How I Save $$ on Dry Cleaning
I don’t know about you but I don’t always have money to foot the dry cleaning bill. Especially, because I shop at places like J.Crew, Banana Republic, and Ann Taylor most of my pieces end up being dry clean only. Who has time for that? Not me. If you do, good for you!
I figured out a way around dry cleaning altogether. Now I have a process that’s a little time consuming but saves a ton of money. I also want to be clear that I take very good care of my things. I have items from high school (10 whole years ago) that are still in great condition as if I bought them a year ago. So I know what I’m doing! I’m not new to this, I’m true to this! Now let’s get into it:
1. Read the label (Always)
The wash label won’t always be located on the back of the collar. Sometimes it’s on the side of the garment or on the back of the garment, but it will always be located on the seem. The tag will let you know if an item is {Dry Clean Only, Tumble Dry Low, Wash on Cold, or Hang Dry Only}.
2. Learn about your washing machine
All washing machines have a couple of basic settings that you can use to wash different types of clothing. The most common settings are {Cotton/Normal, Permanent Press, and Delicate} use the settings according to the tag on your garment.
High Maintenance Hack: I usually only wear tops, blazers, jackets, and dresses one time before I wash them. This prevents collar rings and sweat stains from setting into your clothes which creates dingy looking garments. The cleaner you keep your garments the longer they will last.
The Garment Test Check: You can test out if the garment is fresh or needs a wash after wear by doing a quick smell check under the arm area. If the smell is fresh like you haven’t worn it you are in the clear to put it back in your closet; if it smells like your deodorant let it sit on a hanger outside of the closet overnight. The next morning check again if there is still a heavy deodorant smell or a ripe smell you need to throw it in the wash. For blazers and jackets, I do the same check but I am usually in the clear if my shirt or dress has sleeves, if it is sleeveless I normally wash it afterward depending on the garment check.
3. Hang dry almost everything
There are very few things I dry in a dryer. I only dry towels, linens, socks, work out gear, and pajamas. Everything else I hang dry.
High Maintenance Hack: For jeans, collared shirts, dress pants, and materials that need to be softened let them hang dry first. After they are completely dry throw them back into the dryer to soften them up and get wrinkles out. This will aid in a quick iron or steam.
4. Invest in the proper tools
First and foremost a steamer will change your life. I have used steamers to launder curtains, duvets, the inside of blazers, dresses/ gowns and so much more. A good ironing board and iron are also essential, add in some ironing water for your shirts and pants to be nice and crisp and you are good to go. Door hook hangers are also essential, I have two, one for my bathroom and one for my room, they conveniently hang on the door and have 6-8 hooks for you to hang garments as they dry.
High Maintenance Hack: Skip dryer sheets, they leave a film on your clothing. You will get fresh clothing from your detergent or in-wash scent boosters. No need for the extra step or cost.
5. Create your system to manage your time
Having a system is vital so you don’t end up with piles of laundry everywhere. I separate my clothes by the types of wash I need to do. This changes from week to week depending on my schedule and what I was wearing. There's the towels and bedding pile (First/ easiest). There is a cotton all pile (2nd wash/ dryer then fold). There is a permanent press or delicate pile (3rd & most time consuming, hang dry, then steam or iron), then there is a whites pile (Last because I usually wait 2 weeks for it to accumulate). My process usually takes me a day in a half to two full days of the weekend, so I usually try and start on Friday night.
6. How I launder my “Dry Clean Only” Items
I’ve been laundering “dry clean only” items myself for years. I wash items on delicate (cold water) by itself or with like items, then I hang dry them. After the garment is fully dry I steam it and place it back on my clothing rack or in my closet.
I’m all about looking good and living great without the high-end price tag. I hope this process helps you take better care of your wardrobe and saves you some coin. If you need help creating a laundering process just leave me a comment below.
XOXO,
KVT
Photo Credit:
Profile Picture From: @thecottagejournal/@galmeetsglam
