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The future of dry cleaning comes to Needham. Lapels Dry Cleaning to open at 1189 Highland Avenue in Needham, MA.

Don Lesandri is the general manager of the new Lapels Dry Cleaning to open at 1189 Highland Avenue in Needham on Jan. 18.

NEEDHAM, MA and HANOVER, MA…

Lapels Dry Cleaning, an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company headquartered in Hanover, Massachusetts, will open a new location on January 18 at 1189 Highland Avenue, Needham, Massachusetts. The Needham Lapels represents the 21st Lapels Dry Cleaning location to open in the Bay State (a store in Hingham, MA is set to launch later in 2014).

Hours for the new Needham Lapels Dry Cleaning store are Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm; Saturday 8 am to 5 pm; and Sunday, 11 pm to 4 pm. The grand opening for the new Lapels will be held on February 22.

“We are delighted to bring Lapels’ standard of high quality dry cleaning and superior customer service to Needham,” said Don Lesandrini, general manager of the Needham store. “Lapels Dry Cleaning stores have been a hit in other towns in Massachusetts and we’re looking to duplicate that same level of success here.”

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience for the past dozen years.  Using the latest technology in equipment and cleaning solution, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners in Texas to be able to boast that there is no hazardous waste in their process. Their environmentally-friendly cleaning process has no odor and is gentler on clothes, thus lengthening the life of clothes. At Lapels you can see, feel and smell the difference.

Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives, and alteration services.

Lapels offers it’s customers Automatic Rewards earning them credit towards free dry cleaning for every dollar they spend, Loyalty Programs, a VIP Program which eliminates the need to wait in line and the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 pm.

For complete information on Lapels Dry Cleaning, please visit www.mylapels.com or you can call 781-444-0412.

Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners
Each Lapels Dry Cleaning store offers a full slate of services, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage. Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in Arizona (Gilbert, Chandler), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe, Delhi, Rayville, Winnsboro), Massachusetts (Abington, Bedford, Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Franklin, Hanover, Marshfield, Natick, Needham, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick, Freehold and Verona), Ohio (Liberty Township), Oklahoma (Oklahoma City), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, Forest Village); Texas (Austin, Brownsville). Additional locations are coming soon to New Albany MS, Cedar Park, TX, Bee Cave, TX, Hingham, MA and Allston, MA.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” identifying Lapels Dry Cleaning as one of today’s top franchise opportunities. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.
Lapels Dry Cleaning corporate offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

The future of dry cleaning comes to Needham. Lapels Dry Cleaning to open at 1189 Highland Avenue in Needham, MA.Read More

The future of dry cleaning coming to New Albany, MS. Ole Miss Legend John Stroud to open Lapels Dry Cleaning this spring on Bankhead Street in New Albany, MS

Ole Miss Legend John Stroud and wife Billye Jean Stroud to open Lapels Dry Cleaning this spring on Bankhead Street in New Albany, MS.
Ole Miss Legend John Stroud and wife Billye Jean Stroud to open Lapels Dry Cleaning this spring on Bankhead Street in New Albany, MS.

NEW ALBANY, MS and HANOVER, MA…

As an undergrad at Ole Miss, John Stroud combined an old fashioned work ethic with a feathery shooting touch to become the leading scorer in the SEC two years running and the top draft choice of the Houston Rockets. The New Albany resident is hoping the former of those two things pay off again with his latest venture, the opening of a Lapels Dry Cleaning store and plant in his hometown this spring.

Lapels Dry Cleaning is an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company headquartered in Hanover, Massachusetts. Stroud, owner of John Stroud Insurance Agency, first heard of Lapels when he became frustrated over the lack of dry cleaning options in the area.

“I’m 6’7” and have a lot of my clothes tailor-made to fit me. When you’re paying more for clothes you want to take care of them so they last a while. Unfortunately, there are not a lot of dry cleaners around here. That’s when my entrepreneurial instincts kicked in and I began to do some research and that’s how I discovered Lapels Dry Cleaning,” said Stroud. “With its commitment to greener dry cleaning and customer service, I saw an opportunity for a business that would fill a real need in New Albany.”

Beyond the cleaning process, Stroud cites the business model and the responsiveness of Lapels Corporate Team for his decision to purchase a Lapels franchise.

