Here is a disturbing statistic for the frugal folk. A survey by Proctor and Gamble found that women spend an average of $1,500 a year on dry cleaning. The survey also found that about 65 percent of those items that are sent to the dry cleaner are actually washable at home. Imagine how much of a savings that you could have if you skip the dry cleaner? Plus, avoiding those dry cleaning chemicals may be healthier for yourself and your family.
Here are some tips that can help.
First of all, there is a difference between dry cleaning recommended and dry clean only. In the first case, you clearly have the option to laundry the item at home. Usually dry cleaning recommended also offers guidelines for hand or machine washing right there on the label. If not, wash the item in cold water by hand and line or dry flat for best results.
If you avoid dry clean only items when you shop, you’ll be ahead of the game. Always check labels and actively make the decision on whether or not the item is worth the extra expense of dry cleaning.
For your dry clean only items, you may be able to save money by using a dry cleaning at home kit that takes advantage of your dryer. Dryel is one of the name brands. I haven’t try this myself, though.
If you must dry clean certain items, strive to lower the dry cleaning bill as much as possible.
You might be able to do this by simply dry cleaning your items less often. Jackets, coats and formal wear that isn’t worn next to the body might be okay with an airing between wearings instead of a dry cleaning.
When you do take your items to the dry cleaning, make sure to time the dropping off to discount days or search the Internet or local coupon clipping magazines for discount coupons that you can use to reduce the cost of your dry cleaning.
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