Toxic-Free and Clean
There are certain expenses that I really hate to pay--and at the top of the list is dry cleaning. I’ve used the cheapies ($1.50 per item) for the apparel that doesn’t need special care, and they’re OK, although sometimes the garments don’t come back as clean as they should. But for the good stuff, I’ve always felt trapped, particularly when it comes to large items like bedspreads and slipcovers.
But recently I ran across a new business called Natural Cleaners, “Nature’s alternative to dry cleaning.”
Natural Cleaners uses the new Aquatex process, developed in Europe, to wash garments in biodegradable soaps and water without using harmful or toxic chemicals.
I set up a test of two identical white damask-lined table covers. One went to a large dry cleaning chain, which charged $20, and the other was sent to Natural Cleaners. The cloth from the dry cleaners did not come clean, and when I complained they offered to wash it (with my written permission). It was returned much cleaner but about two inches shorter. The second cloth went through the cleaning process at Natural Cleaners for a charge of $8.50 and was returned sparkling white and with very little shrinkage.
Actually anything white will get whiter than you would believe, so wedding dresses come out great.
My cotton slipcovers came back with clearer colors than from a regular dry cleaning a year earlier. The cost on sofa covers is $24 for a small sofa, $30 for standard and $40 for a large. Cushion covers run $5.50 for large and $3.50 for small, which brought the total for my slipcovers to $70 instead of the $90 I spent last year for a dry cleaning that did not do the job as well.
Proprietors Ed and Shirley Sidi claim this method suits just about any fabric, including suede and leather. The only situations to beware of would be fabrics that are not colorfast and any garment that is glued, but these present problems wherever you take them.
Free local pickup and delivery can be arranged for a minimum of $15 of cleaning; if you’re in the boonies, figure a higher minimum.
* Natural Cleaners, 19315 Victory Blvd. (Loehmann’s Plaza), Reseda, (818) 343-4650. Also, 12749 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, (818) 985-9019. For pickup and delivery in Malibu, call (310) 457-1526.
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Weekend Super Sale
Women who want to add sophistication to their wardrobes will reap deals at the summer sale at Robert Ellis. Half the store is 50% off regular competitive prices on some very chic labels for sportswear to ball gowns. A dazzling Bob Mackie cocktail dress that usually sells for $1,100 is marked down to $550, but there are many garments with much smaller price tags. Sizes 2 to 28. Robert Ellis, 12439 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. (818) 769-9666.
