NORDSTROM-MISSION VIEJO
CLOTHING CARE CLINIC
MARCH 19, 2005

St. JOHN KNITWEAR

PURCHASING
o Ask for extra buttons
o The classics never tire, especially black
o Buy within the season to match, especially white

ALTERING
o Altering knits is generally more expensive than fabric items
o Save the trim for repair

WEARING
o Comfortable-breathable, hygroscopic, stretchable & wrinkle resistant
o Careful taking off, do not over stretch

PACKING/TRAVELING
o Excellent for packing, wrinkle resistant
o Hang blazers in a wardrobe bag (one to a poly bag)
o Okay to fold slacks, sweaters and shells
o Hang up as soon as you check in
o Never entrust an unproven cleaner with your fine knits

BLOCKING
o What is knit blocking?
 It is not pressing. Blocking is a series of steaming, distributing and cooling the knit with vacuum
o Increase a size and a half or reduce half a size

REPAIRING & RESTORING
o Brighten solid whites
o Mending & re-knitting, darker pieces mend well
o Change shoulder pads and update buttons

CLOTHING CARE

STORING

Seasonal
 Don’t overcrowd closet
 Always put garments away clean at the end of the wearing season
 Use padded hangers on knit tops
 Never store in non-breathable bags, neither vinyl store bag nor a cleaner bag.
 Store in a breathable bag to prevent insect damage.
 Hang to dry before placing in a closet to prevent mildew growth.
 Fold and shelve sweaters to keep their shape

Long term
 Cedar & lavender
 Breathable bags
 Moth balls & moth proofing
 All knits folded

Leather & suede
 Dry before storage
 Breathable bag

CLEANING
Dry cleaning
 What is dry cleaning
• Similar to machine washing with a solvent and little water
• Best cleaning for oily stains (salad dressing, lipstick)

How to choose a dry cleaner
• Ask managers of finer departments
• Leave immediately if clothes smell of cleaning solvent

When to dry clean
• Before putting away for the season
• Shortly after appropriate soiling, old stains are more difficult

What to tell your dry cleaner
• Any unique care label requirements like do not tumble dry
• Knits and ties are to be blocked never pressed
• Special blocking
• Stains (visible or invisible) and content
• One piece of an outfit

Wet cleaning

Laundry
• Biggest problem is over drying
• New equipment is great
• Best for removing water stains (drinks, perspiration, some foods)

Hand wash
o Hand-cleaning
 Couture garments
 Leather & suede
 Purse cleaning
- Updated: February 20, 2006