Oftentimes, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of our day and forget to look around and admire the beauty of our Earth. A quiet backdrop to our busy lives, the Earth is truly at the forefront of what makes us human and enables us to do the incredible things we do everyday. That’s why it’s so important to take the time to reflect on our planet, our environment, and what we can do to keep it healthy.

Taking care of the environment is everyone's responsibility. At Rinse, we are committed to doing our part to conserving our natural resources and keeping any materials that don't belong in the environment out of it.

4 Ways Rinse Provides Eco-Friendly Laundry & Dry Cleaning:

1) Use high-efficiency washers

This saves water and reduces energy consumption

As one of our most important natural resources, it is imperative that we do what we can to conserve water. To date, Rinse has helped save over 6 million gallons of water simply by using more high-efficiency washers than those found in a typical home or apartment.

These washers are also better at initially spin drying garments, reducing the time that it takes to machine dry them. This simple but important step uses less electricity and helps to reduce carbon emissions.

2) Collect clothing donations

This helps to reduce waste, save water, and keep harmful chemicals out of the environment 

The average American throws away about 65 lbs. of clothing each year. Beyond the exorbitant amount of garbage created and water wasted because of this, the textile, dyes, and chemicals in clothing can release methane into the air, and seep into the soil wreaking havoc on local ecosystems.

Instead of throwing away your clothes, you can donate them with Rinse! We come straight to your door to collect any unwanted clothes, and donate them on your behalf. We have donated over 20,000 lbs. of clothing so far! Recycling your clothes instead of throwing them away can reduce consumption habits, as well as save large quantities of water that are typically used to create garments -- a single T-shirt can require up to 700 gallons of water to make!

3) Recycle old hangers and plastic wrapping

This reduces waste

If you Dry Clean your clothes often, you likely have an excess amount of wire hangers lying around, as well as the plastic wrapping that your clothes are returned in. We recognize that using these items as our method for returning your clothes is not ideal, and are working hard to find a long term solution. In the meantime, we want to do our part to make sure that recycling these hangers and plastic is as easy as possible. We will pick up any old hangers and plastic wrapping that you may have, and recycle them on your behalf.

4) Use safe and natural cleaning detergents

This keeps harmful chemicals away from you and the environment

While it can be easy to overlook, it’s important to remember that whatever we put into our water -- including our laundry detergent -- is released into the environment and can be harmful to surrounding ecosystems that depend on that water supply. Rinse is committed to preserving the environment, so we only work with Dry Cleaning and Laundry partners who use safe and natural cleaning detergents without any chemicals that are known carcinogens.

To learn more about what Rinse does to care for the environment or to take advantage of any of the services above, consider scheduling a Rinse laundry or dry cleaning pickup.


Photography: Pablo Fierro for Unsplash

People are often reluctant to dry clean their clothing because it is more expensive than traditional laundry, but a professional cleaning service can be a great investment for your lifestyle and closet that saves you money in the long run. Consider these three cost-effective conveniences the next time you're headed to the laundromat. 

It helps your polished pieces last longer

While there are items that you can take care of at home, certain upscale pieces such as your silk dress or structured wool blazer are best left in the care of a professional dry cleaner. Pieces that aren’t properly cleaned before being put away can carry undetectable odors that attract insects and moths. These pests can eat certain fabrics, including wool, cashmere, silk and cotton, gradually ruining your favourite items. Sensitive fabrics may also fade in color or stretch in shape in a washing machine or dryer. By using a professional cleaning service, your pieces will last much longer so you won't have to replace them as often, ultimately saving you money.

Care tip: Familiarize yourself with different fabrics and the appropriate treatment for each material. For instance, cashmere can often be hand washed with a gentle laundry soap. Before doing so, it's always good to double check the clothing label to see if hand washing is appropriate. Other fabrics like silk require professional dry cleaning.  Our guide on which pieces can be dry cleaned provides an in-depth breakdown.

