ONE Family, ONE Location, SAME Purpose Since 1940!

This is a picture of DeLuxe Cleaners when it all started way back in 1940! During our time so far, there has been a World War, Man landed on the moon, and the Saints won a Superbowl to name but a few huge moments in History.

We have had the same purpose, drive and passion to give you the same great dry cleaning and laundry for 73 years. And we aim to keep on giving you the same great service 🙂

Have a great weekend. We are open on Saturday from 9:00am-2:00pm

Checking your labels

We always check the labels to ensure that your garment is cleaned correctly.

How Dry Cleaning Works…

How Dry Cleaning Works…

Ever wondered how Dry Cleaning works and how we get your clothes looking so great?! Watch this video to find out!

One Day, Your Dry Cleaning May Be Delivered To Your House By….. A Quadrocopter Drone

A Dry Cleaner in Pennsylvania is trying a rather unorthodox Delivery service to attract customers… Drones. Not the ones shooting missiles in Afghanistan, the kind that delivers freshly cleaned shirts!

As small quadrocopters–commercially available drones that retail for under $1000–become available, more and more stores are using them. The newest is Manayunk Cleaners, a Philadelphia dry cleaner. 24-year-old owner Harout Vartanian obtained a $700 DJI Phantom drone, which he uses to deliver customers’ dry cleaning.

NBC 10’s Vince Lattanzio, who has the scoop, says the drone requires two people to operate. Once the drone is launched into the air–at eye level–the clothing delivery must be manually attached to the UAV. The drone is then flown to its destination. This requires the delivery site for the drone laundry to be in the field of vision of the UAV operator, which hampers its use for longer deliveries. In addition, FAA regulations prohibit UAVs from being flown outside of the operator’s field of vision; this means that deliveries to a customer’s precise GPS location are illegal, although they are possible. Each month, one customer will have their laundry delivered by drone for free.

We do not offer a drone delivery service, but if you would like to sign up for our route service click on the link below to have it delivered by our more conventional method.

http://www.deluxecleanersnola.com/routes.html

Rain Rain go away…. If that doesn’t work. Bring your clothes to us!

http://www.deluxecleanersnola.com

The weather is starting to become less ideal, with all this rain. And Winter is fast approaching. So here’s a couple of tips that we at DeLuxe, want to make sure you’re thinking about when it comes to your wardrobe and this extreme weather!
For all the heavy rain, its imperative that clothes are dried properly after wearing them. Whatever you do, don’t leave clothes dirty and damp. So first air out any damp clothing by hanging it on a clothes line or an a hook in any dry area of the house (NOT in the dryer as that will cause stains, perspiration, smells, etc to set). After the clothes have dried, wash normally in the washing machine and then put in the dryer.
Never put wet clothing in a plastic bag, as that does not allow the items to breathe and will lead to bacteria and mold growth! If you find that you have  made this mistake, bring your items into DeLuxe right away as we are professionals at saving clothes from mold and restoring your items to as good as new!

Did you know…

Did you know clothes should always be washed or dry cleaned regularly. Modern methods are not harmful to clothes, especially here at DeLuxe Dry Cleaners where we have the best dry cleaning machines available, enabling us to clean even the most delicate garments. Any stains should always be treated as soon as possible, even though a stain may seem to disappear it is still there. These stains will “develop” over time and could “set in” making it not possible to remove at a later date.

Come and see us or visit www.deluxecleanersnola.com for more information.

Fabric Insect Pests; How to Identify, Prevent, Control, & Repair the Damage

Although clothes moths are usually blamed for

insect damage on fabrics, other insect pests,

most notably carpet beetles, are also capable of

causing damage. Serious infestations of clothes moths and

carpet beetles can develop undetected in a home, causing

significant damage to clothing, bedding, floor coverings

and other articles.

The immature stages (larvae) of both the clothes moth and

carpet beetle feed on a variety of animal-based materials,

including wool, fur, silk, feathers and leather. Items com-

monly infested include wool sweaters, coats, clothing, blan-

kets, carpets, decorative items, down pillows and comforters,

natural bristle brushes, toys and animal trophies.

Neither the clothes moth nor carpet beetle larva can

digest cellulosic fibers (such as cotton, linen, or rayon) or

synthetic fibers (such as polyester, nylon, or acrylic) so they

generally leave these alone. However, synthetic fabrics that

are blended with wool may be eaten along with the wool,

even though they are not digested. Cotton, linen and

synthetics heavily soiled with food stains or body oils may

also be occasionally attacked.

Even though the prevention of damage and the control of

both insects are similar, knowing which insect is doing the

damage will help you find and eliminate the infestation.

