Dry cleaning
(for Scotland)
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Dry cleaning is a cleaning process which uses special solvents to dissolve dirt at low temperatures. The dirt is filtered out and the solvents recycled. The term 'dry' is used to indicate that garments are not washed in water. Quite often clothes will bear the legend 'dry clean only'. If this is not shown, you should refer to the care instructions/label which will carry other symbols indicating if the garment is suitable for dry cleaning or must not be dry cleaned.
Many dry cleaners in Scotland belong to the Textile Services Association (TSA) whose members abide by a code of practice.
In civil law, dry cleaners are providing a service and are subject to the Supply of Goods and Services Act and common law. This states that the service should be performed with reasonable care and skill. Where problems occur, a simple re-clean may solve the matter, but if not you are entitled to claim the current value of the garment (not the full replacement value). You should take up the matter with the dry cleaner as soon as possible and follow up in writing.
Whether or not the cleaner is a TSA member, you can take an action against the cleaner in the small claims court, if necessary, as a last resort.
