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.

Engagement Party

When it comes to an engagement party, you can take a lot of the necessary dressing cues from the invitation. Not only will it tell you the where and when, but the style of the invitation itself can reveal a lot about expectations for the event. Engagement parties can range from a backyard barbecue to a banquet hall celebration, so tailor your outfit accordingly.

If the event is being hosted at the happy couple's home, casual dress is a safe assumption, but resist the urge to go too casual (favor some tailored khakis and a polo shirt or a fun skirt and sandal combo over jeans and a T-shirt). If the couple has rented a hall for their event, it shows increased effort and the expectation for semi-formal attire. Gents should sport a shirt and tie (jacket optional, depending on the venue cues) and women should wear a cocktail dress.

Prep tip: Try scoping out the venue before the event itself so you know if it's inside or outside and get a sense of its style. This can help you dress accordingly—think layers for outdoor venues—and prepare for the evening ahead of time.

Rehearsal dinner

Although the focus of the rehearsal dinner is on making sure things go smoothly for the big day, you still want to make sure you show up looking well-dressed as a member of the wedding party.

If the location's more formal, consider a dressy silhouette, paired with subtle accessories to accent your ensemble, while making sure you fit in with the overall aesthetic. Bridesmaids can layer delicate rose gold jewelry or pearls, which work well for a summer wedding look (try to avoid statement pieces for this occasion). Dapper gentlemen can stick to the classic suit and tie, with some cuff links for a nice touch. For a more casual dinner, you can loosen up a bit; ladies can go with either sundresses or breezy blouses and culottes while fellows will look sharp in a dress shirt/blazer combo.

Prep tip: If you're traveling to a destination wedding, pack your clothing with care; place them in a garment bag to keep them in mint condition. Also, while you are busy toasting the couple in your rehearsal outfit, don't forget to make arrangements to have your wedding outfit steamed or pressed before the main event. Entrusting a dry cleaning service with this task means you can relax and enjoy the pre-wedding celebrations.

After-wedding brunch

Similar to reinventing casual pieces for a black tie affair, you can update formal ensembles for more laid-back events. Consider dressy separates for the post-wedding brunch, where you can take advantage of the opportunity to play with textures. Lightweight materials that are also luxe—think lace, eyelet details or chiffon in pastel or neutral palettes—work well on a skirt/blouse combo for women. Men, dress up your chinos with an oxford shirt, blazer optional.

Have laundry or dry cleaning to do?

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

Try Rinse

Prep tip: Be prepared for anything from champagne spills to an accident with the amuse-bouche. Keep a travel-sized stain remover in your purse or clutch for immediate treatment, but after the brunch, head to your dry cleaner to avoid any permanent damage.

As a wedding guest, you'll attend many events. Show your support for the happy couple by dressing your best—and that includes keeping your clothes spotless.

Our cheat sheet makes dressing for wedding-related events a simpler process. For more style tips, consult our guide to deciphering the wedding dress code.

Photos: Sweet Ice Cream Photography, Clem Onojeghuo, Thomas Martinsen, Brooke Larke

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Rinse, Inc., today announced it has launched service in its third market: Washington, DC.

Rinse started its innovative dry cleaning and laundry delivery service in San Francisco in 2013. Its primary goal has been to remove the friction that comes with clothing care and create a high-quality, consistent, and reliable customer experience. By working with only the best cleaning partners, developing a robust technology backbone that supports its operations, and providing world-class customer service, Rinse has done just that.

Rinse has grown rapidly in San Francisco and Los Angeles over the past few years, and has created a differentiated service that its customers love. Rinse has a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 50 with its customers, in an industry where negative NPS is the norm. Because of that, it has been able to drive best-in-class retention rates and build a strong reputation for quality and service.

With a strong foundation in San Francisco and Los Angeles, Rinse is now focused on accelerating its expansion across the US, and anticipates opening up several new markets in 2017. Its first stop is Washington, DC.

"We're really excited for Washington, DC to be our first market outside of California and be an anchor for us on the East Coast. It's always been one of our favorite cities. We've built a large wait list and the initial response with alpha customers has been incredible, so we knew it was time to officially launch our service here," said Ajay Prakash, Rinse's CEO and Co-founder.

