The 7 Stains of Summer (and How to Stop Making Them Worse)

Two hundred and fifty years in, Americans still celebrate the same way: outdoors, with food, with people we love, and in our favorite clothes.

That's the beauty of it. It's also why July is the single most stain-heavy month of the year.

This isn't a complaint. At Clean Taos, summer is one of our favorite seasons — not despite the stains, but because of what they represent. Grass-stained knees. Sunscreen on a collar. A little barbecue sauce on a favorite shirt after a long, good afternoon. These are marks of a life well lived.

The question isn't how to avoid them. It's what to do when they happen — and just as importantly, what not to do.

Here are the seven stains we see most this time of year, and how to handle each one without making things worse.

1. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is one of the trickier summer stains because it doesn't always announce itself right away. The oils and minerals in modern formulas cling to fabric invisibly, and some — particularly those containing avobenzone — can cause a yellowish discoloration over time, especially on white and light-colored garments.

What to do: Pre-treat the area before washing. Let a small amount of liquid dish soap or enzyme-based detergent sit on the stain for 10–15 minutes before laundering. Avoid hot water, which can set the oils deeper into the fabric.

What not to do: Don't put a sunscreen-stained shirt straight into a hot dryer. Heat is the enemy here — it locks the stain in permanently.

2. BBQ Grease

Grilled meats, sauces, and marinades all share one thing in common: fat. And fat stains need to be treated differently than water-based stains.

What to do: Blot — don't rub — any excess away first. Apply a small amount of dish soap directly to the stain and work it in gently. Let it sit, then rinse with warm water before washing.

What not to do: Don't rub aggressively. Rubbing spreads the stain and pushes it deeper into the fibers. Patience beats force every time.

3. Grass

Grass stains have a reputation for being stubborn, and they've earned it. The natural pigments in grass actually bond with fabric fibers, which is why scrubbing harder rarely helps.

What to do: Work a small amount of detergent into the stain and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before laundering. An enzyme-based pre-treater works particularly well on plant-based stains.

What not to do: Don't use hot water on a grass stain before it's been pre-treated. Heat sets the pigment.

4. Berries and Fruit

Blueberries, watermelon, strawberries — July's best fruits are also some of its most aggressive stains. Their natural dyes act fast, especially on lighter fabrics.

What to do: Act quickly. Rinse the stain from the back of the fabric with cold water to push the pigment out rather than in. Treat with detergent and wash promptly.

What not to do: Don't let a berry stain dry before treating it. The longer it sits, the more it sets.

5. Sweat

Sweat itself is largely colorless and washes out easily when garments are laundered regularly. The problem comes from delay. Body oils and perspiration combine over time, creating the discoloration — particularly around collars and underarms — that becomes much harder to remove.

What to do: Wash summer clothes promptly after wearing. For discoloration that's already set in, pre-treat with a paste of baking soda and water or an enzyme-based solution before washing.

What not to do: Don't let sweaty summer clothes sit in a pile for days. With perspiration, time is the stain's best friend.

6. Mustard

Mustard earns a category of its own because it contains turmeric — a natural dye that bonds aggressively with fibers and resists many standard stain treatments.

What to do: Remove any excess immediately, then rinse with cold water. Treat with dish soap or an enzyme pre-treater. Sunlight can actually help break down turmeric stains — air-drying a pre-treated garment outdoors is worth trying before reaching for the dryer.

What not to do: Don't use hot water. And don't rub. Mustard spreads.

7. Red Wine (Yes, Even in July)

From backyard celebrations to late summer dinners, red wine makes its way onto clothing year-round. The key is immediate action.

What to do: Blot up as much wine as possible right away. Pour a small amount of cold water or club soda over the stain to dilute it, then blot again. Treat before laundering. The sooner you act, the better the outcome.

What not to do: Don't let it dry and don't apply heat. And don't pour white wine on it — that's a myth that mostly just makes a bigger mess.

