grandma knows best

Rebecca: I got grease on a silk blouse the other day, and couldn’t get it to the dry cleaner quickly enough and it is ruined. Was there something I could have done right then to have salvaged it?

Sarah, Kiskadee: Silk and grease are terrible enemies. Typically I treat stains on my clothing with Shout, baking soda, and a toothbrush…my grandma said so! She is always the queen of getting stains out of anything so I called her in for her expertise. She said if it has to be dry cleaned it’s scary to put anything on it other than water or club soda because it could counter what the dry cleaners use. But she has used a method involving cheap hairspray and Dawn dish soap.

Start by isolating the grease by putting a paper towel behind it. Spray a little hairspray on each spot and then let it sink in for a few minutes. Then apply a dot of Dawn and rub it in with your fingernail. Be careful to not stretch the fabric. Then place it on a cold delicate wash in the machine, because silk can’t be damaged by water unless heat is introduced. You could attempt this trick or play it safe by rinsing as best as possible.

Honestly, the best advice is to get it to the dry cleaner as fast as possible! Hope that helps!

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Sarah Felton

Kiskadee

703.549.0813

Sarah moved to Alexandria in 2013 with her then boyfriend, now husband, from New England. She has worked in a variety of retail settings, in addition to law firms, non-profits, and even as a government contractor. After briefly entertaining an idea of a career with the USDA, she decided to come back full time to her one true love, helping women find their voice and confidence through clothes. With a background in small boutiques, personal styling, and fashion merchandising, she brings honest opinions and creative apparel solutions for each individual person and shop she works with. She is officially back at her stomping ground, Kiskadee, where her venture into Alexandria retail all began.

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Looking for a killer cocktail number for the latest party? Shoes for running around town? Eye-catching separates for lunch at Cheesetique? Kiskadee has you covered. A favorite destination in the heart of Del Ray, shopping this boutique is akin to browsing your friend's lust-worthy closet. Kiskadee is fun, flirty and full of original designers,a ll presented to you with a focus on personal service. You will always be welcomed by a friendly face, eager to assist!

www.kiskadeeshop.com

2205 Mount Vernon Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301

703.549.0813