How to Identify Clothes Moths

Clothes moths are small (about 1/2-inch), buff-colored

moths with narrow wings fringed with hairs. Two different

species are common in Kentucky, the

webbing clothes

moth

and the

casemaking clothes moth

. The webbing

clothes moth is uniformly buff-colored, whereas the

casemaking clothes moth is similar in appearance but has

indistinct dark specks on the wings

Adult clothes moths are seldom seen because they avoid

light. They prefer dark, undisturbed areas such as closets,

basements and attics, and tend to live in corners or in folds

of fabric. If you do see

tiny moths flying about in the

kitchen and other open areas, they are probably

grain moths

originating from some infested cereal, flour

or stored food item. Clothes moth adults do not feed so they

cause no injury to fabrics. However, the adults produce

eggs which hatch into fabric-eating larvae.

The larval stage of clothes moths are creamy-white

caterpillars up to 1/2-inch long. Webbing clothes moth

larvae spin silken feeding tunnels or patches of webbing as

they move about on the surface of fabrics. They often deposit

tiny fecal pellets similar in color to the fabric.

The casemaking clothes moth encloses itself in a portable

case that it drags about wherever it goes. Often the larvae

leave the material they developed on and can be seen

crawling slowly over walls or ceilings. The casemaking

clothes moth, in particular, may travel considerable dis-

tances from the infested article to spin its cocoon in a

protected crack, or along the juncture of a wall and ceiling.

How to Identify Carpet Beetles

Although there are many different species of carpet

beetles, the adults of all species are small, oval-shaped

beetles about 1/8 inch long

. The black carpet beetle (a common variety of carpet beetle) is shiny black. Adults of other common species are brightly colored in various patterns of white, brown, yellow and orange. The larvae or immature stages of carpet beetles are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch long and densely covered with hairs or bristles

. Only the larval stage feeds on fabric and causes

damage. Carpet beetle larvae will also feed on seeds, pet

food or cereal products in the kitchen or pantry. In nature the

adults feed on flowers outdoors, but are often seen indoors

around light fixtures and windows, indicating that a larval

infestation is present somewhere within the home.

Habits of Both Pests

The larvae of the clothes moth and carpet beetle prefer to

feed in dark, undisturbed areas such as closets, attics, and

within boxes where woolens and furs are stored for long

periods. Clothing and blankets in constant use are seldom

damaged by these pests, nor are rugs that get a normal

amount of traffic or are routinely vacuumed. Edges of

carpeting next to walls or underneath furniture, however,

are often attacked.

These pests may also be found infesting upholstered

furniture (both inside and out), and in air ducts where the

larvae may be feeding on lint, shed pet hair and other bits

of debris. Infestations may also originate from bird or

2

ADULT

Lives 15-30 days

CAST PUPAL SKIN

Stage lasts

8-40 days

EGG

Hatches in 4-10 days

WEBBING CLOTHES MOTH

Tineola bisselliella (Hummel)

EGG

Hatches in 4-7 days

LARVA

Stage lasts from

68-87 days

CASEMAKING CLOTHES MOTH

Tinea pellionella (Linneaus)

ADULT

Lives an average

of 4-6 days

animal nests, or an animal carcass present in an attic,

chimney or wall space.

Some infestations occur when adult carpet beetles or

clothes moths fly from one house to another. Other times,

eggs or larvae are transported into a home on articles

containing wool or other animal fibers, such as secondhand

clothing, used furniture, and woolen scraps exchanged for

making rugs or quilts. Once inside, the larvae may crawl

from room to room, item to item, slowly causing widespread

fabric damage.

Damage to articles may consist of irregular surface

feeding or holes eaten completely through the fabric.

Controlling Infestations

Good cleaning practices are the best prevention. Newly-

hatched larvae are so small that they can crawl into any

crack or crevice. Vacuum carpets thoroughly and frequently

to remove deep down debris. Pay close attention to dark,

out-of-the-way places, such as cracks, crevices, and vents;

under the edges of rugs; and along the walls, under

couches, chairs and other items. Use vacuum attachments

such as crevice and upholstery tools to thoroughly clean

places where larvae are likely to hide. If you have pets,

clean more often since pet hair is a food source for these

pests.

Elimination

When you suspect insect damage, check all susceptible

items carefully. For example, the source may be on an old

woolen scarf at the back of a closet, a fur hat in a box, or

a remnant of wool carpeting in the corner of a room. There

may be more than one source of infestation.

Clothes moths and carpet beetles often breed in hair-

based accumulations that are likely to be found behind

baseboards, under door jambs, inside heating vents, etc.

Remove all items from the infested area, being careful not

to spread the infestation. Vacuum infested areas thoroughly.

