Often our favorite garments are those with good stories. Maybe that special piece of clothing was a gift or worn at a memorable event. But have you ever considered the story of the garment before it became yours?

The life of a garment is not a boring life, that’s for sure. From fiber to textile production, design, and fabrication, to transport and retail sales, every article of clothing is the culmination of lots of effort and imagination.

Historically, people held onto garments for a long time, but with cheap clothing now abundantly available, many societies throughout the world think of clothing as disposable. The staggering volume of new garments manufactured each year have made this paradigm shift possible.

Clothing Production

It's estimated that 80 to 150 billion garments per year are produced in the global fashion industry.

Cotton is the most commonly used raw material for fabric in the world, with 60% of women’s garments and 75% of men’s garments containing some cotton. Once the cotton fiber is harvested, it’s spun into a fabric which can be easily cut to specific design requirements.

The fabric is sold to clothing manufacturers, who manage the actual production and fabrication of the garments. Once production is complete, garments are shipped to a distribution center, where they are stored until needed at retail locations.

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The Typical Lifecycle of a Garment

After the garment is sold, it may be used once, dozens of times, or never at all, before it ends up being thrown away, repurposed, or recycled.

So how many times are garments generally worn? The majority of fashion purchases see the outside of the wardrobe just 7-10 times. 

As a result, Americans send 11 million tons of clothing to landfills ever year, all while continuing to purchase new garments at a frenzied pace. To put this in more relatable terms, the average American now generates approximately 82 pounds of waste just from clothes they throw away every year!

Adding to the concern, more than 60 percent of fabric fibers are now oil-based synthetics, meaning if and when our clothing ends up in a landfill, they don’t decay.

Despite these large numbers, a problem at such a massive scale does in fact start with actions at the micro level. How many times you wear your garments, and how you dispose of them once it’s time to let them go, both define the life of your garment.

Simply donating your used clothing instead of throwing it away makes a significant impact on the life of your garment, and there are incredibly convenient ways to make it happen.

With Rinse, clothing donations pickup is always free during any one of your scheduled pickups, and it is a great way to extend the life of your garments by giving someone else the opportunity to enjoy them. Another way to counteract the problem of excessive clothing waste is to increase the number of times you wear your garments. A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least 30 uses.

To get to 30 uses, it’s important to ensure the proper care and cleaning of your clothes. When washing clothes, use cold water, as it’s not only helpful in preventing color bleeding and fading but helps to preserve the strength and integrity of the fibers.

Additionally, you can switch from high or medium heat to low heat in the dryer, which also helps to increase the longevity of your garments and reduces the risk of shrinkage and malformation of clothes over multiple cleanings. Or working with Rinse or your local cleaner can help!

So next time you slip into your favorite garment, take a moment to consider not only where it came from, but also where it’s going. And when you choose to extend the life of your garments, you’re making a choice that benefits more than just your wardrobe.

1. Wash between wears

We recommend treating any stains before washing. Our favorite is OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover because when its oxygen-based formula is activated by water, it lifts and removes stains from fabrics of all colors.

3. Separate by color

White clothes and linens should always get their own wash cycle to prevent dyes from bleeding onto your whites and making them dingy.

4. Choose a whiter, brighter clean

At Rinse, we use OxiClean™ Liquid Detergent to bring back your bright whites and revive colors. This detergent is tough on stains but gentle on your clothes so they last for years to come.

5. Give your clothes room to move

It’s tempting to fill your washer to the brim but your clothes need room for your machine to work it’s magic. Detergent and water need to be able to circulate through your clothes to break soils down and wash them away.

6. Always follow your garment’s care label

The label will indicate the ideal water temperature needed for best results. If you’re ever stumped, see our easy guide here.

We’re always happy to share tricks of the trade to clean your clothes and help them last, but if you have things you’d rather do with your time than laundry, remember, we’re always here to care for your clothes!

Introduction

When you have clothing that needs to look sharp, like a suit, dress, sweater, or dress shirt, chances are you take it to the dry cleaners. But many nice articles of clothing don’t need to be dry cleaned – often, having your clothing laundered and pressed is a better choice.

The Basic Difference Between Laundry and Dry Cleaning

The short answer – water. However, there are other differences such as the cleaning process, chemicals used, suitable fabrics, effectiveness in removing certain stains, impact on the environment, and cost of service.

