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Good Question: Can This Quilt be Saved?
Los Angeles

102008_anthro.jpgEven if the days are pretty warm in LA, the nights are certainly getting chilly. So when Nita had her Anthropologie quilt dry cleaned, as it said on the care instructions on the label, she was pretty disappointed to get it back clumped in spots and bare in others:

 
 

"Hi AT,

I recently purchased this cotton-filled quilt from Anthropologie and had it dry-cleaned as the care instructions said "Dry Clean Only". I just got it back from the dry-cleaner's and it is no longer in the same fluffly, thick shape and form I had purchased it in. The cotton filling is now clumped together in random spots, leaving other spots bare and completely thin. Is there any way to save this quilt? Also, is this the fault of the dry cleaner's or the quality of the quilt? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Nita
"

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Good Questions, good question, quilt clumping

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Comments (17)

I would pursue all of those angles, as well as your credit card company (if you charged it).

I've had more things ruined by dry cleaners than I care to remember and, unfortunately, I've never had success getting any compensation from them. YMMV, of course, but my guess is that you'll get a better result going through the retailer as they will have the option to return it to the manufacturer, etc. It will be helpful if you bought the quilt recently and still have the receipt.

posted by Kathryn on October 20th 2008 at 12:45pm
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I would take it back to Anthropologie.

posted by Lilli K. on October 20th 2008 at 12:52pm
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throw it in the dryer on low or no heat with a clean pair of tennis shoes

posted by Annimal on October 20th 2008 at 12:55pm
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Yep, take it back to anthro.

Alternatively, if you don't want to give up the quilt, you can remove the top layer and sew it on to a duvet or go to a quilt shop and get the appropriate materials (batting & fabric for the back) to make a "new" quilt.

posted by kimg924 on October 20th 2008 at 12:55pm
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Dry putting it in the dryer on low heat with a tennis ball or a shoe. (The big ones a the laundrymat) That should help fluff it up. If that doesn't work, try taking it back to Anthropologie.

posted by Laura on October 20th 2008 at 1:04pm
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I would so write a letter to Anthropologie. I've had a lot of success with that for various companies - just make sure to send it to the highest up department of the store you can find, and mention how much you shop there.

posted by ebj123 on October 20th 2008 at 1:15pm
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I'd write to Anthropologie and tell them how much you love their products but how upset you are over this, and mention that in the years you've shopped there how you've never had any quality issues. :) Okay, maybe that's going too far if you haven't shopped there a lot, but still.

I don't think it's the fault of the dry cleaners, but I suppose it could be.

posted by Erin Lang Norris/Yellow Canoe on October 20th 2008 at 1:21pm
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Two things could have gone wrong:

1. The dry cleaners could have misunderstood and laundered it rather than dry cleaned it.

2. (Most likely) It's the construction of the item. Quilt batting has requirements for the maximum distance the stitching can be apart and still have the batting hold up to use and to cleaning. This distance varies depending on whether the fill is 100% cotton, partially cotton/poly, all poly, etc. The maximum could be no more than stitching a few inches apart or up to around a foot apart. It's hard to tell from the picture, but the stitching doesn't look like it's very close together in spots (like it randomly follows the large pattern). If the stitching is too spread out for the type of batting, it will do just what you describe: fall apart and clump. Sorry for the long-winded answer, but if that's the case return it to Anthropologie.

posted by LilyC on October 20th 2008 at 1:27pm
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Definately take it up with Anthropologie.

When it comes to dry cleaners, no two are alike.

Items that are inexpensive or made of standard fabric (cotton, synthetic fabrics), I take those to my neighborhood cleaners.

The more expensive and embelished items I take to Browns Cleaners on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. Yes, it's expensive, but I have yet to have a silk dress or embellished pillowcase be returned looking nothing less than brand new.

posted by Seaside on October 20th 2008 at 1:30pm
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The same thing happened to my comforter a few months ago. I purchased a new one, brought the receipt to my drycleaners and was given a payment for the cost. I didnt think to take it up with Anthropologie, but that wouldnt be a bad idea if your drycleaner doesnt have a similar policy.

posted by dbc- texas on October 20th 2008 at 1:42pm
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This sounds to me like the dry cleaner did not follow the correct instructions. They probably washed it. Go back to the dry cleaner with a receipt and ask for reimbursement.

posted by petro on October 20th 2008 at 2:03pm
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The quilting was too far apart for the batting to hold up when cleaned. If you love the fabric and don't mind picking it apart the suggestion to make a duvet cover would work. Otherwise, take it back. I'm sorry for your loss.

posted by Alice on October 20th 2008 at 2:35pm
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It sounds like the quilt was washed. this happens when I've washed dry clean only things but I usually put them in the dryer with a tennis ball and it fluffs it back to the way it was.

posted by witchbaby on October 20th 2008 at 3:40pm
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Take it back to Anthro! I don't even think you need a receipt for an exchange. When I was at Anthro, I bought glasses and asked the sales person if they were dishwasher safe. She said, "I don't know, but if they break, just bring it back. We take everything back because we don't have a return policy." If you go to the Anthro website, it says "All Anthropologie merchandise is unconditionally guaranteed. If you are not satisfied with your purchase for any reason, please let us know and we will take care of you."

Just take it back and I am sure they will do their best to replace your quilt.

posted by Julia at Living Luxely on October 20th 2008 at 5:03pm
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I worked at Anthro for a long time. Take it back. They won't even question it.

posted by miss monte on October 20th 2008 at 11:39pm
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Anthro will be totally easy about it. I bought towels from there once that completely fell apart after 1 wash and no questions were asked.

posted by zaky on October 21st 2008 at 8:24am
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Just a word on the quality of Anthropologie goods -- cheap. I spent a ton of money on drapes ($100 per panel) from Anthropologie and the quality was beyond sub par. We're talking about none of the panels were the same length. Some 5-6 inches longer than they should be. 1 panel was darker than the rest. There were holes in 2 of the panels. Threads sticking out all over the place. To top it all off, the "lining" was just a loose on 3 sides. Only attached at the top. I would never buy anything there again.

posted by petro on October 21st 2008 at 7:25pm
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