The Rule That Applies to All of Them

No matter the stain, one principle holds across the board: don't apply heat until the stain is gone.

Heat — from hot water, a dryer, or even direct sunlight on a treated garment — sets stains permanently. Before anything goes in the dryer, inspect it in good light. If the stain is still there, treat it again and wash it again before drying.

That one habit will save more clothing than any product on the market.

When It's Beyond Home Care

Some stains are simply better left to trained hands. Delicate fabrics, specialty garments, heavily soiled items, or stains that have already been through the dryer once — these often benefit from professional treatment.

Our team has seen it all, and we're glad to evaluate any garment before recommending the best course of action. No judgment. Just care.

Make Clean Choices: A Slower, Smarter Approach to Laundry

April has a way of shifting perspective. The light softens, windows open, and the air begins to feel different. There is a quiet pull toward clarity, not just in our spaces, but in how we move through daily routines.

We often call it spring cleaning. At its best, it is not about doing more, but about doing things with intention. Laundry deserves a place in that conversation.

It is not simply a chore to rush through. It is a practice we return to regularly, often without thinking. With a small shift in approach, it becomes something more thoughtful and steady.

For many of us, clean has become a surface-level result. It is something that looks bright, smells fresh, and feels finished. But true cleanliness goes deeper than appearance.

It is also about preservation. Every wash cycle places stress on a garment through movement, heat, and friction. These changes are subtle, but they accumulate over time.

When we shift our mindset from correction to care, the goal changes. It is no longer just about removing what is visible. It is about protecting what remains.

Clothing does not begin in your closet. Each piece carries a history of water, energy, materials, and human labor before it reaches you. That history continues with every wash.

While we cannot change how something was made, we can influence how long it lasts. Longevity is built through small, repeated decisions. These decisions shape whether a garment stays in use or falls out of rotation.

Washing only when needed reduces unnecessary wear. Choosing appropriate temperatures protects fibers from stress. Treating fabrics according to their nature supports their structure over time.

Caring well for what you already own is one of the simplest ways to reduce waste.

One of the most overlooked aspects of garment care is consistency. When laundry habits vary, fabrics absorb that inconsistency over time. This leads to cumulative wear that shortens their lifespan.

High heat one day and air drying the next can create uneven stress. Mixing heavy items with delicate fabrics increases friction and strain. These variations may seem small, but they add up.

A steady approach creates better outcomes. Consistency reduces guesswork and protects fabrics from unnecessary damage. Garments begin to hold their shape and feel better over time.

Extending the life of your clothing does not require a complete overhaul. Often, it comes down to simple and practical adjustments. These changes are small but effective.

Mesh wash bags reduce friction for delicate items. Lower temperatures help preserve fiber strength and elasticity. Air drying, when possible, prevents unnecessary breakdown from heat.

Proper folding and hanging also support garment structure. Storage plays a role in how clothing holds up over time. These small habits build a more durable wardrobe.

Laundry is more than a cycle. It is a process that supports the life of a garment. Each piece carries movement, work, rest, and memory.

Caring for textiles is a way of caring for what surrounds us. At Clean Taos, each garment is assessed before cleaning. Methods are adjusted with attention to fabric and structure.

Not every stain can be removed. Not every garment can be restored perfectly. But thoughtful care consistently improves the outcome.

The Care Behind Clean Clothes

There is a moment in every laundry room when the task begins to look impossible. A grease stain set into cotton, wine spilled across linen, mud ground deep into denim, or a sweater that shrank just enough to worry its owner. These are the moments when the laundresses at Clean Taos step in.

We sometimes call them magicians, but the truth is quieter than that. There are no rabbits jumping out of hats here and no dramatic attempts at cutting assistants in half. What there is instead is patience, skill, and an understanding that fabric has its own language. The work begins with listening.