Dry Cleaning:

When your clothes are dry cleaned, non-water-based solvents (such as perchloroethylene) are used to remove stains and odors, before they are crisply pressed. In general, dry cleaning is ideal for delicate fabrics, with some garments having "dry clean only" instructions. Note that the cost of dry cleaning is considerably higher on a per-piece basis, and requires specialized equipment.

Laundering: 

With laundered items, water and detergent are used. Your clothes are soaked and agitated in a commercial-grade washing machine, emerge slightly damp, and then are individually pressed. Laundry cleaning is suitable for most clothing fabrics, such as cotton, polyester, denim, and linen.

Why Launder & Press?

So what's the benefit of using Launder & Press?

• It's ideal for removing sweat, oils, and dirt: Laundering is more effective than dry cleaning at removing sweat and oil from fabrics, so it is typically the best choice for dress shirts and cotton blouses. After clothes are laundered, they are pressed and hung for that crisp, fresh-from-the-cleaner look.

• It's generally more sustainable: While laundering still consumes water and energy, there are eco-friendly detergents that can be used to mitigate the impact on the environment. Modern consumer appliances or commercial-grade ones are constantly becoming more efficient. Dry cleaning traditionally uses solvents that are toxic to the planet and can cause a reaction to sensitive skin.

• It's more cost-effective: Whether washing laundry at home or not, the cost of cleaning each garment is much lower than if done by dry cleaning. Water and detergent are much cheaper than perchloroethylene, and that is before considering the cost of the equipment needed for dry cleaning.

• It's gentle on fabric: The chemicals used to dry clean your clothes can cause fabrics to deteriorate over time. Laundering, on the other hand, removes stains and everyday grime using water and gentler detergents.

High-quality laundry services like Rinse read the care label on your clothing and make the call between chemical dry cleaning and laundering to maximize the life of your clothes. When you’re the one making the call, read the label: if it doesn’t say “Dry Clean Only,” ask for Launder & Press. Your clothes will thank you!

Why Dry Clean?

You may be thinking – why on earth would anyone choose to dry clean when Launder & Press is just as effective (if not more in some cases) and gentler on fabrics? Well, the truth is, it depends on the fabric and the piece. 

• It's ideal for clothing made of natural fibers, like silk, cashmere, or wool because water can hurt the fabric. Water can cause the fibers in the fabric to become rigid and can lead to shrinkage.

• It's a way to ensure the longevity of your clothes: Dry cleaning eliminates the risk of your clothes bleeding, fading, stretching, or becoming distorted in the washer or dryer. 

• It's how to remove certain odors: Some smells, such as smoke or mildew, are not fully removed during a traditional laundry wash. Dry cleaning is more effective in this department.

• It's often the only way to get out certain stains: When an item is dry cleaned, it also goes through the “pre-spotting” process where an experienced cleaner will examine each garment to locate stains and determine the source so that they can treat the stain with the appropriate non-aqueous solvent. It’s not uncommon for a pre-spotter to have decades of experience!

A helpful tip to extend the life of your clothes: If you know the source of any stain on your garment, let your dry cleaner know. Be it ketchup, wine, or a splash from a puddle, your dry cleaner will use that information to choose the right solvent and minimize the risk of damage.

Have laundry or dry cleaning to do?

Rinse picks up, cleans and delivers 7 days a week. Amazingly awesome. Ridiculously simple.

Try Rinse 

Learn More About Rinse

There’s a reason both dry cleaning and launder & press are offered today – each serves a different, valuable purpose. Both are aptly named and both keep you looking sharp!

We have you covered at Rinse as we offer both Dry Cleaning and Launder & Press solutions! Sign up here and try any one of our award-winning services.

In addition, you can learn more about How Dry Cleaning Works from our COO James. He grew up in dry cleaning!

Contact us at Rinse today to see our skill in action.

Extend the life of your clothes by making sure you're caring for them properly 

Below is a chart of all of the laundry care symbols that you may see on your clothing's tags. Some laundry symbols are straight forward while others look like alien hieroglyphics so we put them all in one place to make life easy. For more details on the reason behind each of the care instructions - like why wool can't go in the dryer - check out our Guide to Clothing Care Labels. 

Washing Symbols

The washing symbols are used to intruct you how to wash the clothing item.

The tub icon lets you know exactly how to wash the garment with underscored lines indicating the recommended cycle and black dots representing water temperature. An X, of course, warns to not machine wash at all.

The washing symbols can also give you an idea for temperature, indicated by the number of dots in the tub of water symbol, whereas different cycle types are represented by a tub with one or two lines drawn under it.

Ironing Symbols

Ironing symbols will recommend exactly how to iron your clothing. The black dots inside the iron symbol represent the temperature, while an X over the iron means you should not iron the garment.

