Johnsons washed a jumper instead of dry cleaning and ruined it:(

kiwi_fruit

I'm just so gutted:( Collected items today and obviously only found out when I got home that not only they washed one of the jumpers instead of dry cleaning it but also shrunk it for 1.5" in width and I can't even wear it now as it's way too tight, it also looks real "fuzzy". The label on this jumper states "hand washing or dry cleaning" and when I handed the items in I specifically asked everything to be dry cleaned(
Have to say I never had a problem with them before and I use them quite a lot for woolen stuff as it comes out so much better than after washing.
What would you do in my situation?:( Go back with it? How do I prove that it was originally bigger and different shape? Leave it be? £40 quid jumper from Gap only worn a few times, such a shame:(
Thanks for any replies..

hollydays

Did they tell you that they washed it?

kiwi_fruit

no, I just collected items as normal in the wrapper on hangers, they didn't mention anything

vyle

Hello

As someone with experience in the dry cleaning industry i have just a couple of things to say.

Firstly, be sure that the garment has been wet cleaned. If the tags/tickets that Johnsons put on your garment are still attached inside the garment, look at the condition of the ticket. If it still looks in good condition or feels greasy, then it's probably been dry cleaned. If it looks faded and off-colour then it's most likely been washed.

If you think it's been washed, then damage may have been caused. Not following the care label can cause damage to the garment such as shrinkage and change to the feel (or "handle") of the garment. However, don't assume it's the dry cleaners fault. They may have followed the care label and hand washed it (for reasons why they might do this, see below). If they have followed the care label and the item is damaged, then it may be a manufacturing fault.

However if you are in doubt where to point the blame, and the dry cleaner will not admit they caused the damage, then ask for a technical report. Johnsons cleaners are obliged to send the item for an independent report to ascertain where the damage was caused. They can test the strength of the material to see if it is likely that the garment has shrunk, and they will test for traces of soap powder or dry cleaning detergent to see what method the cleaners used.

If the report says that the blame lies with the dry cleaners, then they will have to compensate you. If otherwise, you have proof that the garment was not fit for sale (Ask to keep the technical report to show the manufacturer), and you can get your money back.

If you don't trust their technical report, you can get your own from the Textile Services Association ( https://www.tsa-uk.org ). They are an independant group which can solve disputes like yours. However, be warned, the cost of a report may exceed the value of your item. In my opinion it would be wiser to settle the dispute directly with the dry cleaner, however if they won't admit liability then don't expect more than a few vouchers for dry cleaning.

So, why would they wash it? Well, with alot of items, wet-cleaning (washing, either by hand or by machine) can give better results than dry cleaning depending on what marks and stains are on the garment. Water and grease based stains are difficult to get out with dry cleaning, especially with the D5 (Green Earth) solvent which Johnsons Cleaners uses. Often dry cleaners will use the safest meathod first, then try wet cleaning if the results are not acceptable. However if the dry cleaner thought that a method not listed on the care label would improve results, they would ask your opinion before going ahead. In this instance, the dry cleaner may have dry cleaned the item first, before trying wet cleaning by hand.

Anyway, i hope you can resolve your dispute. By all means return the garment top the dry cleaners and tell them it's shrunk, and push for a Technical Report if you are not offered one. Just keep an open mind about where the blame lies.

hollydays

Wow-some people really know their stuff!

kiwi_fruit

vyle thanks for your reply it's very educational!
The paper tag on this jumper is in good condition and doesn't look any different from dry cleaned items but it(jumper) smells different(smells of detergent) and as I said shrunk and lost it's shape, I can't think it's possible to cause such damage with dry cleaning? The branch I use is indeed Green earth one but the jumper didn't have any stains so I'm really puzzled why they washed it and why it looks so bad now. Two other woolens were dry cleaned(just as well as they were "dry clean only" items)
Thanks for your advice, I'll try to get back there asap and talk to them.