Washing: The difference between washing feather and foam pillows

Washing is a teadious task especially in winter, however can be somewhat time consuming when unsure about how to clean an item, so heres a how to clean between foam and feather.

Foam Pillows:

Memory and general foam pillows are not washer friendly. Why? Because the agitation will cause the foam to crumble and break. Hence memory and foam pillows are best hand washed. Easily washed in a large sink or even better the bathtub.

Hand wash in lukewarm water with a small squeeze of detergent, buy the best detergent money can buy with EcoStore Concentrated Laundry Liquid.  

Fill the tub or bathtub with enough water to cover the pillow.

Hand wash the pillow and rinse several times to ensure all detergent is released from the pillow. However, try to avoid rinsing the pillow harshly.

Do NOT place your freshly cleaned foam pillow in the dryer it will only shrink and ruin the foam.

Hang the pillow out to air dry.

Feather Pillows:

Check the pillow for any small holes that can turn into one very big mess in a very short amount of time. Easily sow any holes or bring it on into elaundry yes we can fix those pesky holes.

Yes, you can wash your feather pillows in the washing machine. However add some towels into the wash to ensure the wash is a smooth one! Wash in cold water with a dash of detergent, remember a gentle wash is best for feather pillows.

Yes, feather pillows are dryer friendly add a tennis ball in with the pillows to ensure there are no clumps of feathers gathering during the dryer. Dry the pillows on a medium heat.

Confused???? Or just cant be bothered to wash your pillows? Bring them on into elaundry yes we wash pillows!

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Save MONEY!!!! Line Drying Clothing

Why line dry? Because, it will save you money and is easier on the environment still not convinced read on to get the low down.

Saving Money- Yes it all adds up, we are all guilty of running the dryer on over time especially in winter yest you can cut up to as much as $150 a yr by swapping drying in the dryer for line drying.

Green Laundry- Line drying is easy on the environment saving precious fossil fuels for more important things. Go green!

Fresh Air- yes, fresh air actually adds a great smell to garments minus the harsh chemicals. Also great for allergic type prone people and children.

Garment savers- Its no secrete drying clothing and garments in a dryer is harsh on clothing and can strain fibres hence drying on the clothing line is best on prolonging the life of your garment.

A free workout- For all you gym conscious people hanging laundry is a great way to sneak in a touch of exercise, an arm and leg workout in one, all while being out doors!

Sun Light Stay Bright- Sunlight is going to bleach and disinfect laundry. Best suitable for sheets and towels. Avoid dark clothing and sunlight as this can distort the colours.

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Garment Alert: How to Store a Tie

Yes, we are going there as boring as it may seem ties seem to get creased and messy very quickly. So time avoid wasting endless hours re-ironing your tie or your man's tie why not learn how to store them properly the first time. So sit back grab a glass or two of wine and enjoy a free education in tie storage.

Important Info:

1. If a tie is stored properly you will avoid breaking the fibres usually silk, and also will protect the colour and finish of the tie.

If you choose to hang a tie with the suit remember to move the tie from time to time every three days is best to avoid embarrassing creases.

If your tie is:

Knitted or Crocheted:

Store a kitted or crocheted tie flat this will avoid creasing and stains. ( your care label will tell you)

Polyester or Wool:

Roll this tie loosely and store in your tie or sock draw. ( your care label will tell you)

FYI: All valuable neckties need to be stored out of direct sunlight to avoid nasty distortion from the sun. ALWAYS READ YOUR CARE LABEL!

Do you travel a lot?

Are you a heap all your stuff into your suit case to run to catch your business flight? Well make some extra time to ensure your suits are looking the best pressed when you arrive at your chosen destination. Fold all ties into fourths and slip inside one of the suit jackets packed. This will avoid and snags and or other damage when in transit or perhaps the most unthinkable a shampoo spill in your suitcase.

If perhaps a crease has arisen hang ties up in hotel room and leave in the bathroom, steam from the shower will fix any minor creases.

Preserve your most favorite tie!

1. Never tie knots in your tie too tight

2. Always untie your tie after wearing

3. Never iron a stain on your tie it is just going to cook it into the tie further

4. Allow ties to rest for three days after wearing them

Stay up to date with our garment alerts!

