Even with a more casual workplace, you can't totally eliminate your dry cleaning bill. Or can you?
Once found on every street corner, dry cleaners aren’t as prevalent anymore, thanks to more casual workplaces. But it’s hard to avoid them completely, especially if suits and coats are part of your daily attire.
How to Save Money at the Dry Cleaner:
- Take advantage of coupons, especially the ones that come in the mail. Money mailers that are targeted to your zip code offer the best discounts. They figure you live in the neighborhood so nearby retailers are going to offer you big incentives to get your business. Also check your local newspaper and the Internet. Remember, dry cleaners will often honor their competition’s coupons, so don’t be afraid to ask.
- Look at the label. Many times clothing you just assumed had to be dry cleaned can often be washed at home using Woolite and the gentle cycle. If you’re not sure, look up the manufacturer’s toll-free phone number on the Internet. Sweaters are a good example of clothing that you might get away with machine-washing. Even some cloth jackets can be laundered at home.
- Work at home. Certainly, you don’t want to change jobs or employment situations simply to save money on dry cleaning. But with the cost of gas rising dramatically, now may be the time to at least discuss other options with your employer, or make the leap to freelancing out of your living room.
- Ask for "casual days" at the office. Many employers are opting for casual Fridays. So if that works well in your office ask to extend the policy to Wednesdays and Thursdays as well. Granted, some work environments lend themselves better to casual dress than others, but it wouldn’t hurt to ask. Productivity and morale might actually improve if employees feel more comfortable, and are able to spend less on clothes.
- Don’t sign up for delivery services. Even if the dry cleaner says this service is free, you’ll end up paying one way or another. Generally stores that deliver the clothes to your door are more expensive, and you’ll save money by finding a "no frills" establishment.
- Don’t take your clothing to the dry cleaner as often. Winter coats only need to go in once a year. And you don’t need to clean a suit every time you wear it. Just make sure the shirt you wear underneath is machine washable.
Finally, when you’re shopping for clothes, pay attention to the care labels. If you can’t decide between a "dry clean only" suit or a machine washable outfit, pick the latter and use the money you save to fill up your car.
The copyright of the article Save Money on Dry Cleaning in Consumer Education is owned by L. Marie Dubuque. Permission to republish Save Money on Dry Cleaning in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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