Drying Symbols

For drying symbols, first determine whether the item should be air or tumble dried. The lines inside the square will tell you how an item should be air dried, while the dots inside the square indicate the recommended heat setting if you are using a machine to dry your clothes.

Dry Cleaning Symbols

Relative to the other symbols, dry cleaning symbols are a little easier to understand. They will help you determine if an item should or should not be dry cleaned or if you should opt for a wet cleaning. 

Now that you know what your clothes' laundry symbols mean, you'll have a better chance of not shrinking or damaging your clothes. When it comes to clothing maintenance, the fine print matters. If you're pressed for time or unsure of specific treatment requirements, consider scheduling a Rinse laundry pickup and let us take the guesswork out of your laundry.

How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets and Why?

Keeping your bed sheets, pillowcases, and other bedding items clean is crucial for both comfort and health. Considering that we spend nearly a third of our lives in bed, maintaining a fresh sleeping environment is essential. However, many people underestimate the importance of regularly washing their sheets, comforters, and duvet covers. This article will guide you on how often to wash these items, why it’s important, and best practices to keep your bedding clean and hygienic. And if you're a hotel or other lodging partner, check out our guide here that lists our best cleaning tips for hotels. 

The General Rule: For optimal cleanliness, it’s recommended to wash your bed sheets and pillowcases at least once a week. If you have a busy lifestyle, use a comforter or duvet cover without washing it regularly, or if you have allergies, consider washing your sheets more frequently. This routine helps remove the buildup of dead skin cells, sweat, and other particles that accumulate over time. To learn more about specific bedding items, read our guides on how often you should wash your towels, comforters, or sleeping bags.

Factors Affecting Washing Frequency: The frequency of washing can vary depending on personal habits, whether you sleep with pets, and if you have conditions like asthma or eczema. Regular washing also keeps your cotton sheets, linen sheets, and other types of bed sheets in good condition, extending their lifespan and ensuring a cleaner sleep environment

Dead Skin Cells

Every night, our bodies shed millions of dead skin cells, which can accumulate on our bed sheets, comforters, and duvet covers. These skin cells provide food for dust mites, which thrive in warm, humid environments like your bed. Regular washing helps remove these dead skin cells, reducing the population of dust mites and minimizing the risk of allergies.

Dust Mites

Dust mites are microscopic creatures that inhabit bedding and feed on dead skin cells. These mites can trigger allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, and can exacerbate asthma. Washing your bed sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers in hot water can help eliminate dust mites and their allergens.

Crumbs

Eating in bed can leave crumbs and food particles in your sheets, comforters, and mattress. These crumbs can attract insects and lead to bacterial growth, creating an unhygienic sleeping environment. Washing your bed sheets regularly ensures that your bed remains clean and free from pests.

Beauty Products Residue

If you apply lotions, oils, or other beauty products before bed, they can leave residue on your bed sheets and pillowcases. Over time, these residues can build up, potentially clogging pores and causing skin irritation. Regularly washing your sheets and pillowcases can help remove these residues, keeping your skin healthy and your bedding fresh.

Pet-Related Germs

If your pets share your bed, they can bring fur, dander, dirt, and possibly even parasites like fleas or ticks onto your sheets, duvet covers, and mattress. This not only leads to an unsanitary sleeping environment but can also worsen allergies. Regularly washing your bedding, including comforters and duvets, can help mitigate these issues and ensure a cleaner sleep space.

What Can Happen if I Don’t Wash My Sheets?

Failing to wash your sheets, pillowcases, and other bedding items regularly can lead to several negative consequences:

• Skin Problems: Dirty sheets can lead to skin irritation, rashes, and exacerbate conditions like eczema. The buildup of sweat, oils, and bacteria can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

• Allergies and Asthma: Dust mites and their droppings are common allergens that can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions. Regular washing helps keep these allergens in check.

• Bad Odors: Sweat, oils, and bacteria can cause your sheets to develop an unpleasant odor over time. Freshly washed sheets not only feel better but also smell clean and inviting.

• Increased Risk of Infections: Sleeping on dirty sheets increases the likelihood of skin infections and other health issues, especially if you have any cuts or open wounds. If you are sick, make sure to follow best practices of washing sheets after an illness.