It can treat stubborn stains

Besides helping your pieces maintain their color and shape, dry cleaning can help treat stubborn stains like grass, which you might not be able to remove using traditional laundry means. A professional service might be able to salvage your favorite sweater or slacks so you don't waste money on different detergents or DIY treatments just to end up with a slightly faded but still visible mark. Furthermore, if you don't pre-treat stains or if you use the wrong cleaning agent, you might actually cause further damage to your clothing. Either way you can be left having to replace these pieces altogether, and wasting money on your wardrobe.

Care tip: Food stains can affect fabrics differently than sweat residue. In some cases, you might be able to apply a DIY treatment. Know when to treat the stain yourself and when to visit a dry cleaner with our summer stains guide.

It adds professionalism to your workplace attire

First impressions are extremely important. Being smartly dressed will help you make your mark at a job interview or client meeting—which can lead to financial gain down the road. An inexpensive way to elevate your office style is to ensure that your pieces are always freshly pressed. You don't need to spend a lot to create a chic ensemble: well tailored and maintained pieces create a professional look that will help you get ahead in the workplace. To keep your business attire looking top notch, leave your suit or dress shirt with the dry cleaners. Even if you work in a creative or casual environment, a creased shirt can make you look sloppy. Unsightly wrinkles, stains or smells on worn clothing detract from your professionalism. A trusted service will help you take care of these smaller details so you can focus on the big picture and impress your boss or client.

Care tip: Besides taking care of your basic clothing maintenance needs, most modern dry cleaners provide additional options such as alterations or repairs. Take advantage of their services to ensure your office outfit is always as impressive as your portfolio.

While you save on short-term costs doing laundry at home, your finest attire requires professional care to keep them looking as fresh as the day you bought them. And that's a worthwhile investment.

Photos: DeVaul / Shutterstock.com, Chelsea Francis, Nico Beard, Benjamin Child

How Often Should You Wash Your Sheets and Why?

Keeping your bed sheets, pillowcases, and other bedding items clean is crucial for both comfort and health. Considering that we spend nearly a third of our lives in bed, maintaining a fresh sleeping environment is essential. However, many people underestimate the importance of regularly washing their sheets, comforters, and duvet covers. This article will guide you on how often to wash these items, why it’s important, and best practices to keep your bedding clean and hygienic. And if you're a hotel or other lodging partner, check out our guide here that lists our best cleaning tips for hotels. 

The General Rule: For optimal cleanliness, it’s recommended to wash your bed sheets and pillowcases at least once a week. If you have a busy lifestyle, use a comforter or duvet cover without washing it regularly, or if you have allergies, consider washing your sheets more frequently. This routine helps remove the buildup of dead skin cells, sweat, and other particles that accumulate over time. To learn more about specific bedding items, read our guides on how often you should wash your towels, comforters, or sleeping bags.

Factors Affecting Washing Frequency: The frequency of washing can vary depending on personal habits, whether you sleep with pets, and if you have conditions like asthma or eczema. Regular washing also keeps your cotton sheets, linen sheets, and other types of bed sheets in good condition, extending their lifespan and ensuring a cleaner sleep environment

Dead Skin Cells

Every night, our bodies shed millions of dead skin cells, which can accumulate on our bed sheets, comforters, and duvet covers. These skin cells provide food for dust mites, which thrive in warm, humid environments like your bed. Regular washing helps remove these dead skin cells, reducing the population of dust mites and minimizing the risk of allergies.

Dust Mites

Dust mites are microscopic creatures that inhabit bedding and feed on dead skin cells. These mites can trigger allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, and can exacerbate asthma. Washing your bed sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers in hot water can help eliminate dust mites and their allergens.

Crumbs

Eating in bed can leave crumbs and food particles in your sheets, comforters, and mattress. These crumbs can attract insects and lead to bacterial growth, creating an unhygienic sleeping environment. Washing your bed sheets regularly ensures that your bed remains clean and free from pests.