Before anything is washed, garments pass through the detailing station where stains are studied rather than attacked. A stain tells a story. Coffee behaves differently than oil. Wine spreads through fibers in a way that dirt never does. The age of the stain matters, and the fabric matters even more. Cotton can tolerate more intervention than silk. Wool reacts strongly to heat. Synthetic blends can behave in unpredictable ways.

A laundress studies the material, identifies the stains, and chooses a cleaning process carefully. When it comes to stain treatment, the process is rarely dramatic — it’s patient, methodical, and guided by experience. Sometimes a stain lifts quickly. Sometimes it requires several attempts. And sometimes the safest choice is restraint. Not every stain disappears, but many do.

Laundry machines can clean garments, but they do not understand them. That part still belongs to people. A trained laundress notices things most customers never see: the way a seam pulls, the tension in a lining, or the difference between a fabric that needs gentle agitation and one that needs almost none at all. A wool sweater holds warmth and moisture differently than a cotton shirt. A jacket carries hidden structure in its shoulders. A delicate blouse may require support through every stage of cleaning and drying. These details guide every decision that follows. At Clean Taos, clothing is never treated as interchangeable loads of laundry. Each piece has its own structure, and respecting that structure is what keeps garments wearable for years instead of months.

When people picture laundry work, they often imagine machines — rows of spinning drums and humming dryers. Yet one of the most skilled parts of the process happens afterward: folding. A properly folded garment keeps its shape, prevents wrinkles, and travels better from the shop to your closet. Towels stack evenly. Shirts hold their lines. Sweaters rest without stretching. There is even something quietly meditative about it. Stacks form, shapes repeat, and order returns. This final step is where a pile of clothing becomes something calm and usable again.

Laundry has always been a kind of invisible labor. For centuries it happened in back rooms, basements, and washhouses — work that kept households functioning but rarely received recognition. That hasn’t entirely changed. Most customers see the result — clean clothes ready to wear — but rarely the careful process behind it. At Clean Taos, we try to acknowledge the labor that makes those results possible. The laundresses who sort, treat stains, monitor loads, and finish each piece bring skill to work many people assume is automatic. Their attention protects fabrics, prevents damage, and often saves garments that might otherwise be discarded.

Caring for clothing properly does more than keep it looking nice — it extends the life of textiles. Clothing production is one of the most resource-intensive industries in the world, and the longer a garment remains wearable, the less often it needs to be replaced. Thoughtful cleaning and maintenance can add years to the life of a well-made piece. That is why the decisions made by each hand touching a garment matter. Good decisions protect the things people already own. They reduce waste and honor the materials that went into making them in the first place. At Clean Taos, we call this making clean choices.

If you ever wonder whether a stain is worth bringing in, the answer is usually yes. The sooner we see a garment, the better the chances of improving the result. And if laundry has become one of those weekly tasks that never quite ends, our wash and fold service can help return some calm to the cycle. Sometimes the simplest systems are the ones that work best.

What Care Takes: Time, Trust, and the Hands Behind the Work

Most people encounter laundry as a problem to solve quickly —
a spill, a deadline, a need to be done with it.

But some garments resist urgency.

Bridal gowns, formal dresses, tailored suits, and heirloom pieces ask for something else entirely: time, trust, and restraint. They aren’t made for speed. And they cannot be cared for well under pressure.

February — a month that naturally slows us down — is when this becomes most visible at Clean Taos.

Time Is the First Ingredient

Care begins before water ever touches fabric.

A gown arrives. It is unzipped slowly, laid flat, examined seam by seam. Fibers are tested. Stitching is checked. Weight and balance are considered. The garment tells us what it can handle — and what it cannot.

This part takes time. And it cannot be automated.

In a culture that values fast turnarounds, this kind of slowness can look inefficient. But it’s what prevents irreversible damage. Heat applied too early, chemistry chosen too quickly, or agitation used without understanding can permanently alter structure.

Good care waits.

Trust Is Built Quietly

When someone brings in a wedding dress or formal garment, they aren’t just dropping off fabric. They’re handing over a moment from their life.