If infested areas are cleaned well, it may not be necessary

to apply an insecticide. If an insecticide is used, treat only

cracks, crevices, and infested areas; it is not necessary to

spray shelf surfaces or walls. Sprays may be applied to

infested carpets (especially along and beneath edges adja-

cent to baseboards) and underneath furniture. Many house-

hold pesticides labeled for ant, flea, and cockroach control

are also labelled for fabric pests and can be obtained at

supermarkets and hardware stores.

Never

spray clothing or

bedding directly with household insecticides. These items

should be removed before spraying inside closets or drawers.

Always read the label and follow product directions carefully.

Before returning items to storage areas, either launder/

dry clean items according to manufacturersí directions, use

another method of control from those listed below, or get rid

of them.

While the homeowner may successfully eliminate small

infestations of carpet beetles and clothes moths, wide-

spread infestations may require the services of a profes-

sional pest control operator. Trained professionals are able

to find and treat hidden infestations in walls, attics, and

other difficult-to-access areas more effectively.

Laundering/Drycleaning

Both laundering in hot water and drycleaning will

kill all

stages of fabric pests

that may be present and will also

remove perspiration odors that are attractive to pests.

Woolens and other susceptible fabrics should be drycleaned

or laundered before being stored for long periods.

LARVA

AND

SILKEN

FEEDING TUBE

Stage lasts

55 days-2 1/2 years

PUPA

Inside pupal case.

Is not seen for 9-19 days

Figure 1. Webbing clothes moth (left) and casemaking clothes moth (right).

3

moths, eggs and young larvae are usually killed within

several days with either insecticide if package directions

are followed. However, older moth larvae and most stages

of carpet beetles are more difficult to kill. As a general rule,

two to three weeks of treatment will ensure absolute kill of

all stages of insect pests.

After storage, air out items for a few days before using

them to get rid of any odor.

All mothproofing products must be registered by the

Environmental Protection Agency.

How to use moth control products

Since the vapors of these products are heavier than air,

the insecticide should be placed near the top of the storage

container so the vapors will sink.

Do not place any

insecticide directly on fabric as adverse reactions

to the fabric or dyes may occur.

Either place mothballs, flakes, or crystals on a layer of

paper on top of items in a box or chest, or, if the container

is deep, layer clothing and place paper and moth control

product between the layers. If using a garment bag, suspend

the moth control product in an old sock or nylon stocking at

the top of the bag or use a moth cake that can be attached

to a hanger. When using a garment bag, clothing should be

loosely separated.

Do not use PDB in plastic containers

as damage

can occur with certain kinds of plastics. This could affect

both the container and the clothing. Hard plastics that may

be used in buttons and some ornamentation will melt when

they come into contact with the vapors. Some plastic bags

will melt and stick to the items, ruining them. Polyethylene

garment bags are not affected by PDB vapors. If you must

use plastic bags for containment of vapors, use naphthalene

rather than PDB. Many plastic bags do not retain PDB

vapors long enough to kill insect pests. It is not a good idea

to use plastic bags for long-term storage of textile items.

Contrary to popular belief, cedar closets or chests are

seldom effective in preventing fabric pest infestations be-

cause the seal is usually insufficient to maintain effective

concentrations of the volatile oil of cedar.

Brushing

Brushing clothing or other items at regular intervals of

once or twice a month is a very effective means of moth

control as crushing or dislodging of the pests occurs.

Brushing should be done outside if at all possible and should

include all areas of the garment that are accessible, such as

under collars and pocket flaps. Items constantly in use are

seldom attacked by insect pests.

Cold Storage

Cold storage (at 40

o

F) is often recommended as a means

of protecting previously uninfested furs and other items from

insect damage. Cold storage of furs is recommended as it

does help prevent skins from drying out and also provides

some degree of protection against insects. Although constant

cold storage temperatures may prevent larvae from feeding

it does not kill clothes moth larvae or eggs already present,

and both stages have been found alive after prolonged cold

Adult furniture carpet beetle

(Anthrenus flavipes).

Larval furniture carpet beetle

(Anthrenus flavipes).

Adult varied carpet beetle

(Anthrenus verbasci).

Larval varied carpet beetle

(Anthrenus verbasci).

Adult black carpet beetle

(Attagenus megatoma).

Larval black carpet beetle

(Attagenus megatoma).

Figure 2. Adults (left) and larvae (right) of common carpet

beetle species found in homes.

Storage/Fumigation

Articles to be stored should be packed in tight-fitting

containers with moth balls, crystals or flakes containing

paradichlorobenzene (PDB) or naphthalene. The

vapors

from these materials are

lethal to fabric pests

, but only

when maintained at sufficient concentrations

.

To achieve sufficient concentrations, enclose the

manufacturerís recommended dosage of these insecticides in

containers that are practically airtight. Trunks, garment bags,

boxes and chests, when tightly sealed, will be effective when

used with these insecticides. Seal boxes or other containers

with tape to achieve a tight seal, if necessary. Wardrobe

boxes from moving companies could also be used to provide

good storage space but will need to be sealed.