"We obsess about providing a high-quality clean on every garment," said James Joun, COO and Co-founder. Joun learned the importance of quality cleaning from his parents, who have been in the dry cleaning business for 25+ years. "We are thrilled to bring our service to DC, where high-quality dry cleaning plays a critical role in many people's day-to-day lives."
 

Rinse has built a differentiated service since it launched over three years ago. At a time when every new consumer service tried to be "on-demand," Rinse focused on quality and ""smart scheduling"" to make sure its service addressed its customer pain points directly. It also chose to take a stand against gender-based pricing and charge the same price to dry clean/launder & press both men's and women's button down shirts -- an uncommon practice. In addition, Rinse is doing its part to grow its green practices, including only working with cleaners who use environmentally friendly solvents and detergents (and not working with any cleaner who uses PERC, a solvent that is a known carcinogen), collecting and donating clothes on behalf of its customers (Rinse has donated 10 tons of clothing to date), and only working with wash & fold partners who use high efficiency washers (Rinse has helped save 6 million gallons of water to date).

About Rinse:

Rinse is a consumer service that has created a consistent and seamless clothing care experience for its customers. Its services include Dry Cleaning, Launder & Press, Wash & Fold, Hang Dry, Repairs, Leather Cleaning, and it even takes Clothing Donations. Rinse combines the high-quality care your clothes deserve with the convenience and simplicity your busy schedule demands. The company was founded by Ajay Prakash and James Joun and is headquartered in San Francisco. To experience Rinse for yourself, please visit www.rinse.com or download the Rinse mobile app (available on iOS or Android).

Contact: Arrianne Talma, [email protected]

SOURCE Rinse, Inc.

Related Links http://www.rinse.com

The start of fall signals an end to summer’s laid back vibe and the return to routine. On the wardrobe front, it’s time to re-evaluate your clothes and ensure you have the right pieces to look your best. Here are a few fashion investments that you can depend on for many falls to come.

Sleek dresses, tweed jackets and ankle boots for women

While a flattering little black dress can be a classic look, change things up and opt for a sleek silhouette in any dark neutral shade. Cashmere and rayon are two popular fabrics, and it’s worth splurging on a timeless, quality piece that’s flexible throughout the fall season. You can use your dress as a canvas for simple statement accessories that will take you from desk to drinks. When the weather cools, tights can make for a stylish pairing with your outfit.

You can also invest in a tailored tweed jacket that you’ll likely keep for life. The gorgeous texture will add instant visual interest to your outfit and a neutral color will go with just about anything. Pair with a v-neck or button-down shirt for a dressy and enduring look.

For footwear, black leather ankle boots go well with several styles. Boots with minimal embellishments will add a touch of sophistication to your ensemble. You’ll likely be wearing them on a regular basis, so choose a high quality design that can stand the test of time.

Sports jackets and leather brogues for men

An unstructured sports jacket is the worthy investment to make this fall. Look for unlined versions that are tailored to the body but still give the jacket a comfortable and flexible fit. Wear it over a button-down shirt as a business-casual option or over a cotton shirt during a laissez-faire weekend. This particular piece will be in your wardrobe for the long haul.

When it comes to shoes, seek out a pair of dependable leather brogues. This classic men’s footwear works well with suits or jeans (there’s a reason they’re in your dad and granddad’s closets). For today’s modern man, socks are optional, although pairing classic shoes with a brightly patterned pair is a fun way to add a splash of personality.

Leather jackets and dark denim for both

A leather jacket in smooth luxe lambskin can look like a dream with work pants or jeans. You’ll likely have only one of these staple pieces in your closet, so take the time to choose something that will last—and that you will love.

As for denim, there might be several pairs circulating in your wardrobe, but we all have that one go-to pair that feels priceless. High quality, tailored dark jeans are a must-have staple. Ladies, dress your denim up with a blazer and heels or down with a T-shirt and ballet flats. Guys, kick your denim game up a notch by layering on a sports jacket.

