Dry cleaning can be an expensive monthly financial burden. In addition many of the chemicals used in dry cleaning are harmful to the environment. Therefore, consider some of the following alternatives that you can use instead of dry cleaning. Not only will you save yourself some money on dry cleaning, but you will be helping the environment.
Look into purchasing a front load washer. These washers are gentle on garments. With manufactures producing new designs that are smaller and within a price range for home use you could probably afford one. These washers will help you save energy and water in addition to helping your clothes last longer and look better.
Instead of drying your clothes in a dryer consider a clothes line if you have room. A clothesline will help you save money on your utility bill and will help the environment. Clothes lines can be used indoors or outdoors. Natural drying is better for your clothes than dryers. You won’t have to worry about static cling or shrinkage, making your clothes last longer.
Consider using cold water instead of hot water in your washer. Cold water will help save on energy costs. Hot water is harder on your garments and new biodegradable laundry detergents for use in cold water are cheap, effective and easy to find.
Many clothing styles on the market have instructions to wash separately. Stay away from purchasing clothes with these labels. Too much time, water and energy goes into keeping these clothes wearable which increases their cost.
Many clothing fashions today are non-gender specific. The advantage to purchasing these clothes is the ease of reusing them as hand-me-downs to other family members or friends.
People often by new clothes because they want to be in style. However, most new styles are short-lived and you probably won’t wear the clothes until they wear out. Therefore consider buying traditional styles that never go out of date.
Purchase logo free clothing. Clothes with logos generally cost more due to the high marketing costs involved with the company. Smaller, local manufacturers offer a better value on clothing. You would also be supporting smaller producers.
Consider using worksuits when doing any dirty work such as yard work, house work or cleaning. This will save you money by not having to wash the clothes as frequently if they are kept for one purpose only. This will also help save electricity and water.
Consider purchasing clothes through your local thrift store where clothes are cheaper. Clothes often come at cheaper bargains than any store sale you can find. In addition, thrift shops give you a cheap way to buy children’s clothes since they often grow out of their clothes so fast.