Ways to Beat the High Cost of Dry Cleaning

Finding alternatives to cut dry cleaning costs can be tough, and annual bills can easily add up to over $1,200. It may be hard to completely avoid taking clothes to the dry cleaners, but experts say there are plenty of alternatives. "It's a necessary financial evil sometimes, especially for those of us who wear business suits on a regular basis," says personal finance expert Erica Sandberg.

Here are some more ways to keep costs low:

Ignore Dry Clean Only Tags

Some clothes with dry clean tags can be washed in cold water using a gentle washing detergent like Woolite Fabric Wash ($5.99 at Walgreens) and then hung to dry, says Harrine Freeman, a personal finance expert. Remember not to “twist or wring the water out from the clothes, unless it is suede, leather, or rayon,” says Freeman.

Shop With Awareness

Paying attention to the dry clean only tag before making a purchase can save you money in the long run, says Jennifer Hartman, principal at the Greenleaf Financial Group. “The cost of an item that needs to be dry cleaned is likely to be many times the actual cost of buying the item,” says Hartman. "A non-dry-clean item may cost a little more, but in the long run you will save."

Use a DIY Kit

To freshen up clothing between dry cleanings, Freeman recommends using Dryel ($10.99 at Drugstore.com) or Woolite Dry Cleaner's Secret ($19.37 at Amazon) cloths that can be tossed into the dryer, along with a spot remover, to dissolve any noticeable stains. "Odors are gone and my clothes do not have to be taken to the dry cleaners as often," says Freeman.

Spread Out Winter Cleanings

Some experts suggest leaving longer gaps between dry cleaning in the winter can help save money without much trouble. "During the winter most Americans sweat less often and may not require as many trips to the dry cleaners," says Freeman, who estimates that one suit can cost between $260 to $520 to clean per year.

Store Carefully

To make the life of garments last longer between dry cleaning, certified financial planner Morris Armstrong suggests taking better care of clothes by not wearing items like suits on consecutive days and hanging them up after each wear. "Tossing it on a chair is not productive – the better care you take when the garment is off of you, the longer you can go between cleanings,” explains Armstrong. “And that is a savings.”

Compare Prices

Some dry cleaners are willing to go the extra mile to attract or retain customers. Another way to potentially save is to ask whether "dry cleaners will also accept competitors’ coupons," says Hartman. If you're a frequent customer, it’s easier to negotiate special discounts.