Mislabeled garments can cause cleaning problems

Tag : washed garments


I received a phone call from a reader who had purchased amicropolyester suit with a label that stated: "Dry-clean usingpetroleum solvent only." She had a problem finding a dry cleanerwho uses this solvent.

This label was used even though the item could have been handwashed or dry-cleaned with any other solvent. The care labeling lawenacted in 1972 provided that all manufactured garments carrysewn-in care instructions on cleaning the garment.

This law was in the interest of the consumers and the dry cleanersin handling their garments. Unfortunately, many manufacturers donot test their garments and therefore mislabel their garments, orput in ambiguous labels. I worked with the Federal Trade Commissionby notifying them of mislabeled garments.

Although the Federal Trade Commission brought action against somemanufacturers, the number was very small compared with the numberof violations. There still are many mislabeled garments, perhaps asmany as 40 percent.

Sometimes the manufacturer will label a garment, but not give thebest way of cleaning. Manufacturers also might label a garment in away that misleads consumers and encourages them to accept defectsin the garment. The following are examples of mislabeled garments:

• A dress made of silk, polyester, nylon and metallic yarns. Problem:The dry-clean only label does not limit heat. Many metallic yarnsare coated with plastic. They will shrink when steamed andsubjected to a high temperature pressing.

• Blue beaded blouse. Problem: Label says to hand wash or dry spotclean, using Zurcion method. The FTC has ruled that the Zurcioncleaning label cannot be used.

• Green polyester gown. Problem: The label says: "Spot clean only. Donot dry clean. Do not wash." The garment can, however, be wetcleaned.

• Raw silk beaded suits. Problem: The label reads: "Occasional slubs,weave shading and irregularities in hand woven fabrics should notbe regarded as defects." These characteristics are not defects ormisweaves. In reality, these characteristics are defects, despitethe labeling.

• Black beaded and sequined trimmed blouse (acetate and rayon).Problem: The label states: "Handwashable." The garment could shrinkin hand washing due to the rayon.

Garments with mislabeling and ambiguous labels should be returnedto the store of purchase for a refund.

Dan Eisen is a garment analyst. For questions or comments, callEisen at (772) 340-0909, write to Danny on the Spot, 274 N.W.Toscane Trail, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 or send e-mail to cleandan@comcast.net .