NEWSLETTER
Comsumer Alert!
Unfortunately, due to poor manufacturing of some garmets, they do not withstand the dry cleaning process well. It is crucial for the consumer to be aware of these problem pieces and if possible, refrain from purchasing them or hand wash them. Be advised that these items will say "dry clean only" on their tags, but they have been idenified as problematic due to a manufacturers defect.
This area will be regularily updated, so please check back frequently to see the latest issues to be aware of.
March 29, 2013
The Garment: A dark blue pair of cotton denim Levi 501 jeans. The care label states: "machine wash cold inside out-liquid detergent recommended-tumble dry medium-hot iron-do not dryclean" with confusing and sometimes contradictory International Code Symbols that for instance allows drycleaning.
The Problem:During commercial laundering, the blue dye bleeds, fades, crocks and creates objectionable light streaks. We have seen this very same fading problem during washing in similar Levi jeans of other colors, including black, light blue and even gray. Gentle home style cold water washing with mild liquid detergents also causes some fading, but it is minimized and streaking is usually eliminated.
Who's Responsible? Many consumers want to have their jeans processed professionally because they want them starched and pressed for a stiff crisp appearance and sharp creases. Most washable jeans from major jean makers can withstand both home washing processes, as well as professional laundering without adverse dye disturbance. However, this particular style of jeans has had numerous colorfastness failures during commercial laundering.
Levi Strauss and Co., Inc.
Importer, Wholesaler, Manufacturing
1155 Battery St./P.O. Box 7275
San Francisco, CA 94120
Phone: 1-866-860-8907
www.levi.com
What To Do: This is a warning that some Levi 501 cotton denim jean pants may not be commercially launderable by standard methods without adverse fading and streaks. In some cases, a milder alternative care process, as labeled, may be acceptable.
Consumer Alert Archives
* Featuring a garment does not imply that a manufacturer is knowingly or continually producing defective goods. While this particular item was deemed unable to withstand the recommended care process, other comparable garments may or may not hold up to the care instructions.
