I know that should be the case in theory... but I've a linen shirt
(embroidered with a synthetic), and a rayon dress that I've bought in
the last year - both have "dry clean only"... and both have been hand
washed and delicate cycle cold water (just got a no-agitator top-loader)
quite a number of times and they look "like new" still. There might be
a minimal amount of fading, but not so you'd notice unless maybe if you
had a slip of the fabric when it was new. I've got older items that are
the same way. All of *those*, however have been cheaper and not a
needed in a fairly short amount of time... so I've been willing to
experiment.
This one I'm still not sure what I'll do with - mostly because it *is*
black, and mostly rayon. The only reason I figured on hoping for the
best (and I may try it after the trip) is because it had the "light
steam" - which indicates that the issue shouldn't be shrinkage, as any
steam would affect the material negatively if it were a concern. Oh,
actually there's another reason as well... it's feel is rather different
from most rayon and rayon blends that I've come across with that label.
It's softer - almost feels like it's been washed already... and the
chemical itch I often get from trying on new clothes wasn't there.
Now I have to figure out whether to dry clean it before the trip or
not. One chemical or the other it's going to be a bother. I really
wish I had the time to make something out of material I trust... ah well.
Thanks all!
-Liz
From: monica spence <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Actually, with all due respect, that is not necessarily true. I worked in
the garment industry for 25 years as a designer, patternmaker and technical
desuigner. Most stores require testing as part of their Quality Assurance
program.Part of that is Wash testing. The federal govermnent no longer lets
manufacturers put a "dry clean only " tag on a garment. A manufacturer must
allow the customer the ability to wash with specific directions (cold
water, bleach, etc.. If a fabric/garment has been PROVEN to be damaged by
the use of a specific thing (hot water, detergent, bleach, etc) then the
MFG. can say on their tag "Cold water only" or "Dry clean only" etc. Mfgs no
longer have the luxury of putting the "Dry clean only" tag on a garment
because it is convenient or safe. I found this out the hard way when
deakling with Nordstroms a few years ago. They INSISTED on putting "Use dry
bleach when necessary" tag on their girl's swimwear.
If it says Dry Clean only, follow the directions. Then if something happens,
you can return it to the store, who will in turn send it to the
Manufacturer. If you have improperly cleaned something, it is not
necessarily the store's problem.
Monica
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