Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
“HOT OFF THE PRESS” Dry Cleaning News
(248) 543-0340 | janetdaviscleaners.com 27607 Woodward Ave., Berkley, MI 48072
MARCH 2026
Nearly a Century of Care A CLEANER’S STORY YEARS IN THE MAKING
If you walked into our building in the late 1990s, when my father took it over, you would have seen aging equipment, worn floors, and a facility ready for renewal. But the story of Janet Davis Cleaners begins much earlier — in 1938 — when Janet Davis and her father opened a cleaners just outside Detroit.
When my father stepped in to lead the company, the focus was renewal. Outdated machinery was gradually replaced, processes improved, and steady reinvestment transformed the operation while preserving the level
new systems, and continually refining how we serve our customers.
Today, innovation remains a central focus of my work, always guided by customer care. We continue exploring new technologies, specialized garment care services, and niche markets that allow us to meet needs traditional cleaners often cannot. Much of my role involves deep thinking and collaboration — working alongside our team and industry partners to build something new and better while honoring the standards of service, craftsmanship, and core values that built our reputation.
of care customers had come to expect. Every improvement was made with our core values in mind: better care for the people who trusted us with the garments and memories important to them.
Nearly 90 years later, while much has changed, the philosophy remains the same: care for customers, do exceptional work, and treat people well. Everything we have built has grown from that simple idea. Janet played a central role in building the company at a time when few women owned businesses. She later met her husband, Howard, through the business, and together they expanded operations to multiple locations. The Woodward Avenue facility, opened in 1950, remains our home today — continuing a tradition centered on trust, craftsmanship, and personal service. Over time, the company evolved through multiple generations of family leadership. Expansion into additional locations — including Dearborn — helped strengthen the business, and in the years that followed, our family brought the operation back together, positioning Janet Davis Cleaners for its next era of service to the community.
I see my role as that of a steward. Every generation builds upon the work of the last, preserving what matters while preparing the business for the future. At its heart, this business has always been about people — caring for customers, respecting the trust they place in us, and
I joined the business full-time in 2006 carrying, like many in family businesses, a deep appreciation for the price and value found in generations of family work — and a vision to continue doing exceptional work for our
customers while caring for people and the stories connected to their garments. My father and I worked side by side for nearly two decades, improving the business one
protecting the garments that carry their memories and milestones.
As long as that commitment remains, I believe Janet would be proud of where her company stands today, and where it’s headed next. –Kyle Matthews 1 (248) 543-0340
step at a time — upgrading equipment, expanding delivery services, introducing
Dresses From the Sky Parachutes Turned Into Wedding Gowns
As spring arrives, so do seasonal gatherings, Easter get-togethers, and family brunches. Many people pull their favorite table linens out of storage only to find old stains, dull fabric, or heavy creases that won’t budge. Preparing for spring entertaining doesn’t mean you have to toss them aside or shop for new ones. With the proper care, your tired tablecloths can go from storage-worn to a stylish centerpiece. It’s common for tablecloths and linens to develop wrinkles or creases after they are stored post-holidays. If you want to give them a quick refresh before they go on the table, you can steam iron them on a low setting or hang the tablecloth in a steamy bathroom for a few minutes. A little steam can help loosen wrinkles and relax the fabric’s fibers. For old stains that have set in, you can pretreat the area with a stain remover before washing the tablecloth according to its care instructions. As always, it’s wise to spot-test the cleaner on a small area to ensure it won’t damage the fabric. The best way to prevent stubborn stains and creases is to treat them immediately and properly store your table linens. Tablecloths can be tricky to tackle on your own due to their large size, the difficult food stains they endure, and the sensitive fabrics they’re made of. They can wrinkle easily, and ironing every crease can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. At Janet Davis Cleaners, we make entertaining effortless. Our machines are built to handle bulky tablecloths, and we carefully inspect each item, choosing the best method to get them spotless. After we clean them, we ensure they are pressed to perfection. Don’t Let Wrinkles and Stains Steal the Spotlight SPRING ENTERTAINING STARTS AT THE TABLE
