dry cleaning rant

[Kerr the Walker]

[rant]
So I pick up my kilt from the dry cleaner. It's cleverly hidden behind several layers of plastic wrap. Suspecting that the people working at the cleaners know their trade and can return an item in the same, albeit cleaner, condition that it was entrusted to them in, I pay the individual behind the desk and am on my way. Upon returning home I got tied up with some other things so I wasn't able to unwrap the kilt and look at it straight away. About an hour ago I took it out to make sure that it was ready to go. Much to my chagrin, the pleats were totally effed up, and I've just spent the last 45 minutes straightening them out. Needless to say, that particular cleaner will not be getting my business again.
[/rant]

The girlfriend and roomies do not quite comprehend my ire, and thus weren't very good outlets to vent to. I figure you guys would understand and probably relate. Thanks for reading along.

[Carolina Kiltman]

I asked around when I first sent in the order. I figured that a piper or a pipe band would have some good recommendations, they did. Especially which cleaners in town not to go to. I would suggest you ask around before it needs cleaning again. I have learned not to assume expertise from any commercial establishment.

[turpin]

Do a search for kilt cleaning here. there re a couple of very good threads. Bottom line, dry-cleaing a wool kilt is a no-no. It removes lanolin from the wool, and like as not the pleats will come back like yours did. Cold water hand wash (more like hand pat).

[JakobT]

I just had my first experience with a kilt at the dry cleaner's. I have to confess I was a bit nervous, as kilts are thin on the ground here in Norway, and I wasn't sure they would handle it correctly. I therefore followed the advice of other forum members, and basted down the pleats in advance. Barb Tewksbury has an excellent guide on how to do this in the Tutorials forum.

When I got the kilt back, lo and behold - the pleats were perfect. All I had to do was to remove the basting stitches, and the kilt was ready for action. So if you lack confidence in your dry cleaner, or even if you don't, it's a good idea to baste down the pleats before dry cleaning. It'll save you heartache, and your kilt will thank you.