Dry cleaning can get very expensive, and downright ridiculous sometimes. I remember one time getting charged an extra $4 for a “tie” that was attached to a shirt. It was an 80s fashion statement, what can I say? Since then, I try to avoid dry cleaning as much as I can.
First of all, don’t assume that something needs to be dry cleaned. First check the label and see what it says. Makes sense, right? But did you know that a label that reads “Dry Clean” does not mean that your clothes will be ruined if you wash them another way? You have to look for “Dry Clean Only.” Otherwise, without that “Only,” you should be able to wash the item by hand or even on the gentle cycle in your washer. “Dry Clean Recommended” also means that it can be washed at home.
There are also dry cleaning kits that can be used with your dryer to get your dry clean only clothes clean. Personally, I have never used one of these kits, so I can’t tell you if they would work well or not, but I have heard good things about them. There are several different brands available out there, so do some research and select one to try, if you tend to have a lot of dry cleaning that you need to have done.
Many dry clean only items can be aired out in between cleanings. This will help lessen the overall cost of wearing and cleaning those clothes. Find a well-ventilated spot, such as a covered porch for the quickest freshening.
Of course, probably the best way to avoid dry cleaning costs is to avoid clothes that need to be dry cleaned. This used to be almost impossible to do, especially for workplace clothing, but there are so many new fabrics and clothing treatments out there that it is quite possible to find an appropriate wardrobe that requires no dry cleaning at all.