A Day in the Life of Your Clothes: The Sudsies’ Way
An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what we do!
Eco-Friendly Full Service Dry Cleaning
Eco-Friendly Full Service Dry Cleaning at Sudsies: PERC-free, biodegradable, EPA-approved, with pickup & delivery. Gentle on clothes, great for the planet.
DEALING WITH DESIGNERS
Why It’s Important To Pick The Right Dry Cleaner When It Comes To Your Luxury Wardrobe Items “Pssst, go for Gucci!…” “Yoo hoo, it’s YSL!…” “Over here for some Hermes!” Anyone who has walked by a high-end retailer or specialty department store display can almost certainly relate to the siren calls of these designers. Perhaps that’s why luxury apparel is the top-performing sector amongst the world’s 100 biggest brands, according to global brand consultancy Interbrand. Louis Vuitton and Chanel lead in brand value, while Gucci is cited as among the fastest-growing. Additional labels that fall into the report’s top fashion brands include Hermes, Dior, Burberry, and Prada. The look, feel and workmanship of designer items are undeniable, setting trends while retaining a timelessness. This level of quality and the way you feel wearing it; however, comes with a steep price tag. Such an investment warrants equally exclusive care, making dry cleaner selection an important choice. Not all cleaners have expertise in the proper care of luxury pieces. In fact, very few of them do. So, how can you tell the difference? “Ask questions,” says Sudsies President Jason Loeb. “Do they know what a hand-rolled hem on a scarf is and do they know how to protect it when pressing? Do they know how to hand clean? Do they have specialty equipment that accommodates high-end clothing? Do they offer wet cleaning capabilities… all of these options are necessary to be able to provide care that’s best for the individual garment.” In depth knowledge of fabrics, garment construction, and workmanship, coupled with the proper tools and techniques to care for an item is necessary to avoid exposing the article to complete submersion in solvent and harsh mechanical action. Gentler processes like hygienic steam disinfection, followed by hand-emphasis cleaning on key areas (ie underarms, collars, etc.) and treating stains relieve the stress imposed by commonplace cleaning practices. These time-consuming, yet minimal contact processes avoid wear on the delicate fabrics, hand stitching, and embellishments associated with many luxury wears. Loeb goes on to provide some tips on how to best help your luxury cleaner before bringing an item for care. “When purchasing a designer or custom-made piece, ask for a swatch of the material. We can use this to help us determine how exactly the fabric will react to select cleaning formulations and best make any adjustments if needed. This swatch can also come in handy if you ever experience any rips or tears. Our tailoring team can make a much more seamless repair if they have the original material. The same theory applies to securing any extra beading, thread, buttons, and all other unique embellishments as a safeguard in helping maintain the original integrity of the garment.” Furthermore, try and clean your garments upon wearing them. Loeb explains that while you might not be able to see any visible stains, the fabric is hosting perspiration, body oils, dead skin cells, and airborne contaminants, all of which micro-abrade fibers, oxidize over time, and even become aggravated with delayed cleaning. If you do know there is a stain, make sure to advise your cleaner what it is, so technicians can treat it with the most effective formula to counteract it. Although tempting, try not to remove a stain yourself, for then the technician will have to first remove whatever you used to fix it before actually getting to the original culprit. The sad truth is, that using the wrong pre-treatment could make the stain permanent, remove color, or damage the fibers. Sudsies is a preferred dry cleaner for luxury shopping areas, including Brickell City Centre, The Design District, Bal Harbour, and Lincoln Road. Sudsies’ reputation has become so renowned, that the cleaner receives items daily from clients around the world via its Sudsies Express mailing service. Locally, label lovers can enjoy complimentary pickup and delivery across Miami-Dade county, as well as Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and Palm Beach, or visit one of Sudsies’ boutiques. More information about designer and couture services can be found at sudsies.com. Please dial 305.864.3279 or email [email protected] for any questions, concerns, restoration information, or specific queries and requests regarding your garments. https://youtu.be/1SoctNBXQ6Y?si=sjbY6TM3mz7nhkYi
We’re #1: Sudsies Gets Lean and Leafy
It’s official! Sudsies is now the number one eco-friendly dry cleaner in Florida, as designated by the Green Cleaner Council. Not just among Miami dry cleaners, not just Fort Lauderdale cleaners, not even just South Florida dry cleaners, but the entire state. Specifically, the organization’s in-depth review of both of our facilities garnered us a 4.5 “leaf” rating. The environment has always been among our “care” trifecta, alongside our customers and their clothing. Hence, our impetus to become a member of the Green Cleaner Council in 2009. Our involvement with this council has exposed us to much knowledge and many benchmarks to further our mission to maximize our effectiveness as an environmentally-mindful business. We truly worked hard for the relationship, as the council ensures “that not just any business can attach themselves to these trending [green] buzzwords for profit without actually being able to provide how their business earned those labels.” Each applicant is reviewed blindly in both name and location of organization and judged on criteria that exceeds regulatory requirements. “Since the day Sudsies became a member with us, the luxury dry cleaner has been very serious about taking the steps necessary to excel as a true green organization,” says Ann Hargrove, who sits on the council. “Every detail has been thought out in the Sudsies transformation and they are genuine in their efforts to make a difference.” Some of our proudest achievements: Wet Cleaning Capabilities: Considered the greenest eco-friendly professional cleaning process, wet cleaning is our primary cleaning method at both of our facilities. It enables us to effectively clean while using minimal and gentle resources. (We’ll elaborate more on this in a follow-up blog). The Right Solutions: Our solvents are of DF-2000™, a hydrocarbon fluid. Free of harmful chemicals such as perchloroethylene, or perc, DF-2000 is safe for the environment and our cleaning technicians, while delivering effective results for our entrusted clothing. Some other reasons why we opt for DF-2000: can be used on sensitive fabrics and trims; aids in the removal of oil, grease, and water soluble soil; is essentially odorless; is compatible with fabric finishes to help maintain and restore garment shape. Recycling Programs: Not only are our hangers derived from recyclable materials, but they are of such good quality, that many of our clients reuse them in their own closets. If you choose not to, we invite you to place any extra ones in your valet bag for next pick up and we’ll put them to good use again here. We also use biodegradable plastics for packaging. Equipment Investment: Our equipment is state-of-the-art from a cleaning perspective, but also from a low water usage standpoint. Training: Our team is continually sent to continuing education and training programs that emphasize the latest techniques and practices to maximize green equipment, as well as introduce brand new ones. Out and About: Our pick-up and delivery fleet has a carpool effect by picking up several orders from singular locations and neighborhoods. Around the House: Subtle, yet impactful, green elements can be found at every turn: light detectors that adapt when rooms are not in use, energy-efficient LED bulbs. etc. Our work here isn’t done… As a top luxury dry cleaner, we’re continually installing new additions to edge us up to the perfect five rating. But rest assured, that when engaging in Sudsies services, we quite literally have a global view when taking care of you and your garments.