Trust doesn’t come from guarantees. It comes from honesty.

At Clean Taos, we don’t promise perfection. We promise attention. We explain risks. We name limitations. We tell customers when a stain may not come out — and why. We also explain when waiting may improve results, or when cleaning now is the better choice.

This transparency is part of care. It respects the garment and the person who wore it.

The Hands Behind the Work

Laundry at this level is human work.

Our laundresses — often called “stain warriors” — aren’t battling garments. They’re listening to them. Reading fiber behavior. Adjusting pressure, temperature, and chemistry by feel as much as by training.

A beaded bodice cannot be rushed through a process designed for cotton shirts. A silk lining behaves differently once worn. A hem holds weight that changes how a gown dries.

These decisions happen quietly, constantly, and with intention. They don’t show up on a receipt. But they are the reason a garment survives.

Knowing When Not to Intervene

One of the least visible forms of expertise is knowing when not to act.

Not every mark should be treated aggressively. Not every garment benefits from immediate cleaning. Sometimes the safest choice is to stabilize, wait, and reassess — especially with vintage, hand-finished, or heavily structured pieces.

That kind of judgment only comes from experience. And it runs counter to the belief that more effort always equals better results.

In truth, restraint is often the highest form of care.

Care as Stewardship

When we talk about sustainability, we often focus on products or processes. But stewardship starts earlier than that.

It starts with keeping garments in circulation longer. With helping people preserve what they already own. With choosing care over replacement.

Bridal and formal garments are perfect examples. They’re made to last — if treated well. When cared for thoughtfully, they can be worn again, altered, preserved, or passed along. When rushed or mishandled, they’re lost.

Care is how longevity happens.

February Is a Reminder

February doesn’t ask us to consume more. It asks us to tend to what’s already here.

To slow down. To choose intention over urgency. To trust skilled hands. To recognize that care — real care — takes time.

At Clean Taos, this isn’t a seasonal posture. It’s how we work, every day. But February gives us a chance to name it.

And to thank the people whose quiet labor makes it possible.

The Laundresses of Clean Taos

Before most of Taos is awake, the doors at Clean Taos open quietly. The washers begin to hum. Steam rises in the early light. The air fills with the scent of coffee, detergent, and effort. In that familiar rhythm — wash, press, fold, repeat — the day begins.

This is the work of the hands behind Clean Taos. They are the quiet caretakers of cloth and memory, restoring the everyday fabrics that hold life together — linens, wools, silks, and cottons. Each piece carries a trace of where someone has been and what they’ve lived through.

Garment care has long been women’s work — passed through generations, shared across cultures, shaped by necessity and skill. For centuries, women have scrubbed, soaked, pressed, folded, and mended not just out of obligation, but with pride. It was a way to contribute with dignity.

This is the legacy which lives on at Clean Taos. In every pressed shirt cuff worn thin with use. In every folded blanket softened by time. The work is physical, yes, but it also demands attention, precision, and deep knowledge — of fabric, of chemistry, of human need. This detergent, not that. A lower heat. A longer press. Just enough steam. Every decision matters. Every stain lifted is a quiet victory. Every fold, a gesture of respect.

Not every mark disappears — and that’s all right. We don’t promise perfection. We offer something better: care, consistency, and the human touch no machine can replicate.

To launder is to keep. To preserve. In a world that moves fast and replaces easily, this work says: something here is worth holding onto. The rhythm connects us. In the folding, pressing, and inspecting, in the shared focus, in the way a team shows up for each other. There is laughter in the back room, and sometimes exhaustion, but always a bit of grace.

When we talk about sustainability at Clean Taos, we mean more than eco-friendly detergent or energy-efficient machines. We mean sustaining people — our team, our customers, our community. We mean honoring the quiet, necessary labor that holds life together.

This time of year, gratitude hangs in the air like woodsmoke. You can feel it in the warmth of the dryers, in the hum of the boiler, and the small, kind gestures that pass between people working with care.