Still got a question email us! Or follow us on facebook or twitter for daily tips and tricks!

Busy Birds & Bears in the Laundry

Elaundry has been busy this month with our second hem half price deal many customers taking advantage of this ( t's and c's apply), wedding dress after wedding dress being dropped off, mascot cleaning and new and an improved computer system. Needless to say the list goes on, We have been busy!However never a dull moment at elaundry and I would like to share with you some of the monthly elaundry moments!

Be sure to check out our newest feature! Track your slacks on elaundrys order tracker all you need is your docket number! Click here and test it out! Also check your account, previous orders and a whole lot more!
Share your comments and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for everything from tips to house up keep to laundry!

Penny Pincher: Save Money by Being Green!

Simple ways to avoid the money hungry washer and dryer! Enjoy!

Go for Texture

Textured fabrics provide camouflage for dirt and stains much better than flat, shiny weaves. Saving on washing and drying!

Read the Label

Always read the care label before you make an apparel purchase. Does it require hand washing or hot water for cleaning. This all may save you a lot of your time in the long run time you can spend with family and friends instead of the laundry room.

Go for the Cold

Heating water for the washer takes a great deal of energy - about one-third of the energy expenditure per load. Use only cold water, preferably in a high-efficiency washer that opts for low water levels.

Choose the Right Detergent

Select a detergent that works well in cold water Bosistos laundry powder is eco friendly and will work well in cold water. If you are using a high-efficiency top or front-loading washer, be sure that you have an he detergent. Using regular detergent in one of these machines can result in oversudsing, which will actually leave your clothing less clean.

Use Less Detergent

Try using less than the recommended amount and boost the efficiency of any detergent by adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to every load.

Use the Air and Sun

Line dry or air dry clothing to eliminate the use of clothes dryers.



Sweet Treats for Valentines Day- With Love from the Laundry Room

Yes we live and breath laundry, hence why we have invented scoops of laundry love hearts. Great for Valentines parties and school functions! Why not give it a go!

What you will need:

•Laundry Scoop

•Hugs and Kisses Candy

•Clear or Colored Plastic Wrap

•Ribbon

Instructions:

A simple gift idea! Fill the Laundry scoop with candy hugs and kisses. Cut a large piece of plastic wrap. Set the scoop in the middle of the plastic wrap. Fold the plastic wrap over so the two ends meet at the scoop handle. Pull the plastic wrap tightly around the scoop and gather around the handle. Tie a ribbon around the handle to hold the plastic wrap in place. Tie a note onto the scoop that says "A scoop of Hugs and Kisses for you".

Gorgeous and thoughtful gift that will have all your loved ones infatuated with how amazingly talented you are! With from elaundry! Still got a question? Stains a problem? Email us we love to hear your thoughts, news and laundry problems!!

Garment Alert: Remove Stains from Acrylic Fabric

Different Garments react to stain removal differently unfortunately we can throw all stained shirts, blouse and polos into the wash. Why? Because all of the above are composed of different fabrics, different fabrics containing different fibres, fibres that are stained. Today we will tackle Acrylic fabrics, some of the more family affordable when you have 5 year olds running around staining every fiber of clothing.

Before we get started as per usual I am going to stress that we need to always read the care label on the inside of the garment no matter how inexpensive or that you have read it a million times. So what is acrylic? Yes it is inexpensive and generally can be wash a million times, it is a tough fabric however can attract oil stains very easily. Not to worry as oil stains are easily removed and treated. Heat from the dryer or iron will easily remove some of the most impossible stains. Using a pretreated wash detergent with heavy duty warm water tends to help this process.

Acrylic is synthetic making the fibers heat sensitive, meaning that sometimes this fabric can be susceptible to melting, shirking and deforming, even the hot water setting on the washer can create wrinkles and deformities when on spin cycle. Washer beware! Best way to avert this is to steam press items.

