RE: wedding dress cleaning info; also padded hangers

[Jerry Shiner <keepsafe@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 04:42 PM 19/07/00 -0700, you wrote:
> Apropos of cleaning wedding dresses (the inquiry from Kiersten Latham), is
> anyone on the list familiar with the following fact sheet from the Ohio
> State University Extension Service?  If so, how good is the information?
>
> http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~ohioline/hyg-fact/5000/5545.html
> <http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~ohioline/hyg-fact/5000/5545.html>

It's me again.

The site is excellent, save for this section:

Commercial Packaging

Most drycleaners offer a special package to clean and box wedding gowns. 
This could be requested for other heirloom
textiles. The service usually involves a large box of acid-free cardboard 
in which the gown is packed with acid-free tissue between folds of the 
garment and as padding in the bodice and sleeves. Over time, the acid 
produced by standard tissue paper and cardboard can deteriorate textiles, 
especially cellulosic fibers such as cotton, linen, and rayon. The initial 
box is usually placed in a larger protective box. Sometimes slits are 
present in the box to allow air circulation.

Some drycleaners offer an optional vacuum seal. The International Fabricare 
Institute (IFI) indicates that this process isn't necessary. No seal is 
permanent. Also, heirloom textiles should be checked yearly for general 
condition, at which time the seal would be broken. IFI also suggests that 
clear plastic or cellophane "windows" on boxes be removed or punctured to 
allow air movement. Moisture could condense on the clear window and support 
growth of mildew.

Most "preservation" boxes are not truly safe (an understatement). The 
tissue is usually not safe, and is applied for how it looks, not what it 
can do as padding. The technicians who stuff the gowns into the boxes have 
a line of shirts waiting for pressing. They are not trained, they are not 
allowed time to learn, or to do a careful job. There are many different 
boxes on the market. All are designed for speed, attractiveness and price. 
Preservation is usually not considered.

As for "vacuum seals". Bacon, hot dogs, ground coffee, and baloney are 
vacuum sealed. A vacuum sealed cardboard box would collapse. They mean 
shrink-wrapped. The information providers at IFI have to skirt the line 
between supporting the dry cleaners who support them, and giving an 
accurate answer. I'm glad I don't have that task. How many brides will slit 
the window, open the shrink wrap, or examine their gown annually? .001%?

The polypropylene storage boxes at department stores make great storage boxes!

Thanks again for your patience, group... I'm always interested in your 
opinions and observations.

js
Jerry Shiner, President
Forever Yours Bridal Gown Preservation
www.gowncare.com   Toll-free 1 800 683-4696