“I’m still going to be running my insurance agency coaching my daughter’s basketball team at the high school, so it was important to find an opportunity where I didn’t have to be on-site 24/7,” said Stroud. “With the training provided by Lapels and my wife Billye Jean as my partner in the business, I’m very comfortable that this is the perfect business opportunity for us and that the people in my hometown of New Albany are going to love it.”

The new Lapels Dry Cleaning store and plant will be located on Bankhead Street in New Albany. Construction for the new building has begun and a spring 2014 opening is projected.

“John and Billye Jean have been wonderful to work with through these beginning stages and very receptive to coaching, which is rather ironic with John being an actual coach,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning. “Seriously, we are very excited about this new location as it represents the first Lapels Dry Cleaning in the state of Mississippi. Something tells me with John and Billye Jean leading the way, it will not be the only one.”

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience for the past dozen years.  Using the latest technology in equipment and cleaning solution, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners to be able to boast that there is no hazardous waste in their process. Their environmentally-friendly cleaning process has no odor and is gentler on clothes, thus lengthening the life of clothes. At Lapels you can see, feel and smell the difference.

Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives, and alteration services.

Lapels offers it’s customers Automatic Rewards earning them credit towards free dry cleaning for every dollar they spend, Loyalty Programs, a VIP Program which eliminates the need to wait in line and the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 pm.

For complete information on Lapels Dry Cleaning, please visit www.mylapels.com.

Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners
Each Lapels Dry Cleaning store offers a full slate of services, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage. Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in Arizona (Gilbert, Chandler), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe, Delhi, Rayville, Winnsboro), Massachusetts (Abington, Bedford, Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Franklin, Hanover, Marshfield, Natick, Needham, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick, Freehold and Verona), Ohio (Liberty Township), Oklahoma (Oklahoma City), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, Forest Village); Texas (Austin, Brownsville). Additional locations are coming soon to New Albany MS, Cedar Park, TX, Bee Cave, TX and Hingham, MA.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” identifying Lapels Dry Cleaning as one of today’s top franchise opportunities. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.

Lapels Dry Cleaning corporate offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

The future of dry cleaning coming to New Albany, MS. Ole Miss Legend John Stroud to open Lapels Dry Cleaning this spring on Bankhead Street in New Albany, MSRead More

Media veteran Katie Loizeaux launches Viamark Advertising franchise in Delaware

Media veteran Katie Loizeaux is the newest franchise owner for Viamark Advertising. Loizeaux will head up Viarmark’s newest franchise office in Wilmington, DE.
Media veteran Katie Loizeaux is the newest franchise owner for Viamark Advertising. Loizeaux will head up Viarmark’s newest franchise office in Wilmington, DE.

Wilmington, DE – Viamark Advertising announced today that media and advertising pro Katie Loizeaux will head up its newest franchise office in Wilmington, DE.

Loizeaux began her ad career 11 years ago as an account executive for WSPK in Poughkeepsie, NY. After developing a love for the ad business, she followed her then general manager to 99.5 WJBR in Wilmington. In 2007, Katie left WJBR to gain experience in a bigger market as an account executive for Philadelphia’s KYW Newsradio for two years before returning to WJBR.

“Katie’s unique experience, along with Viamark’s  tools and resources, offers a fresh approach to businesses starving for effective, yet cost-attainable campaigns,” said Viamark’s Director of Franchising and Co-Founder Glenn Anderson. “That’s something for which Viamark has developed a well-earned reputation over the years.”

Wilmington, DE is Viamark Advertising’s 12th office. The agency handles more than 175 accounts from Florida to Massachusetts and specializes in strategic media buying, and creative services, including radio, television, print, outdoor, and digital. Some of Viamark’s core industries include automotive, healthcare, pharmaceutical, education, restaurant, retail and real estate.

As a new franchise owner, Loizeaux is excited to get started. “The Viamark training program was excellent. With all the sales tools and systems that were provided to me I’m ready to jump in and start meeting with new potential clients. Plus my insider perspective of the broadcasting industry, unique knowledge of the Wilmington market, and personal relationships with station managers, sales managers and account executives inherently will give my clients more bang for their media buck,” says Loizeaux.

“Recruiting outstanding talent and experience is what makes Viamark’s model so successful. Katie is a prime example of this, and a valuable asset to any business that partners with her,” said Anderson. “We’re very excited that Wilmington, DE is now part of our growing roster of east coast markets.”

