical expressions of the nature of humanity, take for example the Clown, Wizard, Nurse, Queen and the creepier characters that take the stage on the dark night of Halloween. Wearing a costume can invite us to take on the persona of the character we portray giving us an invitation to explore parts of our own personalities we may not have spent much time with before.  

The Halloween Holiday that we now celebrate is an evolution of the ancient Pagen celebration of Samhain. The Samhain celebration marked a time in the natural cycle of the year thought to thin the veils between the living world and the afterlife. Ancient Pagens lit bonfires and dressed as ghouls to ward off bad ghosts and unwanted spirits.  

While modern reasons to put on a Halloween costume feel far less ominous, the joy of participating in this time-honored tradition continues to inspire many to dig deep into their imaginations and share something special about themselves with the world. They do this not because they are childish but because costumes are fun and invite us to play at any age, they teach us about customs across cultures and centuries, and if we let them, they may even teach us a thing or two about ourselves.  

Wishing you a Happy Halloween!

~ Genevieve

Friendly reminder: Our standard turnaround time on cleaning is one week. Don’t forget to bring your costumes in if they need cleaning before the Holiday.  

Let's Talk - Dressing for Fall

Morning frost has arrived. The scent of smoke from home fires permeates the cold air and golden leaves adorn mountain sides as the autumn settles in. If you’re anything like me then you are exuberant. Not only is it gloriously beautiful outside but it’s also a great season for wearing clothes.  

As the garden gets put to bed and we bring it’s bounty into the kitchen for eating and canning my wool sweaters and beanies come out from their summer slumber. Boots, light jackets, and layers of fabric including soft cashmeres in colors reminiscent of the changing leaves delight my senses and remind me that snuggle season has arrived. 

For me dressing in the fall is an exciting time to restyle my look. I get inspiration for fall styling from Pinterest, fashion blogs, and magazines. This fall I’ve noted that oversized blazers and tailored wide leg pants are making a splash. As are prairie dresses with belted sweaters and a pair of great boots (preferably cowboy). Denim and leather are always in and add just the right layer of weight (with the right sweater of course) for a crisp autumn morning or night.  

Whatever it is you get up to in your clothes this fall know we’re here to clean those garments for you.  And, if you haven’t yet, it’s time to get outside and enjoy natures golden beauty before the snow... which will be here in the blink of an eye! 

~ Genevieve