How to Save Money on Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning can be a major expense, particularly if you wear dress clothes often. The following are some tips to save money on dry cleaning.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fewer "Dry Clean Only" clothes
• An affordable dry cleaner
• At-home dry cleaning products

1. Think twice before buying "Dry Clean Only" items. This may seem obvious, but if you own fewer clothes that need try cleaning, then you won't have to dry clean as frequently. This is particularly true for items like pants, since you can often purchase high-quality pants that are machine washable.

2. Gingerly ignore the instructions. Some items that are marked "Dry Clean Only," especially sweaters, can really be washed with cold water on a delicate cycle (or washed by hand). You should lay these items out to dry rather than put them in the dryer, however.

3. Price-compare dry cleaners. Especially if you live in a dense, metropolitan area, there are likely several dry cleaners to whom you might give your business. Take the extra time to find out which ones offer the best deals.

4. Do your "Dry Cleaning" at home. Products like Dryel let you achieve close to the same results at a fraction of the cost.

Tips & Warnings

• When washing "Dry Clean Only" clothes in the washing machine, make sure to run your cycle on delicate. If your clothing comes out looking at all fatigued, you obviously should not do this again with this particular item of clothing.