Most wedding dresses come from boutiques or family closets. But in the 1940s, some came from the sky. During and after World War II, brides across the U.S. and parts of Europe walked down the aisle in gowns made from parachutes. Equal parts scarcity and sentiment contributed to the development of this tradition. At the time, budgets were tight. Brides-to-be faced fabric rationing, and the military got most of the nylon. A parachute offered yards of strong, clean material, making it valuable. But for some couples, the biggest draw wasn’t the fabric. It was the story tied to it. One of the most famous examples is that of Major Claude Hensinger, who was forced to parachute out of a burning bomber. The chute delivered him safely to the ground and served as his bedding while he waited for rescue. He proposed to his girlfriend, Ruth, after returning home and suggested she use that same parachute for her gown. She hired a seamstress to construct the bodice and gathered the skirt
herself using parachute cords. The finished dress, inspired by one from “Gone With the Wind,” now sits in the Smithsonian. Another bride, Carolyn Martin, made her own parachute dress after her fiancé, Chuck, survived a training flight crash. Carolyn transformed his parachute into a wedding dress using the sewing skills she had picked up in eighth grade. It is now part of the San Diego Air and Space Museum’s collection. A far more elaborate dress is stored at
the National Museum of the United States Air Force. It originally belonged to an Air Force family and was pieced together from nine parachutes used in combat. One of the most meaningful parachute dresses, though, came from a displaced persons camp in Germany. Two Holocaust survivors, Ludwig Friedman and Lilly Lax, married at the camp in 1946. To make the wedding dress, Ludwig bought a parachute from Allied troops, and Lilly hired a seamstress using cigarette rations. Two more brides at other camps borrowed their dress before it was preserved at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
One of our recent customers turned to us when she had an extra- large tablecloth that needed a little TLC.
“I was extremely happy with how they handled my very large linen tablecloth; it was cleaned and pressed beautifully. I am very happy with this cleaner overall, with customer service and the quality of their work.” Let us take care of the big stuff this season so you can focus on hosting and making memories. Contact Janet Davis Cleaners today to go from storage to spring-ready. We have your table covered!
Parachute nylon was never meant to be heirloom fabric. But during a time of shortages and uncertainty, that’s what it became.
janetdaviscleaners.com 2
solvent. The problem is that it doesn’t remove stains, it just moves them. Hairspray will cause the ink to spread, making it more difficult to remove and potentially causing irreversible damage. At Janet Davis Cleaners, we use a product specifically designed to remove ink from stained clothes that you can’t find in stores. MYTH 3: DRY CLEANING IS HARSH ON CLOTHES AND THE PLANET. A common misconception is that dry cleaning can destroy your clothes. The truth is that washing is actually a harsher process. Think about whether you have ever accidentally washed a napkin in your home machine. It comes out shredded into a million pieces. If you accidentally dry-clean the same delicate handkerchief, it would still come out intact. The solvents we use pass through fabrics more easily than detergents and water. As far as its impact on the planet, early solvents like kerosene had their issues, but modern products are designed not to absorb into the air or ground. Dry-cleaning solvents today are odorless, non-toxic, and use fewer resources. Ready to experience the real deal? Contact Janet Davis Cleaners to see how we can dry-clean your favorite garments safely, effectively, and with no chemical odors.