Best Practices for Washing Bed Sheets

Washing your linens properly is just as important as washing them regularly. Here are some best practices to ensure your bed sheets are thoroughly cleaned and well-maintained:

Wash Your Sheets Separately

Sheets take up a lot of space in the washing machine, and washing them separately ensures that they get properly cleaned without getting tangled up in other items. If you do need to wash other items with your sheets, make sure they are lightweight and similar in color to avoid color bleeding. 

Cycle Depends on Dirt

Choose the appropriate washing cycle based on how dirty your bed sheets are. For lightly soiled sheets, a normal cycle will suffice. For heavily soiled sheets or those with stains, opt for a heavy-duty cycle to ensure thorough cleaning. Always check the care label on your sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases for specific washing instructions.

Cold or Warm Water?

While white and light-colored sheets can generally be washed in any water temperature, it's advisable to use warm water during cold and flu season to help eliminate bacteria. Dark-colored sheets should be washed in cold water to prevent fading and preserve their color. If you’re washing a duvet cover, bed sheet, or a dry sheet, always follow the care label to ensure the best results.

Treat Stains Before Washing

Pre-treat any stains on your sheets before washing. Apply a stain remover or a mixture of detergent and water directly to the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes before washing. This helps to lift the stain and ensure your sheets come out clean and fresh.

Avoid Using Fabric Softeners

Fabric softeners can leave a residue on your sheets that builds up over time, reducing their absorbency and potentially irritating your skin. Instead, consider using a cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle as a natural fabric softener alternative. This keeps your linen sheets and cotton sheets feeling soft and fresh without the chemical buildup.

Dry on Low

High heat can damage the fibers of your sheets, leading to wear and tear over time. It's best to dry your sheets on a low heat setting to extend their lifespan. If possible, remove them from the dryer while still slightly damp to prevent wrinkles and make folding easier.

Easy, Just Schedule a Rinse!

Keeping your sheets and bedding clean is essential for your health and comfort. However, we understand that maintaining a regular laundry routine can be challenging, especially with a busy schedule. That's where Rinse comes in! 

Rinse offers convenient laundry and dry-cleaning services that take the hassle out of laundry day. Simply schedule a pickup, and our friendly Valets will collect your items, have them cleaned by our expert partners, and deliver them back to your door, often by the next day. We handle everything from your everyday bed sheets and linens to larger items like comforters.

Contact us at Rinse today to see our skill in action.

At Rinse, we feel strongly about the care we provide for your clothing. It’s our job! We thoroughly vet all of our cleaning partners to ensure you are receiving the highest-quality care possible.

We feel just as strongly about the environment and the health implications involved with some of the cleaning services we provide. We have a strict policy that all of our cleaning partners use environmentally friendly cleaning processes. The green revolution is the best solution!

What is perc and how am I exposed to it?

Historically, the dry cleaning industry has been known for using the solvent perchloroethylene (“perc”), which is a known carcinogen and potentially hazardous. While we do not partner with any cleaners that use perc we believe it is important for us to provide you with further insight on perc and green dry cleaning.

If your clothes are being cleaned at a dry cleaner that uses perc you most likely are exposed to it through inhalation or skin exposure. Common side effects include dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, nausea, and skin and respiratory irritation.

Yikes! Needless to say, it is important to find out if your dry cleaner is using perc or not.

Going green!

The majority of our cleaners offer a hydrocarbon-based solvent, which is one of the preferred alternatives to perc. This type of solvent is non-toxic, has no documented risk of causing cancer, and is environmentally safe.

Many cleaners outside California still use perc and our decision to work with non-perc cleaners everywhere is accelerating much-needed change in the industry.

If all of this talk about toxic solvents has you a bit worried about dry cleaning your clothes there may be an alternative for you. Wet cleaning!

What is wet cleaning?

Wet cleaning is a water-based alternative to dry cleaning that is safe for use on dry-clean-only items. It uses special machinery to maintain the size of the garment and feel of the fabric while cleaning the garment with water and detergents. We only work with cleaning partners who have demonstrated a great quality and consistency in the wet cleaning process.

It is recommended for water-soluble stains on dry-clean only materials since it will have greater cleaning efficacy while maintaining the look and feel of the fabric. However, we do not recommend wet cleaning for all your dry-clean-only clothes. In summary, it is both safer for you (our customers) and the environment to go green and avoid perc.

We strongly suggest that you find out if your current dry cleaner is using perc or not. Or just schedule a pickup with us and we’ll make sure your items are cleaned using environmentally friendly cleaning processes. We guarantee it!

If you are still hesitant don’t just take it from us. Here is a “Smart Science” segment on green dry cleaning from who else? That’s right! The Weather Channel.