Money Saving Tip: How to Handle "Dry-Clean Only" Clothes

Here's a way to save on clothing:

Purchasing “dry-clean only” garments can end up costing you a bundle, so be sure to check the label for care before you buy.  Air out your dry-clean items by hanging them up immediately after wearing to allow several uses between cleanings and to prevent wrinkles. Wash select delicate items at home. Be sure to test a seam or inside facing before washing the entire garment. Spray ties with fabric protector to avoid frequent dry-cleaning.  Finally, search out a discount dry cleaner – many charge just $1.50 for any item.

Comments

[Jose Anes]

Or buy a good quality steammer. They can take wrinkles and small dirt out of garments between dry cleannings.

[trudy]

It used to be that Woolite could be used to wash many dry clean only clothes. Alas they changed it to a heavily perfumed product. Even the "original"(sic) Woolite is not the original but is also perfumed. Maybe somewhere out there is a Woolite substitute that is not perfumed.

[Tarah]

I come from a long line of seamstresses. I learned from them that as long as the fabric doesn't have acetate, you can wash it in cold water, gentle cycle, hang dry. I've done this many times, and it works. The only thing I have never gotten the guts to try this trick with is a 100% wool suit. However, it works great with those fuzzy wool coats.

[Agatha Kulesza]

I love using home dry cleaning kits. I use Dryel and also Dry Cleaner's Secret. I love the results and haven't paid more than $2 to dry clean a piece of clothing since 2008.