Viamark Advertising franchisee candidates should have five plus years media sales and/or management experience or five plus years ad agency experience in account management and/or business development.  Other helpful attributes and background include local market knowledge and contacts, creative and strategic thinking, composed and capable of managing multiple tasks at once and a positive and outgoing attitude.

For more information, visit viamark.com or viamarkfranchise.com

Media veteran Katie Loizeaux launches Viamark Advertising franchise in DelawareRead More

SelecTech launches retail/franchise division

AVON, MA…

SelecTech, Inc., a leader in the manufacture of innovative flooring products from recycled materials, recently announced plans for a retail/franchise division. Based out of the company’s corporate headquarters in Avon, Mass., the new division will feature customer service and marketing representatives specifically dedicated to retail and franchise customers with multiple locations.

“Uniformity is one of the benefits of chains and franchises. You want the customer to have the same experience no matter which location they visit. That goes from the way they are greeted to the look and feel of the store,” said Thomas Ricciardelli, president of SelecTech Inc. “In addition to utilizing a breakthrough interlocking technology that minimizes installation materials and down time, our flooring products are easy to customize for multi-location organizations.”

Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) is one SelecTech’s recent retail customers. EMS wanted an attractive and comfortable floor for its shoe department to provide customers with the proper setting for selecting new shoes. EMS chose SelecTech’s FreeStyle flooring.

With its patented resilient composition, FreeStyle provided the perfect solution. With no installation hassles and no waiting for concrete to cure and adhesives to dry, the FreeStyle floor was snapped together on the concrete floor and ready to use immediately—helping the entire build-out project run more effectively.

Said a company representative, “Our mission is to encourage consumers to appreciate the outdoors and the responsibility that comes with this privilege. We wanted a ‘green’ flooring material that would be comfortable to walk on, install and maintain easily, and be reliable. FreeStyle helped us meet all of those needs.”

“Nowadays, franchisees seem to be drawn to franchisors with green initiatives. Our flooring products are made from 70 percent recycled materials and are 100 percent recyclable,” said Ricciardelli. “I’m not saying this will seal the deal on bringing in a new franchisee. But it certainly does show a level of commitment to greener operations by the franchisor that a potential franchisee has to respect.”

To learn more about SelecTech products, visit http://www.selectechinc.com.

About SelecTech, Inc.

SelecTech, Inc. was founded in 1993 with the mission of creating valuable products from scrap plastics. The company has become a leader in the manufacture of flooring products from recycled materials and uses one million pounds of recycled materials annually. Their products are made with up to 100 percent recycled content, are 100 percent recyclable and installed without adhesives making them some of the “greenest” and most cost-effective flooring products available. The unique interlock system on SelecTech’s flooring products enable them to be installed at a much lower cost, without a lot of costly downtime, which provides significant value to customers.

Using state-of-the-art technology and innovative product design, SelecTech created the top performing Place N’ Go residential flooring products, which are available at Home Depot. They are also the creators of the renowned commercial and industrial FreeStyle, FreeStyle ESD and StaticStop ESD flooring lines.

SelecTech is a vendor partner of Health Care Institute, an International Facility Management Association (IFMA) alliance partner. The company is headquartered at 33 Wales Avenue, Suite F in Avon, MA. For more information about SelecTech, visit http://www.selectechinc.com.

SelecTech launches retail/franchise divisionRead More

A dry cleaning alternative worth it for salt

HANOVER, MA…

It seems each season has its own clothes cleaning challenge that makes trips to the dry cleaner inevitable. For summer, it’s humidity and excessive perspiration. For winter, the season with the most inclement weather in most parts of the U.S., salt is the culprit. And with every snow storm comes the probability that your trousers will need cleaning if you venture out into any street or sidewalk that’s been plowed and salted.

Of course, that doesn’t always mean a trip to the dry cleaners is necessary. If you read the label of your clothing carefully, you may be able to treat those clothes at home.

“How annoying is it to have your nicest slacks dirtied by salt for just a quick walk down the street to feed a meter or catch a bus or cab? As annoying as that might be, the real danger is that the salt will ruin the slacks if you don’t treat it right away,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning, an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company based in Hanover, Mass.

Dubois recommends rinsing the effected parts of the slacks in water as soon as possible. If it’s a salt spot that’s gone unnoticed, you will probably have to soak in water for several hours. For pants that do not have to be dry-cleaned, wash the stained areas in liquid detergent. If the stains do not come out, try soaking the pants in cold water with a laundry-detergent booster or oxy product. If those fail, use a stain remover like Shout or Spray N Wash and let sit for 10 minutes.