We are grateful for our laundresses — for their patience, their pride, their craft. We are grateful to our customers, who trust us with the texture of their lives. And we are grateful for every small moment that reminds us why we do this work — a thank-you note, a wave through the window, a name remembered at the counter.

As the holidays approach, we hope you find your own rhythm of care — for your home, your people, your rest. And when you bring your laundry to us, know that it is met with hands that honor not just the work, but the life behind it.

Prepping for Hibernation - A Clean, Cozy Start to the Season

As the desert mornings grow colder and the light shifts subtly across ever shorter days, life begins to slow. Trees release their last golden leaves. Animals disappear into quiet corners. The season itself seems to exhale. It’s not a full stop, but a gentle retreat—an invitation to turn inward and prepare for rest.

This is hibernation season. Not the kind that means total shutdown, but the kind that asks us to be intentional. About comfort. About calm. About the space we create to weather the colder months with softness and care.

It starts with where we sleep.

Your bed is more than furniture; it's the center of rest, the place you begin and end each day. Over time, bedding quietly gathers the weight of our lives—beyond the thoughts that don’t let us sleep—theres also sweat, oils, dust, pet hair, even the memory of summer heat to contend with. We might not always see it, but we feel it.

Refreshing your bedding in early fall is more than a chore—it’s a reset. Clean linens regulate body temperature more efficiently. Fluffed comforters breathe better. Pillows that have been aired out or washed hold their shape longer and offer deeper support. What you’re really doing is reclaiming your sleep. You’re telling your body: It’s safe to rest here.

But hibernation prep doesn’t end with the bed. It moves outward.

Closets get swapped. Light layers go into storage, and flannel, wool, and thermal fabrics are brought closer into reach. Summer clothes are washed, folded, and stored with care. This is the time to check for what no longer fits, your body or your life, and let it go.

Even small things matter: a sachet tucked into a drawer, a knit sweater placed into a mesh bag before the wash, a stack of dryer balls that cut static and drying time in half. These are not grand gestures, but they add up to something significant—an atmosphere, a mindset.

Because preparing your space is about more than appearances. It’s about creating the emotional permission to slow down. When your environment is clean, soft, and intentional, rest doesn’t feel like a luxury—it feels natural.

You might find yourself writing by candlelight, wrapped in a thick blanket with tea in hand. Or perhaps it’s a quiet afternoon nap, uninterrupted and warm. However you spend these colder days, let your home hold you.

This season, don't just wait for winter to arrive. Welcome it. Make your nest ready. Clean the slate. And allow hibernation to begin—not as an escape, but as a conscious, cozy return to self.

From Rehearsal to Happily Ever After: Thoughtful Bridal Garment Care at Clean Taos

Your wedding day may have come and gone, but the garments that helped tell your love story still hold meaning — woven with memories, tradition, and joy. At Clean Taos, we believe those pieces deserve care as lasting as the memories they represent.

For rehearsal outfits, tailored suits, and treasured heirlooms, our gentle, eco-friendly process offers the most thoughtful cleaning in Taos. We know what it means to entrust us with these items, and we handle each one with the same respect and attention we’d give our own.

When it comes to gowns, we’ve partnered with a bridal specialist who has focused exclusively on wedding dress care for over a century. Their expert team ensures every gown is cleaned with precision, preserved with care, and returned ready to be treasured for years to come.

Why preserve your gown?
Preservation helps protect delicate fabrics from yellowing, safeguards embellishments like lace and beading, and ensures that the beauty of your dress lasts — whether it’s to be passed down, worn again, or simply remembered.

By combining our local, eco-conscious service with the unmatched expertise of a long-standing bridal care company, we bring you the best of both worlds: trusted care close to home, with the assurance of specialized knowledge.

So whether you were married in a Taos meadow or in an historic adobe church, your garments deserve a fresh, lasting start. Let Clean Taos help you preserve the magic — from rehearsal dinner to “happily ever after.” ✨

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.

---

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.