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How can I find the clothing manufacturer that uses a particular registered identification number?
RN identifications are issued by the Federal Trade Commission to U.S. businesses in the manufacturing, importing, or distributing of products covered by the Textile, Wool and Fur Acts. Businesses can use this number on labels instead of their company. You can find the company name on the FTC Web site.
Sharon Stevens
Resident instruction assistant professor
Department of Textile and Apparel Management
My husband's military uniforms, stored in their original boxes or cases, have a musty odor. How can I get rid of it?
Three major home-cure products for odor removal are activated charcoal, calcium carbonate (chalk), and baking soda. Place clothing or other fabric items in an open container with these products for several hours. Wash well afterwards. If the odor persists, try closing the container for a few hours, but be sure that you do not leave it unattended for very long. If moisture gets into the container, it may cause the growth of mildew.
Sharon Stevens
Resident instruction assistant professor
Department of Textile and Apparel Management
I bought a scarf in Morocco and would imagine the dyes and fabric are natural. I've have washed and rinsed it several times and it's still bleeding. What amounts of salt or vinegar will stop this?
Salt and vinegar are "home" remedies. Sometimes they work. Sometimes nothing works. You might try drycleaning the textile. Consult with your dry-cleaner and explain the problem to them.
Sharon Stevens
Resident instruction assistant professor
Department of Textile and Apparel Management
I plan on importing very fine cotton baby clothes from Brazil. Does the label have to be sewn onto the clothing article or is there any other ways to present the label without it being sewn on?
Clothing imported into the U.S. should be labeled by the importer. You may change the label if you wish, but it must be sewn into the garment.
MP712, Writing Labels for Textile Products is available for purchase from Extension Publications. GH824, Textile Labels Protect and Inform Consumers is another reference source.
Sharon Stevens
Resident instruction assistant professor
Department of Textile and Apparel Management
I have very hard water and am unable to rinse suds despite a new washing machine, minimal detergent, dilution of detergent and new waste plumbing. Dirty clothes produces suds if rinsed in clean water before laundering. Do you have any ideas?
Can you get a water softener attachment on your water heater? Also use lots less detergent or low-sudsing detergent.
Sharon Stevens
Resident instruction assistant professor
Department of Textile and Apparel Management
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Updated 5/19/08