Caring for your investment pieces

Cleaning

• To maintain a fresh look for your tweed jacket, a steamer will do the trick. In many cases, tweed will get distorted when wet—defer to a professional cleaning service if you get a stain on your jacket.
• The same treatment goes for your sports jacket if it gets dirty, but you can air dry it outdoors to remove any odors.
• A clothes brush also works wonders in removing dirt or small specks from your investment pieces.
• If your dress is made of a blend like cashmere, you can wash it by hand in cold water with a gentle detergent. Then air dry, but keep it out of the sunlight to avoid color damage.
• When it comes to expensive denim, it’s better to avoid cleaning it too often. Instead, soak your jeans in cold water and a bit of mild detergent; then rinse with cold water. Some high-end brands suggest freezing the dirt away. That’s right—place your favorite raw denim in a sealed bag in your freezer. The cold temperature will help to kill bacteria, leaving your jeans smelling and feeling fresh.
• Keep leather shoes looking like new by using a soft damp cloth and a drop of mild soap to wipe off any dirt. Follow up with shoe polish to make them shine again, and apply some conditioner in between wears to keep the leather soft. Check out our leather guide for more details.

Storing

• Garments that wrinkle easily like dresses or jackets should be hung on non-slip hangers or ones with clips. To help your leather jacket maintain its shape, opt for a sturdy wooden hanger.
• You can fold knitwear and durable pieces like dresses or jeans.
• For more info, our guide to clothes storage has got you covered. Quality clothing can be a big investment upfront, but choosing key timeless pieces and taking good care of them will ensure their longevity in style and value.

Photos: Margot Pandone, Ramon Carretero / Shutterstock.com, FXQuadro / Shutterstock.com, Brandon Couch, Jason Briscoe

While looking our best and staying warm may be our top priorities as the weather gets chillier, we also want to make sure that we're well prepared to take care of our wardrobes in the coming months. Stay effortlessly layered with these comfortable fabrics for a season of changing colors and cooling temperatures.

Knitwear

Few things say fall quite like curling up with a big cup of coffee in your favorite oversized knit. To keep your favorite cuddle buddy in great shape, place your knitwear item into a mesh laundry bag before cleaning, and use the delicate cycle. If you're washing by hand, use warm water mixed with a gentle detergent. Press or squeeze to remove excess water—wringing will stretch the material—and lay flat or hang to dry, depending on specific instructions, to maintain its shape so you can keep wearing that cozy top all season long.

Leather

This sleek, durable material works well for a lot of looks. Dress it up with a pencil skirt for work, or keep it casual with ripped jeans on the weekend. To keep your leather apparel in top condition, entrust it to a specialty cleaner—they can maintain the natural oils in the fabric, while protecting against color changes or cracks. In between professional washings, there are a few things you can do to prolong the lifespan of your leather:

• Ask your cleaner for advice on an appropriate leather conditioner.
• Hang leather pieces on wide wooden, plastic or padded hangers, in order to maintain shape.
• Keep leather out of hot or damp areas.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, and don’t cover it in plastic—all of these factors can cause your leather to dry out.
• If stains do arise, blot them out with a wet cloth.

Denim

Jeans are an uncomplicated style staple that look good on almost everyone, but consider a distressed jacket for a different twist on denim—and an on-trend ode to the 90s. On that note, take a cue from street style bloggers and pair denim on denim in different shades. While this is a sturdy fabric, you should avoid machine washing because denim can shrink and fade. Most denim can be washed in cold water with mild detergent and hung to dry, but some brands would benefit from dry cleaning, and raw denim is better left unwashed.

Corduroy

For occasions when you want to give your leather jacket a break, reach for a corduroy coat to channel a style that's equal parts polished and preppy. Look for quality details such as brass buttons, which can elevate the look of standard corduroy clothing. This versatile fabric is easy to care for. It can be machine washed in warm water (for lighter hues) or cold water (for darker hues). Remember to turn it inside out before tossing the item in the machine to avoid collecting lint on the material. A quick spin on the normal cycle—tumble dry low between wears—and you're good to go.

Flannel

A fall classic, flannel is perfect for scarves, shirts, outerwear, or even a poncho—a comfortable transitional piece when the outside temperature doesn't quite call for a winter coat. Check the clothing label for the most optimal cleaning options. Most basic flannel pieces can be hand washed with a gentle laundry soap and hung to dry, while other items (such as scarves or coats) may require dry cleaning.

