Even dry cleaners sometimes have trouble deciphering clothing care labels! As part of “Project Clean” the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) established a set of universal symbols for garment manufacturers to use on their clothing care labels that should explain at least one safe method of cleaning the garment. At a minimum, the instructions include four symbols: washing, bleaching, drying, and [...]
Archive for the ‘Clothing Care Tips’ category
How do you read clothing care labels?
January 27, 2010Why is dry cleaning so expensive?
October 28, 2009Dry cleaning doesn’t have to be expensive! By shopping around and asking a few key questions, you can find a cleaner in your area that is offering the best value. Dry cleaning prices are very “elastic”. In most major metro areas, you can find an extremely wide range of prices being charged for dry cleaning. I’ve seen ranges as wide [...]
Do home dry cleaning kits really work?
October 26, 2009Home dry cleaning kits like Dryel, Custom Cleaner and FreshCare can be an effective way to stretch your dry cleaning dollar. By “freshening” your clothes between visits, they reduce the frequency of going to the cleaner. These kits use the heat in your dryer to generate steam inside special dryer bags, which activate perfumed sheets that mask any [...]
Clothing Care Label Symbols Defined – Washing
October 25, 2009The symbols on a clothing care label can provide valuable information about the best way to clean the garment, but only if you understand what they mean. Here are a few common labels and their definitions. Garments with this symbol on their care label can be safely machine washed in warm water. Garments with this symbol [...]
What to do if clothes bleed?
October 21, 2009The Garment Manufacturer’s Dilemma When making clothing, the manufacturer is torn between two opposing desires. On one hand, they need to create a garment that is serviceable. By serviceable, I mean a garment that can be safely cleaned repeatedly without causing damage or excessive wear to the fabric. On the other hand, they need to create a garment that is aesthetically pleasing. In order for it to sell successfully, a garment must be made [...]
Clothing Term Word Origins
October 20, 2009Since I was a young boy, I’ve found word origins fascinating. Here is a small collection of clothing term etymologies that I have gathered through the years. I hope you find them as interesting as do… Button- Originally from Middle English spelled “boton” and meant “bud” of a flower. Buttons look like flower buds. Collar – Comes from the Latin word [...]
Garment Care Labels Defined – Ironing
October 13, 2009The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires that all garments sold in the US have a care label attached. Below we have defined four common symbols found on care labels indicating the appropriate heat setting when ironing the garment. Garments with this symbol on their care label can be safely ironed with the iron’s temperature set to “low” heat. Garments with this [...]
Clothing Stain Removal Guide
September 15, 2009THE BASICS 1. TAKE QUICK ACTION – The sooner a stain is treated the better. Time can “set” stains. Almost any stain can be removed if action is taken quickly enough, however almost any stain will become permanent if left untreated too long. Ideally, all stains should be treated within the first 24 hours. 2. [...]
What if the dry cleaner ruins your clothes?
August 17, 2009So, what can you do to protect yourself from incompetent drycleaners?
1. PICK A GOOD CLEANER
2. GET TO KNOW YOUR CLEANER
3. HELP THE CLEANER HELP YOU
What should you do if the drycleaner ruins your shirt?
1. INFORM THE CLEANER ASAP
2. REMAIN CALM & PATIENT
3. LET THE CLEANER SUGGEST A SOLUTION
4. GIVE THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT
5. GET THIRD PARTY TESTIMONY
To send your garment in for analysis, call 888-700-6177 ext 700 and ask for Darrell New.
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