There’s nothing quite like pulling out a crisp, wrinkle-free garment fresh from a plastic dry-cleaning bag when getting dressed in the morning. The bill that comes with that feeling? Not so fun.
A lot of items that you think you need to dry clean, you actually don’t.
There’s a big difference between “dry clean” and “dry clean only,” so you must check your clothing labels closely. There are plenty of things that you likely think you should be dry cleaning—including cashmere sweaters and silk shirts–that you can wash using Woolite, or even baby shampoo, both of which are gentler than regular detergent.
Just dry cleaning to get rid of a pesky stain? Use stain removers instead.
The major trick to getting rid of stains, is to deal with them immediately. Let a stain sit for a week or more, and chances are it’s just not going to come out.
Similarly, there are ways to get rid of wrinkles without dry cleaning.
Just like there are ways to get out stains without taking your clothes to the dry cleaner, there are ways to get rid of wrinkles without using an iron. For starters, you can spray your clothes with “Downy Wrinkle Releaser”, invest in a mini-steamer, or even use hot water or a flat iron in a pinch.
Save money by waiting longer between trips to the dry cleaner.
Now that you’re up to speed on how to get out both stains and wrinkles yourself, this should be a no brainer. No, you don’t need to dry clean everything you own after wearing it once. Go ahead and wear heavier items like blazers and sweaters several times before taking it to the cleaners. Not only will you save money, you’ll also save your clothes, which can be harmed from being dry cleaned too often.
Preserve your clothes longer between visits by storing them properly.
A couple of tips in this department? First and foremost, get some proper hangers. Secondly, don’t keep your clothes in dry cleaning bags, which can actually discolor your clothes over time.
Last but not least, shop around for a dry cleaning deal.
Don’t assume that all dry cleaners charge the same amount—prices can vary dramatically, so do your research. If you’re spending a lot of time and money at one particular cleaners, don’t be afraid to ask if they offer frequent customer discounts. Also, keep in mind for the busiest time for dry cleaners & look out for so many many offer discounts during their slow months.
source: StyleCaster