Wool

When the fall season gets especially chilly, you can don a wool coat, hat or sweater to stay warm. Most wool can be hand washed, but follow the label's instructions for specific guidelines. Sweaters should be swished and soaked inside-out in lukewarm water for at least ten minutes. When drying, squeeze out excess water before laying the garment flat on a mesh rack. Don’t wring out or hang your wool as it stretches easily.

With these clothing care tips, you can stay stylish all season long in the cozy textures of fall.

Photos: Maria Shanina, Llywelyn Nys, John Mark Arnold, Priscilla Westra, Luke Pamer, Benjamin Combs, Ben Blennerhassett

What is PERC?

PERC is short for Perchloroethylene, a colorless volatile organic solvent commonly used in dry cleaning. Although PERC is effective at dissolving stains and dirt from clothing, it also poses significant health risks if it’s not properly controlled. Since the 1930s, PERC has set the standard for cleaning performance in the industry—nearly 80% of dry cleaner in the US and Canada currently use PERC. Its effectiveness as a cleaning agent however comes with some significant downsides.

Dangers

The Environmental Protection Agency considers PERC a toxic air pollutant, meaning that it’s “known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects.”

According to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), PERC is a "potential occupational carcinogen." The National Toxicology Program has designated it as "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen," while The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has designated PERC to be a "probable human carcinogen."

It’s clear that PERC poses significant health risks. If not properly handled, PERC can penetrate through nearly any surface, including concrete, and can even seep into groundwater. Dry cleaners are required by federal law to handle PERC as a hazardous waste, and if mishandled, the solvent poses risk to both people and the environment.

During the dry cleaning process, PERC primarily enters the body from inhalation of the vapors. Exposure to high concentrations of PERC can cause:

• Dizziness
• Headaches Loss of consciousness
• Irritated eyes, nose, mouth, throat, and respiratory tract
 

While short-term exposure can cause immediate harm, the most common risk to workers at dry cleaning facilities involves long-term exposure via increased risk of cancer. PERC's most dangerous noncancer effect is nerve and brain damage.

Although the dry cleaning industry has improved the control of PERC in recent years, largely through advancements in machine design and equipment technology, PERC remains a dangerous factor not only for workers, but for the environment.

Alternatives to Perc

Although the majority of dry cleaners still use PERC, fortunately, safer and environmentally-friendly alternatives do exist. When used, these cleaning methods are just as effective at cleaning as PERC, but they often require more time, a different expertise, and different equipment which is why the majority of dry cleaners have not switched over. Supporting dry cleaners that use sustainable and safe cleaning methods will help the industry move in the right direction.

Some of the alternatives to PERC present challenges in their own right. While they may be safer for workers and less hazardous to the environment, alternatives like CO2 are not economically feasible for most mom and pop dry cleaning shops. Others options like Propylene-glycol ethers are less toxic but are highly flammable or combustible so they require extra equipment and safety precautions to be used safely.

Of the various alternative cleaning methods, the safest, most effective, and most economically feasible option is wet cleaning.

Wet cleaning uses water and soap and utilizes equipment that’s computer-controlled in order to precisely regulate the garment’s exposure to the combination of heat, water, and detergents. Since exposure to water can cause some fabrics to shrink during the cleaning process, the garments are re-shaped using specialized equipment that’s finely-tuned to safely and effectively restore garments to their original shape and size.

Another up-side to wet cleaning: the used wash water doesn’t contain dangerous chemicals or solvents and can therefore be disposed of directly down the drain. Dry cleaning with PERC requires an additional process to recover solvents before disposing of the cleaning byproducts, wet cleaning is the most energy-efficient of PERC alternatives.

Is Your Dry Cleaner Using PERC?

Given the dangers of PERC and the availability of “greener” cleaning alternatives, it’s well worthwhile to make sure you’re not sending your garments to a dry cleaner that’s exposing people and the environment to risk.

Rinse is committed to working only with cleaning partners who never use PERC and are using safe and sustainable alternatives.

So next time you consider sending your clothes to a dry cleaner that may be using a known toxin and potential carcinogen, ask yourself “is this really worth it?” We believe the answer is a resounding “no”, which is why we try to make it easy for you to make the right choice for yourself and the environment. Learn more about Rinse.