Beauty Products Residue

If you apply lotions, oils, or other beauty products before bed, they can leave residue on your bed sheets and pillowcases. Over time, these residues can build up, potentially clogging pores and causing skin irritation. Regularly washing your sheets and pillowcases can help remove these residues, keeping your skin healthy and your bedding fresh.

Pet-Related Germs

If your pets share your bed, they can bring fur, dander, dirt, and possibly even parasites like fleas or ticks onto your sheets, duvet covers, and mattress. This not only leads to an unsanitary sleeping environment but can also worsen allergies. Regularly washing your bedding, including comforters and duvets, can help mitigate these issues and ensure a cleaner sleep space.

What Can Happen if I Don’t Wash My Sheets?

Failing to wash your sheets, pillowcases, and other bedding items regularly can lead to several negative consequences:

• Skin Problems: Dirty sheets can lead to skin irritation, rashes, and exacerbate conditions like eczema. The buildup of sweat, oils, and bacteria can clog pores and lead to breakouts.

• Allergies and Asthma: Dust mites and their droppings are common allergens that can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions. Regular washing helps keep these allergens in check.

• Bad Odors: Sweat, oils, and bacteria can cause your sheets to develop an unpleasant odor over time. Freshly washed sheets not only feel better but also smell clean and inviting.

• Increased Risk of Infections: Sleeping on dirty sheets increases the likelihood of skin infections and other health issues, especially if you have any cuts or open wounds. If you are sick, make sure to follow best practices of washing sheets after an illness.

Best Practices for Washing Bed Sheets

Washing your linens properly is just as important as washing them regularly. Here are some best practices to ensure your bed sheets are thoroughly cleaned and well-maintained:

Wash Your Sheets Separately

Sheets take up a lot of space in the washing machine, and washing them separately ensures that they get properly cleaned without getting tangled up in other items. If you do need to wash other items with your sheets, make sure they are lightweight and similar in color to avoid color bleeding. 

Cycle Depends on Dirt

Choose the appropriate washing cycle based on how dirty your bed sheets are. For lightly soiled sheets, a normal cycle will suffice. For heavily soiled sheets or those with stains, opt for a heavy-duty cycle to ensure thorough cleaning. Always check the care label on your sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases for specific washing instructions.

Cold or Warm Water?

While white and light-colored sheets can generally be washed in any water temperature, it's advisable to use warm water during cold and flu season to help eliminate bacteria. Dark-colored sheets should be washed in cold water to prevent fading and preserve their color. If you’re washing a duvet cover, bed sheet, or a dry sheet, always follow the care label to ensure the best results.

Treat Stains Before Washing

Pre-treat any stains on your sheets before washing. Apply a stain remover or a mixture of detergent and water directly to the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes before washing. This helps to lift the stain and ensure your sheets come out clean and fresh.

Avoid Using Fabric Softeners

Fabric softeners can leave a residue on your sheets that builds up over time, reducing their absorbency and potentially irritating your skin. Instead, consider using a cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle as a natural fabric softener alternative. This keeps your linen sheets and cotton sheets feeling soft and fresh without the chemical buildup.

Dry on Low

High heat can damage the fibers of your sheets, leading to wear and tear over time. It's best to dry your sheets on a low heat setting to extend their lifespan. If possible, remove them from the dryer while still slightly damp to prevent wrinkles and make folding easier.

Easy, Just Schedule a Rinse!

Keeping your sheets and bedding clean is essential for your health and comfort. However, we understand that maintaining a regular laundry routine can be challenging, especially with a busy schedule. That's where Rinse comes in! 

Rinse offers convenient laundry and dry-cleaning services that take the hassle out of laundry day. Simply schedule a pickup, and our friendly Valets will collect your items, have them cleaned by our expert partners, and deliver them back to your door, often by the next day. We handle everything from your everyday bed sheets and linens to larger items like comforters.

Contact us at Rinse today to see our skill in action.

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