What is what to do when dry cleaner shrink clothes?

Okay, here's some information on what to do when a dry cleaner shrinks your clothes, formatted in Markdown with the requested links:

What to Do When Your Dry Cleaner Shrinks Your Clothes

Discovering that your clothes have shrunk after a trip to the dry cleaner can be frustrating. Here's a breakdown of steps you can take:

1. Assess the Damage: Carefully examine the garment. Is it slightly smaller, or drastically changed? Note the fabric type (e.g., wool, cotton, silk) as some fabrics are more prone to shrinking than others.

2. Contact the Dry Cleaner Immediately: As soon as you notice the shrinkage, contact the dry cleaner. Explain the situation calmly and clearly. Provide details about the garment, when you dropped it off, and when you picked it up.

3. Discuss the Issue: When discussing it, ask:

   • What cleaning process was used?
   • Did they notice any issues with the garment before or after cleaning?
   • What is their policy regarding damaged items?

4. Request an Explanation: Ask for a clear explanation of why the garment might have shrunk. A reputable dry cleaner should be able to provide insight into the process and potential causes.

5. Explore Options for Rectification: Depending on the severity of the shrinkage and the garment's material, there may be options for reversing the damage.

   • Stretching: Some fabrics, like wool, can sometimes be stretched back to their original size when wet. A professional might be able to do this.

   • Alterations: If the garment is only slightly smaller, a tailor might be able to make alterations to provide a bit more room.

6. Negotiate Compensation: If the shrinkage is significant and irreversible, discuss compensation with the dry cleaner. This might involve:

   • Cleaning bill refund.
   • Partial or full reimbursement for the garment's value.
   • A store credit for future dry cleaning services.

7. Document Everything: Keep records of all interactions, including dates, times, names of individuals you spoke with, and the outcome of the conversation. Keep receipts and any tags from the dry cleaner.

8. Know Your Rights: Understand your consumer rights in your location. Some jurisdictions have laws protecting consumers against damaged goods.

9. Consider Further Action (If Necessary): If you're unable to reach a satisfactory resolution with the dry cleaner, you can consider:

   • Filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
   • Leaving a review on online review platforms.
   • Consulting with a legal professional regarding your options. However, for low cost items the potential benefit of such action may be negligible.

Important Considerations:

• Pre-Existing Conditions: If the garment had pre-existing shrinkage or damage before dry cleaning, it can be difficult to prove that the dry cleaner was solely responsible.
• Care Labels: Always follow the care instructions on the garment's label. If a garment is labeled "dry clean only," attempting to wash it yourself could cause shrinkage. A dry cleaner is not responsible for shrinkage if you asked them to perform a process the garment was not rated for.
• Inexpensive Items: While it's frustrating to lose a cheap garment, pursuing compensation might not be worth the time and effort involved.