The length of exposure necessary to kill clothes moths or

carpet beetles will vary with the temperature, the size of the

larvae, the form in which the insecticide is used, the

chemical used and the concentration of the gas. Adult

4

storage periods of 6 to 12 months. Furs suspected of being

infested should be cleaned prior to cold storage by a

professional cleaner using the furrier method.

Freezing

Freezing to control all stages of insect pests is effective

provided the procedure is done properly and the necessary

minimum freezer temperatures are obtained. Some house-

hold chest freezers will maintain -20

o

F but the average

temperature is approximately -10

o

F. Although a complete

kill can be obtained at -10

o

F. it would take much longer; the

cooler the temperature the faster the result. Check your

freezer before you attempt this method.

Generally, the infested materials are placed in polyeth-

ylene bags, the excess air is squeezed out of the bag as much

as possible, and it is then sealed tightly. The bag is then

placed in a chest-type freezer for a minimum of 48-72 hours

at 0

o

F. After the item is removed from the freezer, place it in

a refrigerator and let it thaw slowly before finally bringing to

room temperature. Items should remain in the polyethylene

bag until brought to room temperature. For complete insect

kill, it is also desirable to immediately repeat the freeze-thaw

cycle before removing the contents of the bag.

This procedure could be used by consumers for treating

small items which have signs of possible insect contamina-

tion that would be difficult to launder, such as hanks of yarn

or feather accessories.

Miscellaneous Control Methods

Insecticide products intended for direct application on

clothing, bedding or textiles in the home for either the

treatment or prevention of fabric pests are not currently

available to consumers.

Household insecticides

that may be used for treating

cracks, crevices, and other areas where fabric pests may be

hiding,

cannot be used to treat clothing or textile

items

. Always read the directions of any product carefully

before purchase and use.

Mothproofing

Mothproofing is a chemical treatment given to fabrics that

protects them from insects without leaving any odor. Items

purchased with ìmothproofî or ìmoth resistantî on the label

have been treated with a protective chemical when they were

manufactured. This process is considered permanent.

Mothproofing products that can be applied using home

laundering methods are not currently being marketed for

consumer use.

Dye-bath Mothproofer

Mitin FF is an industrial mothproofing agent available to

consumers and used by home spinners and dyers who make

or process their own yarn. It is a permanent mothproofer

which acts like a colorless dye. It is claimed that this

mothproofer is fast to washing, dry cleaning and to light, and

does not interfere with subsequent working of the goods. It

can be applied either in the dye bath or as a separate

application. It is not generally used on finished garments.

Repairing the Damage

All is not lost when a garment has been damaged by

fabric pests. Such damage, as well as damage from burns,

tears, etc., can be repaired or camouflaged. Choose one of

the methods below and consider the following questions:

ï What was the original price of the damaged garment?

ï Would it be expensive to replace?

ï Would you miss it?

ï Do you have several items that coordinate with the

damaged article?

ï Would it be cheaper to repair than replace?

Reweaving

Although probably the costliest choice, reweaving may

save you a lot of money and could provide the best result.

There are two types of reweaving: French and Piece. In both

methods, all work is done from the top side of the garment.

French reweaving

is used to repair small holes. Threads

are collected from elsewhere on the garment and the hole is

actually rewoven with those threads. It is usually almost

impossible to see this type of repair, even when pointed out.

Piece reweaving

is used to repair larger holes. For this

method, you need a piece of the fabric to make a patch in

order to make the repair. Pieces can be obtained from

facings, hemlines, pockets, etc. In this method, the threads

from the edges of the fabric ìpatchî are rewoven into the

edges of the hole.

The cost of reweaving, as well as the appearance of the

completed mend, will depend on: the method of reweaving,

the size and location of the hole, the type of fabric and

weave, and the time involved. A hole may cost approxi-

mately $30 to repair; several may cost approximately $70.

When having this type of work done, ask to see examples

of the work or ask for references. Sometimes this type of

work is done locally; sometimes a local store will send it to

a regional location that specializes in such work.

Embellishment/Camouflage

Sometimes the addition of a scarf, belt, pin or jacket may

hide the hole. Is the location such that something could be

added that would cover the hole? Is the design, fabric, or

style suitable for adding any embellishment such as an

applique, decorative thread, buttons, jewels, patches, etc.?

Ask a creative person for suggestions.

Recycling/Restyling

Consider the location of the hole and think of alterna-

tives. Could a pocket be added, a hemline or dart altered,

a cuff added? Try looking at fashion magazines for current

ideas and stretch your imagination!

It’s Humpday!

It’s Humpday! Bring your clothes in to us today before 6:00pm to have them ready for Friday.