“It’s important to get the stain out or as much of it out as possible before you put the pants in the laundry machine,” said Dubois. “It’s also advisable to wash the pants separately in the machine to prevent the salt from mixing with your other clothes.”

Unfortunately, the only solution for dry clean only pants is a trip to the dry cleaner. Dubois does note you can attempt to get rid of salt stains using a home dry cleaning kit if you prefer not to go to a dry cleaner.

Prior to using the kit, Dubois recommends dampening the salt-stained area with a light water mist. Blot away the moisture to see if the stain has come out. If not, use the stain remover from the home dry cleaning kit and clean as directed.

“The home dry cleaning kits are good up to a certain point. Obviously, I’m a tad biased, but there really isn’t a substitute for having your clothes dry cleaned professionally,” said Dubois. “Most dry cleaners offer daily or weekly specials on their website or Facebook pages so that if you time it right, you can reduce costs. It’s worth looking into, particularly if the pants are part of a suit and essentially irreplaceable.”

Over the past dozen years, Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience. Using the latest technology in equipment and cleaning solution, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners around to be able to boast that there is no hazardous waste in their process. Lapels  environmentally-friendly cleaning process has no odor and is gentler on clothes, thus lengthening the life of clothes. At Lapels you can see, feel and smell the difference.

Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives, and a full service on-site tailor.

Lapels offers its customers Automatic Rewards earning them credit towards free dry cleaning for every dollar they spend, Loyalty Programs, a VIP Program which eliminates the need to wait in line and the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 pm.

For complete information on Lapels Dry Cleaning, please visit www.mylapels.com.

Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners
Each Lapels Dry Cleaning store offers a full slate of services, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage. Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in Arizona (Gilbert, Chandler), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe, Delhi, Rayville, Winnsboro), Massachusetts (Abington, Bedford, Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Franklin, Hanover, Marshfield, Natick, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick, Freehold and Verona), Ohio (Liberty Township), Oklahoma (Oklahoma City), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, Forest Village); Texas (Brownsville). Additional locations are coming soon to Austin, TX, Cedar Park, TX, Needham, MA and Hingham, MA.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” identifying Lapels Dry Cleaning as one of today’s top franchise opportunities. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.

Lapels Dry Cleaning corporate offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

A dry cleaning alternative worth it for saltRead More

Don’t get caught in the cold. Pre-winter coat and clothing tips.

kduboislapelsHANOVER, MA…

As far as seasons go, winter probably requires more preparation than any other. In addition to manning your home and automobile with snow removal equipment, it requires different wardrobe, both for what you wear indoors and outdoors. Waiting to get those garments ready before the first winter-like day can literally leave you out in the cold, particularly for items that need dry cleaning or mending.

“For most people, fall can be a blur with kids back in school and the beginning of other activities. For many, the last thing you’re thinking about is getting your winter coats and clothes ready,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning, an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company based in Hanover, Mass. “You should really take a quick inventory of your winter clothes a week or so before Thanksgiving so if things need to go to the dry cleaner or tailor, you will be prepared to look your best for those first few sub-freezing days.”

Dubois recommends an immediate inspection of winter coats and jackets. If you have wool coats that were not cleaned before being put away for the summer/fall, check for moth damage.

“One habit people should really get into is cleaning their winter coats before putting them away for the season, particularly leather, suede and shearing garments,” said Dubois. “You should also be ‘weather proofing’ your leather and suede coats prior to wearing them out in the elements. This not only ensures a longer life of your garment but also makes it look its finest.”

A cleaning is just one part of getting winter clothing ready for the new season. You also want to have loose buttons, hooks and other closures repaired prior to the inclement weather. There’s nothing worse than having a coat that cannot be buttoned up on a freezing cold day. The same holds true for garments with open seams or falling linings. These areas take a lot of wear and should be fixed prior to the first snowflake.

“Winter can be a fun time of year but that level of enjoyment does depend on how well prepared you are for, especially from a clothing perspective,” said Dubois. “A few minutes of your time in November will help you stay warm and look great for the holiday season.”

Over the past dozen years, Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience. Using the latest technology in equipment and cleaning solution, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners around to be able to boast that there is no hazardous waste in their process. Lapels  environmentally-friendly cleaning process has no odor and is gentler on clothes, thus lengthening the life of clothes. At Lapels you can see, feel and smell the difference.

Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives, and a full service on-site tailor.

Lapels offers its customers Automatic Rewards earning them credit towards free dry cleaning for every dollar they spend, Loyalty Programs, a VIP Program which eliminates the need to wait in line and the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 pm.

For complete information on Lapels Dry Cleaning, please visit www.mylapels.com.

Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners
Each Lapels Dry Cleaning store offers a full slate of services, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage. Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in Arizona (Gilbert, Chandler), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe, Delhi, Rayville, Winnsboro), Massachusetts (Abington, Bedford, Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Franklin, Hanover, Marshfield, Natick, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick, Freehold and Verona), Ohio (Liberty Township), Oklahoma (Oklahoma City), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, Forest Village); Texas (Brownsville). Additional locations are coming soon to Austin, TX, Cedar Park, TX, Needham, MA and Hingham, MA.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” identifying Lapels Dry Cleaning as one of today’s top franchise opportunities. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.

Lapels Dry Cleaning corporate offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

Don’t get caught in the cold. Pre-winter coat and clothing tips.Read More

Sweater care for fall

HANOVER, MA…

In most parts of the United States, the advent of fall brings on the beginning of sweater season. While a wonderful way to keep warm on a crisp autumn morning, sweaters also present a number of challenges when it comes to cleaning. To keep your sweater clean and prolong its life expectancy requires a conscious effort. One slip can literally be the end.

“Because sweaters are made from so many different types of fibers and fabrics, it is always recommended that you read the instructions on the care label before cleaning them by hand, by machine, or by dry cleaning,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning, an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company based in Hanover, Mass. “People often have the mistaken impression that caring for sweaters is tricky and difficult. It’s actually fairly simple, particularly if you wash your sweaters by hand.”

Hand washing is a fairly easy process and does not take long. You can use baby shampoo for a gentle wash.

First, turn your sweater inside out to protect the outside surface fibers from pulling. Fill the sink with tepid or warm water, add a small amount of natural detergent (the baby shampoo) and mix in lightly but not enough to create suds. Place the sweater in the water and gently push it under until it is completely wet.

“You want to let it soak for 20 minutes. This will allow the water and detergent to penetrate all the fibers of the sweater,” said Dubois. “You also want to avoid kneading or rolling the sweater around. Too much handling while the sweater is wet can cause stretching and pulling.”

Let the soapy water out of the sink and run fresh tap water over the sweater until all bubbles are gone. Allow the sweater to drain for a few minutes and squeeze very lightly. Lay the sweater out flat on a towel and roll the towel. Press to remove the excess moisture.

To dry, place your sweater on a towel on a flat surface and reshape it gently – button cardigans, roll collars into place, and straighten sleeves. Let your sweaters dry overnight laying flat on a towel. Turn over, reshape, and leave to dry. Drying time can take up to 72 hours depending on the thickness of the sweater and the humidity in the air.

“Not every sweater must be washed by hand. The care label on the sweater will tell you whether your sweater can be machine washed or dried,” said Dubois. “Sweaters that can be machine or hand washed should either be tumble dried at low temperatures or laid flat to dry. If you must dry your sweater on a clothes line, place a pair of pantyhose through the arms of the sweater and pin the hose, rather than the cuffs, to the line.”

If after your knitted sweater dries you need to take out wrinkles, turn the garment inside out and put a damp cloth between the iron. Never iron 100% acrylic yarn – it flattens and stretches the yarn fiber forever. Steam acrylic garments to remove any wrinkles.

“If you do not feel comfortable with this method or are worried you might damage your sweater, the safest thing to do is take it to your local dry cleaner,” said Dubois. “It may cost more but you are fairly certain to get back an unharmed, clean sweater.”

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience over the past 10-plus years.  Using the latest technology in equipment and cleaning solution, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners around to be able to boast that there is no hazardous waste in their process. Lapels  environmentally-friendly cleaning process has no odor and is gentler on clothes, thus lengthening the life of clothes. At Lapels you can see, feel and smell the difference.

Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives, and a full service on-site tailor.

Lapels offers its customers Automatic Rewards earning them credit towards free dry cleaning for every dollar they spend, Loyalty Programs, a VIP Program which eliminates the need to wait in line and the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 pm.

For complete information on Lapels Dry Cleaning, please visit www.mylapels.com.

Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners
Each Lapels Dry Cleaning store offers a full slate of services, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage. Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in Arizona (Gilbert, Chandler), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe, Delhi, Rayville, Winnsboro), Massachusetts (Abington, Bedford, Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Franklin, Hanover, Marshfield, Natick, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick, Freehold and Verona), Ohio (Liberty Township), Oklahoma (Oklahoma City), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, Forest Village); Texas (Brownsville). Additional locations are coming soon to Austin, TX, Cedar Park, TX, and Needham, MA.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” identifying Lapels Dry Cleaning as one of today’s top franchise opportunities. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.

Lapels Dry Cleaning corporate offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

Sweater care for fallRead More

Sweet stain removing strategies for post-Halloween messes

HANOVER, MA…

Halloween creates lasting memories for kids of all ages—trick or treating, scary or not-so-scary costumes, parties. For the person in the household who does the laundry, those memories can be permanent in the form of candy stains on costumes and other clothing. That can make salvaging a costume for the next kid to wear an extreme challenge.

“You can spend a significant amount of money on a Halloween costume with the thought that another family member can use it next year. A candy stain can change all that,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning. “Fortunately, most candy stains you can get out without paying a dry cleaner to salvage the costume or the piece of clothing, furniture or a rug.”

To remove candy stains from such materials as acetate, burlap, rayon, rope, silk, triacetate, wool, synthetic or wool carpet, Dubois recommends the following steps:

  • Scrape to remove as much of the excess as possible
  • Using light strokes with a dampened pad and working outward from the center of the stain, sponge the stained area with warm water.
  • Apply a wet spotter with a few drops of white vinegar added.
  • Let it stand as long as any stain is being removed. Press down on the stain with a clean absorbent pad every 5 minutes. Keep the stain moist with the wet spotter and vinegar.
  • When you observe that no more of the stain is being removed, flush with water.
  • If any stain remains, repeat the process, using rubbing alcohol instead of the wet spotter and vinegar. (Do not use the alcohol treatment on acetate or triacetate.)
  • When the stain is removed, rinse well with water to remove all sugar.
  • On carpeting, blot the excess liquid with an absorbent pad. Then apply a carpet stain remover and allow to dry.

For removing candy stains from materials like acrylic fabric, cotton, linen, modacrylic, nylon,
olefin, polyester or spandex, you want to take a different approach using the following steps:

  • First, soaking or launder the item in warm sudsy water.
  • If the stain persists, resoak the fabric, adding a few drops of ammonia to the soaking solution. Let the fabric soak for 30 minutes and rinse thoroughly with water.
  • Next, soak in a solution of 1 quart warm water and 1 tablespoon white vinegar for 1 hour (30 minutes for cotton and linen).
  •  Rinse well and dry. If stain persists, apply rubbing alcohol (do not use on acrylic or modacrylic) to the stain and brush gently with a soft brush.
  • Keep the stain moist with alcohol and blot occasionally. Continue as long as any stain is being removed. Rinse well with water. Dry clean as soon as possible if the stain remains.

“Halloween can be a lot of fun but you want to remember it for the great time you had and not the clothes, carpeting or furniture that got ruined,” said Dubois. “These simple steps can help preserve the wonderful Halloween memories and the item that might have otherwise been a casualty of your Halloween fun.”

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience over the past 10-plus years.  Using the latest technology in equipment and cleaning solution, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners around to be able to boast that there is no hazardous waste in their process. Lapels  environmentally-friendly cleaning process has no odor and is gentler on clothes, thus lengthening the life of clothes. At Lapels you can see, feel and smell the difference.

Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives, and a full service on-site tailor.

Lapels offers its customers Automatic Rewards earning them credit towards free dry cleaning for every dollar they spend, Loyalty Programs, a VIP Program which eliminates the need to wait in line and the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 pm.

For complete information on the Lapels Dry Cleaning, please visit www.mylapels.com.
Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners
Each Lapels Dry Cleaning store offers a full slate of services, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage. Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in Arizona (Gilbert, Chandler), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe, Delhi, Rayville, Winnsboro), Massachusetts (Abington, Bedford, Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Franklin, Hanover, Marshfield, Natick, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick, Freehold and Verona), Ohio (Liberty Township), Oklahoma ) Oklahoma City), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, Forest Village); Texas (Brownsville). Additional locations are coming soon to Austin, TX, Cedar Park, TX, and Needham, MA.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” identifying Lapels Dry Cleaning as one of today’s top franchise opportunities. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.

Lapels Dry Cleaning corporate offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

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