WHO IS RESPONSIBLE? A CONSUMER GUIDE

Sometimes damage that occurs during the cleaning process is our responsibility. Whenever that happens we will address the circumstances promptly and fairly, often using the Fair Claims Guide For Consumer Textile Products to guide us in proper settlement. However, if there is a valid question regarding responsibility, we may seek permission to submit the item for an independent determination performed by the International Textile Analysis Laboratory. See Table below. Expand to full screen by clicking icon top right corner.

During November IFI’s International Textile Analysis Laboratory received nearly 1,000 garments. IFI’s textile analysts corroborated the following types of garment problems, broken out into three broad categories from the most frequent problems to the least frequent problems.

MANUFACTURER PROBLEMS (42%)

1. poor colorfastness of dyes and finishes on leather

2. solvent-soluble dyes and prints on fabric garments

3. water-soluble dyes and prints

4. problems with flocked finishes

5. fusible separation

CONSUMER PROBLEMS (39%)

1. color change due to bleach contact

2. fabric deterioration due to acid/alkaline contact

3. insect damage

4. accumulation of water-soluble soils

5. physical damage due to tears, wear, and abrasion

DRYCLEANER PROBLEMS (19%)

1. felting shrinkage to wool

2. failure to follow care instructions

3. re-deposition

4. chemical damage

5. color loss due to stain removal attempts