By Kathy
Boyd-McLaughlin
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 Ask
friends about dry-cleaning firms whom they trust. Try to find someone
who routinely cares for wedding dresses and eveningwear.
-
Check
with the Better Business Bureau for specific cleaners you are
considering.
-
Find
out whether the cleaner is a member of the International Fabricare
Institute. This nonprofit trade association keeps its members
up-to-date on the latest information about cleaning techniques.
-
Ask
your dry cleaner how often they change the solvents. This should be
done at least once a month. Specify that the solvent used must be
clean. Dirty solvents can discolor your wedding gown.
-
Don't
necessarily look for the lowest price. Keeping your gown beautiful is
worth the price of a cleaning.
-
Take
note of the appearance of the shop. Is it clean and well organized?
Does it look like a place that will do a good job?
When
purchasing your gown, find out as much information as possible
from the retailer about how to clean and care for it.
If
you have specific questions about cleaning and preserving your
gown, you can contact the International Fabricare Institute. Email
them at www.IFI.org,
or write to the International Fabricare Institute, 12251 Tech
Road, Silver Spring, MD 20904 or call them at 301-622-1900.
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