Does a care label that states “Professionally wetclean” comply with the Care Labeling Rule?
A. No. The subject was of considerable interest during the amendment proceedings, and is discussed at length in the Care Labeling Rule Statement of Basis and Purpose, published in the Federal Register on August 2, 2000, and available in the Care Labeling section on the Textile, Wool, Fur and Apparel page on www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/textilejump.htm. Here’s a brief explanation of the Commission’s reasons for not allowing a “Professionally wetclean” instruction now: The Commission believes that a final definition of “professional wetcleaning” and an appropriate test method for the process must be developed before the Commission can amend the Rule to permit a “Professionally wetclean” instruction on required care labels. This is necessary in order to give manufacturers clear guidance as to how they may establish a reasonable basis for a wetclean instruction. Currently, manufacturers can test garments for drycleaning by having them drycleaned in perchloroethylene or another commercially avai
