> Dry cleaning is a process that maintains all/most of the finishes put on
the
fabric during the mfg process; this is the answer I got form our regional
manger after I asked why linen/wool/silk (which all existed for centuries
before drycleaning was invented) were always so marked on the bolts. The
fabric -will- change when you wash it- shrink/get fuzzy/twist etc; which
is
why all the books tell you to pre wash fabric before cutting- I usually
advise washing a piece to see if you can live with the change, but it is
too
late for you to do that. So, if you like them the way they are, I am
afraid
the Dry Cleaner is in your future; if you want to gamble on the result you
can wash them, but they will not come out the same.
I disagree. Manufacturers are required by law to state a washing method on
the care label. They are also required to provide documentation that the
stated method will not harm the clothing over the expected lifetime of the
garment. If they chose to state "dry clean only" they are not required to
do the extensive (or *as* extensive) testing necessary to prove the method
is suitable.
Often companies choose "dry clean only" as a cost/time saving choice for
them, not because it's the only or best way to clean the garment. I also
suspect that many high end lines recommend that method as an indicator of
quality (right or wrong) as perceived by their intended customer base. There
are *many* people who dry clean EVERYTHING except socks and underwear.
I would venture that handwashing the trousers in cold water would cause no
damage, especially since the owner is willing to press/starch as needed.
Denise B
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