Simple tips to prevent wrinkles: 

1. Do not overload washer, clothes should move freely

2. Use cold or warm water for washing and rinsing

3. Dry clothing using the permanent press setting on your dryer. No high heat.

4. Remove clothing immediately at the end of the cycle and do not overdry

5. Hang garments on hangers after drying to allow wrinkles to relax or fall out over a few hours.

Still got questions please feel free to contact us! Because we love laundry and we love helping you!

The 12 Stains of Christmas

On behalf of elaundry and our sister companies we would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, may all your wishes come true and you have a grand day with whom ever you choose to spend it with.

In celebration of Christmas the Elaundry family have decided to share the 12 stains of Christmas somewhat as crazy about laundry as we are we do like to celebrate the holidays as well as celebrate our love for laundry!

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love dropped on me

Twelve coffee dribbles,

Eleven chunks of cheese,

Ten sugar cookies,

Nine drips of dip,

Eight wine splashes,

Seven snickerdoodles,

Six cranberries,

Five buttered rums,

Four ginger boys,

Three jelly cookies,

Two lemon squirts,

And chocolate for all to see.

Merry Christmas, With Love from the Elaundry Family Xx

Happy New Year from elaundry!

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Where has the year gone? We are in disbelief at how quickly 2010 has passed us by, but we are ready to bring on 2011 with style. We have a new website, a new shopfront at Stone's Corner and new staff & services to ring in the new year.

We'd just like to take this opportunity to thank all of our clients and friends for their support this year.

Wishing our followers a happy & healthy 2011!

TMB xo

Quirky Ideas: What to do with Holiday Cards

twiggsinlisbon

Christmas cards. They arrive in the mail during December, are read for a second then often banished to the back of a drawer or thrown away. Here at elaundry, we love getting crafty with our Christmas cards to remind ourselves of the festive season year round. Some invest a lot of time picking out just the right card to express their feelings about the season, so each card represents a piece of their heart. By recycling the card, we are also reminded of the friend or family who sent it.

Here are some great ways to preserve your Christmas cards with craft. Involve the whole family and let everyone get involved.

Frame them
If the picture on the card is a special one, put it in a nice frame and arrange on the wall or on a benchtop. When the next holiday comes along, you can simply replace the card in the frame.

Make a card
Cut the front and glue it to a piece of coloured card to make your own card for someone else. Or, cut out shapes and use them to make your very own original. Get creative and use cutouts from several cards to make your own.

Posters
Take the cutouts and glue them to a poster. Grandparents especially love handmade gifts!

Gift tags
Cut the card into a tag shape, punch a hole through it and tie it to a package with ribbon.

These projects can be used for Valentines Day, Mother's Day and Birthday cards - and helps keep the sentiment year round.

Quick Fixes for Party Fouls

madamelulu

"Pretend Like It Never Happened: Quick Fixes for Party Fouls" by Daily Candy

Make it through that holiday dinner party, family gathering or office party with your dignity (mostly) intact.

Problem: In the midst of an impromptu dance party, you accidentally spill red wine on the carpet.
Solution: Nothing more that booze can't handle. Swipe your neighbour's glass of white and pour a small amount over the affected area. Blot dry with an absorbent towel before sprinkling with a dash of salt to prevent the red stuff from spreading and settling.

Problem: Someone's been stabbed! Okay, fine. They just cut themselves while carving the holiday bird.
Solution: A pal of ours swears that a combo of ice cubes and spit removes blood stains. For some reason, though, the saliva and blood must belong to the same (wounded) individual. We suspect it has something to do with enzymes and witchcraft. Helpful backup: hydrogen peroxide.

Problem: Your heavy-handed hostess has infused nearly ever course with an abundance of garlic.
Solution: The standby tip for close talkers: What garlic giveth, ginger, basil and minth taketh away. If not of these garnishes are handy, swig a bit of whiskey - but not too much or you'll have a whole other odour issue.

Inspiration: Sew Chic - Personalise Your Life with elaundry Monogramming

Monogramming is making a comeback.

From it's humble beginnings as a method of identifying laundry in public washing areas, the monogram is now a chic gift or home idea for those who want to make their items amd keepsakes more memorable and personal

Monograms can be made to reflect the individual and their unique preferences, ranging from small to large monogram styles, fonts, colours and threads - there is something for everyone. Here are some great monogramming ideas:

Bathroom Monogramming

Personalise dressing gowns & slipper sets, cosmetic bags, bath towels & and floor mats for elegant wash & wear.

Summer Monogramming

Have your name or initials embroidered onto a beach towel & canvas beach bag for a chic summer ensemble.

Kitchen Monogramming

Embroider your BBQ aprons, table linen, chair covers and tea towels in style with custom print or typography.

Wedding Monogramming

Make a statement by monogramming wedding gifts as a token of appreciation to members of a wedding party, wedding reception linens, formal suit crevattes or even embroider your gown after the day to remind you of your special occasion.

Baby Monogramming

Have a new born's name, initial or date of birth embroidered onto baby blankets, linens, soft toys, christening dresses, baby rompers and booties.

The opportunities are endless! elaundry is unique in that we provide a bespoke embroidery and monogramming service for our most discerning clientele. We can embroider anything fluid enough to fit into a sewing frame

Click here for design options including picture, font & colour. Prices range from $4.95 to $19.95 depending on dimensions and complexity of design.

Handy Home Hints: How to Clean Like a Man

We found this post by the Art of Manliness so hilarious, we had to share!

It's aptly called, "How to Clean Like a Man" - by Joe Weber

Part of becoming a man is picking up after yourself. Your mum used to do that for you. Being a man means doing it yourself. You could be the best dresses guy in town with an endless bankroll, but if your home looks like a 14 year old lives there, you're dead in the eyes of women. But taking pride in cleanliness isn't just about attracting the ladies. Keeping your place clean strengthens your discipline and attention to detail, keeps your home organised and productive, and simply makes you feel good.

Here's the five steps you should consider following to clean your place quickly and efficiently - like a man.

Step 1: Crack a beer and put on some loud music.

There's no way around it. The next 45-90 minutes won't be fun. Might as well enjoy a decent beer and listen to your favourite album while you're at it. Loud and fast-tempo music will help keep the boredom awa. High alcohol brews will make the experience more tolerable, so try something heavy.

Step 2: Put all the clutter away.

No sense in cleaning around the clutter. Your place will still look like a pit if you do. The stack of mail, the shoes you took off while watching the game, the bottles that never got taken out after poker night. Clean it all up. Spend at least ten minutes doing this.

Step 3: Dust using a Static Duster.

What a revolution static dusters have brought. Not unlike the evolution of toilet paper, the static duster is the third and greatest leap in cleaning technology for its category. The feather duster just pushes dirt around. An old sock or rag with pledge is a mess. Use the static duster on everthing from wood to electronics. Don't doubt it. It works. Pick things up and dust around them. Don't dust around.

Step 3.5: Crack another beer.

Stay with the heavy brew. This ain't over.

Step 4: Vauccum. Everything. And consider investing in a Dyson.

Approach your vacuum purchase like you would your premier pair of dress shoes. Sometimes it's worth the extra money if you can spend it. If you can't? No pressure. But don't skimp on the vacuum purchase if you have the cash and especially if you have a dog or three.

Vaccum everything. Counter tops. Outer edges of tiled floors. Your clothes.

Step 5: The Bathroom.

Who knows why men avoid cleaning their bathrooms. I do it for whatever reason too. Out of sight, out of mind, no? You open the door, you do your business, you flush and wash your hands (most of the time), and the door gets closed again. Too bad it's a deal breaker for most women if your bathroom is disgusting. Here's a fail-safe plan to make your bathroom woman friendly.

Vacuum anything that's not wet. Apply solid layer of toilet bowl cleaner to bowl and let sit. Wipe down mirror with paper towel and glass cleaner. Wipe down sink. Scrub toilet and flush. Clean outside of toilet from tank, seat to rim (in that order). Flush.

Done. Finish the beer. Consider a third.

Laundry Joke: An Appropriate Gift?

It all began with an iPhone...

March was when my son celebrated his 15th birthday, so I got him an iPhone. He just loved it. Who wouldn't?

I celebrated my birthday in July, and my wife made me very happy when she bought me an iPad.

My daughter's birthday was in August so I got her an iPod Touch.

When my wife's birthday in September came around, I treated her to an Iron.

It was around then that the fight started...

Deals: Essential Items for Spring Racing Carnival

theloveliestday

With Melbourne Cup just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about what to wear, and those essential fashion items that will keep you in tip top shape all day. Whether you’re buying a new outfit or jazzing up an old one – elaundry can help.

Alterations

If you're budget conscious this racing season, why not have an old dress shortened? As well as being a cheaper alternative to purchasing a new outfit, an alteration will breathe new life into the dress so you can attend your chosen racing carnival in a 'new' frock without the fear of someone showing up in the same design!

Or, if a dress no longer sits right on your frame, our talented tailors can ensure it's the perfect fit with a simple nick and tuck.

Essential Fashion Items

It's not enough to have the perfect dress, one must also have the undergarments to ensure a smooth figure. If unsightly bumps and lumps are not your cup of tea, why not invest in a pair of shaping pants or camisole by Hollywood Fashion? elaundry stocks the range, which includes a stain removal pen, breast-lifting inserts and the infamous Hollywood Fashion Tape for low necklines.

Wearing heels all day is a must at the racing carnival, but trotting home afterwards with heels in hands is not! Reduce the pain in the balls and heels of your feet with Party Feet's invisible gel cushions.

Until October 31st, all of elaundry's products are reduced, including Hollywood and Party Feet! Click here to shop

Food For Thought: Hedonism is the New Feminism

pigtailsrock

Julia Roberts eats her way through Italy, prays in India, and finds love and wholeness in Bali – Elizabeth Gilbert's book on which the film is based, subtitled One Woman's Search for Everything, has sold nine million copies worldwide.

The Eat Pray Love franchise is now estimated to be worth US$350 million. Top sellers include yoga mats, kaftans, teas, holiday sheets, embroidered cushions, Lancombe Juicy Tubes lip gloss and White Lotus underarm deodorant.

As one American commentator suggested: Hedonism is the new feminism", and the search for true love in chick flicks has been replaced by the search for self-love in therapy cinema.

The mantra is warm, you expand your mind, strengthen your soul, and the effect is like squeezing a gap year into a two-hour popcorn movie.

Inspiration: Murchison-Hume Products

apartmenttherapy

If there is one deliciously luxurious thing you can do for yourself, your home, your family and our precious environment, it's switching your cleaning products to Murchison-Hume. They are simple, natural, organic and eco-friendly products that are 100% Australian owned and made.

Murchison-Hume is a small, Sydney-based husband-and-wife business that produces visually appealing, organic products that make a statement in your home.

Murchison-Hume's point of difference is premised on Colloidal Technology, which is the same technology used to clean up the ocean in the event of an oil spill. Thus, there is no impact on the environment and each products improves the condition of your wastewater.

Shop Murchison-Hume here

Thanks to Apartment Therapy, we got a sneak-peak into the Murchison-Hume family home, and soon learned that their stylish aesthetic flows through the house.



apartmenttherapy

We have serious apartment envy!

Words: Adapted from The Design Files and Apartment Therapy

Inspiration: Spring Has Sprung

bellarosebyliz

Spring has definitely sprung in sunny Queensland. We're loving the weather, and we're looking forward to cleaning out wardrobes and the call for alterations on old summer garments.

Health Tip: Working From The Heart

'Work is love made visible' - Kahlil Gibran

"Most of us don't consider the impact our work has on our health. However it makes a big whether we love or dislike the work that we are doing. By doing something we find inspiring and fulfilling, we are creating harmony and peace in our body's which is what strengthens our immune systems and makes our hearts sing. By participating in work that is stressful, full of conflict or disappointing, we are laying the ground work for fatigue, lach of energy for life, depression and even accidents. We can be grateful to have work even if it's not our ideal job. If we have a job but it's one we dislike, we can treat it as a safety net as we take a leap of faith toward our authentic work. Work is a boost for our health when we work from the heart."

- From Jenny and the ecoLinen team

Inspiration

wetbehindtheears, oncewed, bippityboppityboo