The Laundry Stork: Eco-Friendly & Socially Responsible Laundry & Dry Cleaning in Manhattan| FAQ

	What size washers and dryers do you use and how many of each?
	We use 24 washers in 20 lb, 30 lb, and 60 lb sizes as well as 24 stacked dryers of 45 lb size.

	What makes the washers environmentally-friendly?
	We use high efficiency washers / extractors that are designed to maximize cleaning and minimize water usage. They extract excess water to reduce the time needed in the dryer. Water can be an expensive commodity and should not be wasted. While there is no efficient way to wash clothes without water, the machines are built to minimize water and soap suds, while they maximize water extraction, allowing us to cut down on drying time.

	What cycles do you do in a standard wash?
	We typically do the following cycles: Pre-Soak which wets the clothes and softens dirt; Wash Cycle which uses detergent to dissolve dirt and remove stains by repeatedly cycling the clothes from the top of the drum to the bottom; First Rinse which removes dirt and soap from the clothes; Final Rinse which removes any remaining detergent; and Spin Cycle which extracts water from the clothes at high speeds allowing your clothes to come out slightly damp, but not wet.

	What makes the dryers environmentally-friendly?
	We use oversized dryers that are designed to maximize air flow to your clothes so they dry more quickly. Short drying times at lower temperatures prevent your clothes from overheating and shrinking.

	What do you mean by high efficiency?
	We minimize our energy and water consumption while maximizing our washing and drying power.

	How do you monitor water, and power usage?
	We track energy and water usage daily to ensure that all processes are functioning properly.

	What is special about the detergents you use?
	We use environmentally-friendly detergents that are biodegradable, odor-free and non-allergenic.

	Do you use fabric softeners?
	The detergents we use leave your clothes feeling soft already. However, if you would like your clothes to feel softer or to have a pleasant scent, please let us know in the instructions of your order and we can supply a fabric softener to be used in the dryer.

	Can you use a fabric softener sheet that I supply?
	Yes, if you include a fabric softener with your laundry bag, we will add it in with your clothes in the dryer. Please let us know in the instructions of your order.

	Can I use my own detergent?
	Yes, you can also supply us with your own detergent. Please let us know in the instructions of your order.

What is regular dry cleaning?

Approximately 85% of traditional dry cleaners use perc to clean clothes. Perchloroethylene is a dangerous chemical similar to hydrcarbons like petroleum.

What is different about your dry cleaning?

We dry clean your clothes without using perc or hydrocarbons. There are several kinds of environmentally-friendly dry cleaning methods available today. CO2, wet cleaning, and silicone are the most popular. We believe that silicone , which is essentially liquified sand, offers the best combination of cleaning efficiency and environmental care.

	What else makes The Laundry Stork^SM environmentally-friendly?
	We use soaps that are phosphate- and hydrocarbon-free (they are also free to you). The detergents are eco-friendly products specially formulated for washing machines. They are low-sudsing but efficient-cleaning products. Low suds and water levels improve efficiency by maximizing the tumbling power of the drums. We also minimize our electrical energy use for both drying and washing as much as possible given the current technology. We heat our water instantly on demand using boilers, thus minimizing any wasted water.

	How do you monitor water, and power usage?
	We track energy and water usage daily to ensure that all processes are functioning properly.

	What is your service area?
	We service all of Brooklyn and doorman buildings only in Manhattan (below 96th Street, but including Columbia University), as well as commercial accounts. If you do not have a doorman, you can email us and we will try to accommodate you.

	How should I prepare my laundry bag for best results? Should I separate whites from colors from delicate items?
	Put all of your laundry into a laundry bag and let us know online of any special instructions when you place an order. For instance, if you have any articles of clothing that may run and ruin your other clothes, we can wash them separately. Indicate any stains that should be pre-washed or spotted. Indicate any delicate items. To be sure, in addition to letting us know in the online instructions, it is also helpful if you safety-pin a note to any clothes that need special treatment. Turn inside-out all of your outer garments. We separate whites from colors but it best that you do so as well to avoid any confusion. This is especially true for delicate items. Please mark delicate items carefully by notifying us in the "Special Instructions" box in the online order form and by placing them in a separate bag with a note attached with clear instructions.

	How do I receive the discounted "Laundry Subscriber Prices"?
	If you sign up for a Subscription Laundry Plan, then you will receive the discounted "Laundry Subscriber Prices" on the Special Laundry Items and Dry Cleaning Items. You need to login first. Otherwise, you will be charged the standard "Pay As You Go Prices" on these items.

	How do I change/cancel an order or a Laundry Plan?
	You can change an order or a Laundry plan by emailing us at customerservice@laundrystork.com. We need at least 48-hour notice. Because of the large discount you receive by signing up for any of our laundry plans, it is usually not allowed to cancel a Laundry Plan.

	What if I have more or less than the 18lbs or 38lbs listed in the Laundry Plans?
	This is not a problem. Choose the plan that you think is most appropriate. If you are slightly under or over the weight (i.e. 16lbs or 20lbs for an 18lb bag), then we will not alter your charge. However, if you are significantly over-weight (i.e. 25 pounds for an 18 pound bag), then we will charge you, but only at one of our lower rates.

	What if I am not sure which shopping cart item(s) to put for a dry cleaning or special laundry order?
	Choose the item(s) that best match your request. We can adjust your charges after your order is processed. Prices are for standard garments only and added charges and/or time may apply for special items.

	What do I need to know about special laundry or dry cleaning items?
	Please note that leather items usually take one to two weeks to complete. Moreover, if your garment contains any of the following items, it may require special handling and therefore result in additional service time and higher charges: silk, cashmere, leather, down, beads, fancy buttons, detailed stitching, appliques, embroidery, printing and decals, winter heavy lining, zip lining, hood, fur (real or faux).

	What if I am not happy with a service?
	We will do our best to satisfy you.

	How should I mark a stain so you can pre-treat it for me?
	We will pre-treat a stain if we see it. Please let us know in the online instructions of your order. To be sure, separate the garment in a different bag if you can and add a note to the stained area stating what caused the stain if you know.

Do you have any other questions for us?

Please

Contact The Laundry Stork^SM

and let us know.