AtlSoapGuy
Atlanta, GA
Male, 52
I have worked in the dry cleaning industry for almost 30 years. I worked in my family's dry cleaning operation as a manager and owner. Currently, I write a blog for those in the dry cleaning industry, as well as work for a manufacturer of dry cleaning chemicals. Over the years I have spent in the dry cleaning industry, I estimate that I have been in over 2000 dry cleaners in the US.
Not every dry cleaner does repairs on garments. Some will have full alteration/tailor shops, some will send their garments out to be repaired, while others will offer the basic repairs. Some of the high end and better quality cleaners will offer minor repairs at no charge. It all depends on how the owners have set up their operations.
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You got me on that one. Unfortunately, I have no experience working in the state of California.
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Sometimes dry cleaners can stretch a garment back into the original size. It depends on the fabrics, finishes, equipment used and the degree of shrinkage you are trying to correct.
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There have been quite a few problems with dye fading in garments containing spandex as of late. So without seeing the garment, yes, it could be possible that it is a manufacturer's problem.
The grease stains are tough to tell, solvent that has not dried evenly of thoroughly can leave a greasy appearance (similar to a food grease, not a black grease). The steam burns you describe could be a result of brown dye fading and not scorch. It is pretty tough to tell withoug seeing it.
Does the care label say the garment is dry cleanable? Was it dry cleaned in Perc, HydroCarbon or another solvent? Some of the current dye fading problems are occuring more in HydroCarbon than other solvents and can often be corrected when cleaned in Perc if the garment is safe to clean in Perc.
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When it comes to laundering shirts, it is a great idea to point this type of problem out to the counter person that is taking the garments in to be cleaned. Even though there may be tape on the garment, laundered shirts are done in large volume and often the stain removal process is done after the shirts have been laundered the first time.
The dry cleaner may be able to use a VDS type stain remover, along with an OTPR to remove it. However, the plastic in the tape may be melted/embedded so deeply in the fibers of the shirt that it cannot be corrected.
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That is a difficult problem. As the previous owner of a drycleaner, I would have to say that the customer is USUALLY right. In this case, I would try to get the garment cleaned up with the grease marks removed for you. The downside of this is that the garment may be very difficult to clean, with some risks involved, depending on the skill of the cleaner and construction of the garment. Hopefully, you have a professional dry cleaner that you are working with, that will be reasonable to work with.
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It sounds like they may have gotten something on the dress during the pressing of it that required it to be cleaned in order to remove the stain. I can think of know other reason that they would have cleaned the dress. The hand made flowers couldn't withstand the cleaning process used. It also sounds that the dress was usable.
It is a tough question to answer, not having seen the dress or the damage. I do not think that the cleaner should pay for the dress. However, I do think that the cleaner should do something for you for all of the problems and stress you encountered. Many people choose to have their gowns restored/preserved after they have worn them, this can cost up to several hundred dollars to have done. If I where the owner of the cleaner I would offer to have the gown restored and preserved at no charge for you.
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