If you are a corporate worker or have a corporate working partner, your household may be forking out a lot of money for dry cleaning. The truth is that there are several ways to cut down on this expensive necessity.
Drying cleaning can cost you hundreds to thousands of dollars annually, so if you’d like to reduce these costs, then read on, as we have listed all the hacks you can implement to lower these costs.
Check Tags First
Every clothing company is required to list cleaning methods on its garments. It’s all well and good to play it safe, but it could be costing you many unnecessary dollars if you are dry cleaning clothing items that don’t need it.
If the label reads “dry clean” but not “dry clean only,” then you may have a little room to wiggle.
Assess Different Fabrics
Textiles such as velvet, silk, and taffeta should always be left to the pros for cleaning, but anything composed of polyester, cashmere, cotton, nylon, or linen can simply be popped into the washing machine at home.
If you are a little worried, then you can always hand wash delicates in cold water with minimal detergent. Let the item air dry or lay flat if it’s cashmere. You should always avoid the tumble dryer when it comes to your delicates!
Use Extra Layers as Protectors
A great way to keep your clothes fresh and stain-free is to wear extra clothing layers underneath or spend a little money on garment shields that act as a sort of sweat shield. These shields will prevent yellow sweat stains from forming, and they can very easily be peeled off after a long and sweaty day.
Clip Coupons
If you’re looking for a dry cleaning discount, then you should check to see when your local dry cleaner is having a discount. They usually offer discounts in the spring or fall, so be sure to check over these times.
Invest in a Steamer
A lot of the clothes that get handled at the dry cleaners get treated with a steamer. These devices are great for freshening clothes up by smoothing out any wrinkles.
Dry Clean in Bulk
A lot of dry cleaners offer discounts when you bring clothes to dry clean in bulk. It may not always be advertised, but if you ask the owner of the dry cleaning establishment, you may get lucky and may even be able to negotiate the price, especially if you are a loyal and returning customer.
Reduce Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning your clothes more often than you should may reduce the life span of your garments. Dry cleaning (and washing, for that matter) is known to wear clothes out faster, and the less you practice dry cleaning, the longer your garments will last.
Of course, don’t sacrifice hygiene by skipping the cleaners, but try to reduce this by a fraction, at least. Usually, you can get around three to four wears out of skirts and pants, two wears out of shirts and dresses, and for blazers and jackets, you should get six or more wears.
Winter coats can get cleaned once a season or every two months if you feel that’s more suitable.