Have you wondered if dry cleaning is really dry? Or if your clothes are going to come back from the cleaner smelling like chemicals? Some of the most common myths about dry cleaning are actually old stories that are no longer true. Modern machines and techniques make dry cleaning your favorite garments safe, sustainable, and easier than you might think. Let’s throw those outdated tall tales back in the laundry basket! MYTH 1: DRY CLEANING IS DRY. Even though it’s in the name, dry cleaning doesn’t mean your clothes stay dry during the process. It’s called dry because the solvents used have lower viscosity than water. Any non-water-based solvent is considered “dry,” even though it is a liquid. As clothes are getting cleaned in the machine, the solvent is filtered and ultimately gets distilled until it’s a pure solvent again. MYTH 2: HAIRSPRAY REMOVES INK STAINS. Have you ever heard that you can use hairspray to remove ink or stains from your clothes? Please don’t. Hairspray contains alcohol, a water-based THINK DRY CLEANING IS ‘DRY’? Debunking Common Cleaning Myths
The hanger shortage is still an issue, and we will continue collecting your hangers! Instead of sending them to the landfill, let us put them to use. We offer a cardboard hanger recycling tote you can request to fill with the hangers you no longer need. It can also help you organize your closet. Thank you for all your help. THE HANGER SHORTAGE CONTINUES
INGREDIENTS • 1 loaf frozen bread dough • 2 tbsp garlic herb spreadable cheese • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Spinach Artichoke Pizza
SUDOKU
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 7 oz artichoke hearts, chopped • Several handfuls of fresh spinach • Pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS 1. Thaw dough according to package directions and let it rise for 2 hours. 2. Preheat oven to 450 F. 3. Coat a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with non-stick spray, then gently stretch dough to fit. 4. Spread garlic herb cheese evenly across the entire dough layer. 5. Sprinkle mozzarella and Gruyere cheeses evenly over dough, reserving a small amount of each. 6. As the topping, scatter chopped artichoke hearts, followed by a layer of torn spinach leaves, and then the reserved cheeses. Add black pepper to taste. 7. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and crisp.
Inspired by BlueBowlRecipes.com
3 (248) 543-0340
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
Monday–Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
(248) 543-0340 janetdaviscleaners.com INSIDE THIS ISSUE
27607 Woodward Ave. Berkley, MI 48072
1 Honoring Our History 2 Brides Who Wore Parachutes
Give Your Table Linens a Fresh Start
3 Safe, Sustainable, and Smell-Free
Spinach Artichoke Pizza
4 Pack Like a Pro and Say Goodbye to Suitcase Overload
We’ve all been there: juggling bags, hunting for space in overhead compartments, and wishing we had packed lighter. But with these five simple strategies, you can pack less, move faster, and enjoy your adventure instead of dragging it around. YOUR CARRY-ON, UPGRADED A Guide to Mastering the Minimalist Travel Mindset CHOOSE A SMALLER BAG TO GUIDE YOUR PACKING. We all have that impulse to pack “just in case,” stuffing extra clothes and gadgets into our luggage because, well, there’s
KEEP TOILETRIES TINY AND SIMPLE. Skip the half-bottle of shampoo and overstuffed toiletry bag. Travel-size containers for shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, sunscreen, and a few first-aid essentials are all you need. Bonus: Running out of toothpaste gives you a perfect excuse to explore a local grocery store. You might even discover a quirky, new favorite. THINK SHORT, EVEN ON LONG TRIPS. Longer travel doesn’t mean more packing. Essentials, such as your passport, phone, chargers, a water bottle, a comb, and a travel pillow, remain constant. Clothing? Keep it minimal and plan to do laundry. Sink-washing, hotel services, or local laundromats all work. A few spins in water and a quick hang to dry is surprisingly effective. Travel lighter, explore further, and enjoy the freedom that comes from packing smart. Less baggage means more adventure, and a little extra space for souvenirs.
room. But here’s the trick: Pick a smaller bag than usual. A carry-on around 10 liters smaller than what you usually use acts as a gentle nudge, forcing you to rethink what you need.
BUILD A CAPSULE WARDROBE FOR TRAVEL.
Clothes are where overpacking really sneaks in. Instead of thinking in terms of outfits, think in terms of items. Build a travel capsule wardrobe of 10–12 mix- and-match pieces, including shoes and jackets. These can cover a week or more. Don’t stress about underwear; pack what you need outside the capsule. The goal is simplicity, flexibility, and style without the suitcase overload. MAXIMIZE SPACE WITH COMPRESSION CUBES. Packing cubes might not reduce the amount you bring, but they sure make it fit better. Compression cubes help you organize and compact your clothing, allowing even a modest bag to hold everything neatly.
janetdaviscleaners.com 4
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator