How to cut your dry cleaning costs

The easiest way to cut dry cleaning costs is to send clothes in less often, and only when they really need it. Check the care label, deal with spills quickly, air and brush clothes between wears, and bring several items in one trip.

Read the care label first

“Dry clean” on a label is often a recommendation, and a sturdy piece may take a gentle hand wash in cool water. “Dry clean only” is the maker saying water is a real risk: a hand wash can shrink wool, spot silk, or pucker a lined jacket. If you are not sure, do not experiment on a piece you care about. How to tell what not to machine-wash covers what to keep out of water, and what dry cleaning actually does explains the label symbols.

Plain cotton shirts and most everyday clothes do not need dry cleaning at all.

Treat spills fast

A fresh mark is easier to shift than an old one. Lift off anything solid with a spoon, then blot with a clean white cloth. Do not rub. Rubbing pushes the stain deeper.

On a “dry clean only” piece, stop at blotting, because water can leave a ring on silk. Bring it in soon and say what the stain is. Do not iron or steam over a mark. Heat can set it. For a washable shirt, How to get lipstick out of a white shirt shows the steps.

Air out and steam between wears

A jacket worn for a day in an air-conditioned office often just needs air. Hang it somewhere airy overnight before it goes back in the wardrobe. A hand steamer can relax creases between cleanings. Keep it moving, a little away from the cloth, and skip it if the label’s iron symbol is crossed out.

Brush off lint and dust

Lint and dust make dark jackets and wool trousers look ready for cleaning sooner than they are. After wearing, give the shoulders, collar and cuffs a few downward strokes with a soft clothes brush or lint brush.

Store in breathable bags, not plastic

The plastic cover is for the trip home. In Kuala Lumpur’s humidity, plastic can trap moisture and leave clothes smelling musty, which sends them straight back for cleaning. Take it off and use a breathable cotton garment bag in a dry wardrobe.

Rotate suits and jackets

If you own more than one work jacket or suit, take turns. Each one gets a rest to air out and let creases drop, and the wear is spread across them.

Wear an undershirt

A thin cotton undershirt takes much of the sweat and deodorant that would otherwise reach the collar and underarms of a shirt or blouse. The undershirt goes in your normal wash at home.

Bring several items in at once

Every trip costs time, fuel and parking. Wait until a few pieces need cleaning and bring them together, with a suit jacket and its trousers in the same trip so both are cleaned the same way. Empty the pockets and point out any stains at the counter.

Quick questions

How can I spend less on dry cleaning?

Clean less often. Air, brush and steam between wears, treat spills quickly, and only send in pieces that are stained, smell, or have lost their shape.

Can I hand-wash clothes that say “dry clean”?

Sometimes, if the fabric is sturdy and the label does not say “dry clean only”. Leave wool, silk, lined and tailored pieces to the cleaner unless you are sure.

Should I store clothes in the dry cleaner’s plastic cover?

No. Use a breathable garment bag so moisture does not get trapped.

How is dry cleaning priced?

Usually per piece. How to read dry cleaning prices in Malaysia explains how a price list works.

The shop in Cheras

Superman Laundry is in Cheras (Taman Cheras / Cheras Yulek) and does dry cleaning. Not sure whether a piece needs it? WhatsApp or call 013-833 5526 before you bring it in. There is public parking nearby, and you can pay by cash, card, DuitNow or TnG.

See the price list.