How to read dry cleaning prices in Malaysia (and how much it costs)

Dry cleaning is priced per piece: a shirt costs less than a coat or a gown, and lining and length add to the price. A price list in Malaysia looks long, but most of it follows a few simple rules. Once you know them, you can work out roughly what a bag of clothes will cost before you leave the house, and you can compare two shops fairly.

Rule 1: dry cleaning is priced per piece

Normal laundry is usually charged by the kilo. Dry cleaning is not. Each garment is cleaned, checked and pressed on its own, so each one has its own line on the list. A shirt, a skirt and a pair of pants are three charges, even if they weigh almost nothing together.

So when you compare shops, compare the price for the same item, not the overall feel of the list.

Rule 2: “lining” costs more than “normal”

Many lists show two prices for skirts, blouses and dresses: one marked normal and one marked lining. A lined garment has a second layer of fabric sewn inside. That inner layer has to be cleaned and pressed too, and it shrinks or puckers differently from the outside. To check yours, turn the garment inside out. If you see a smooth, slippery layer covering the seams, it is lined.

Rule 3: “top” versus “set”

Traditional wear such as baju kurung, baju Melayu, Punjabi suits and dhoti is often listed twice: once as the top only, and once as a set of two pieces. A set usually costs less than the two pieces priced one by one. Bring the whole set together if you want the set price, and count pieces before you go.

Rule 4: longer, heavier and more detailed costs more

Expect a short dress to cost less than a long one, a skirt less than a long skirt, and a jacket less than an overcoat. Beads, sequins, pleats and delicate fabrics such as silk need slower hand finishing, which is why evening gowns, cheongsam and wedding outfits sit near the top of most lists.

Rule 5: leather is its own category

Leather and suede are not cleaned the same way as fabric. They need a separate process and conditioning afterwards, so leather jackets and coats are usually among the most expensive items on any list. Leather gloves are often priced per pair.

Rule 6: household items are often priced per kilo

Comforters, blankets, bedsheets, pillow cases, curtains and cushion covers are bulky and come in every size, so many shops charge them by weight instead of per piece. Carpets are often charged by area, per square foot. To estimate, weigh a comforter at home on a bathroom scale (weigh yourself holding it, then subtract your own weight), or measure a carpet’s length and width in feet and multiply.

Rule 7: read the small print

Before you decide, check four things on the list or ask at the counter:

• Turnaround. How many working days is normal, and is there an express option?
• Stains. Is stain treatment included, or is it extra? Some marks, like old yellowing, may only fade.
• Ironing only. If a garment is clean but creased, ironing alone is far cheaper than dry cleaning.
• Care label. If the label says dry clean only, it really is a dry cleaning item. If it shows a wash tub symbol, it may be fine in a gentle wash at home. See How to tell what not to machine-wash.

A quick way to estimate your bill

1. Sort what you are bringing into piece items, sets, leather and household items.
2. For each piece, check whether it is lined and whether it is long or short.
3. Weigh the bulky items and measure any carpet.
4. Add it up using the shop’s own list, then add express if you need it.

If you are not sure what dry cleaning actually does to your clothes, read what dry cleaning does to your clothes first.

How much is dry cleaning? Typical prices

It depends on the piece. A shirt costs less than a coat or a gown, and lining or extra length costs more. At Superman Laundry in Cheras, these examples are from our price list:

• Shirt or T-shirt: RM14
• Pants or jeans: RM14
• Blouse: RM14 normal, RM15 lined
• Sweater or cardigan: RM23
• Coat or jacket: RM24
• Long dress: RM31 normal, RM33 lined
• Baju kurung set (2 pieces): RM31
• Leather jacket: RM85
• Wedding gown: RM130
• Comforter, blanket, bedsheet, pillow case, curtains or cushion cover: RM24 per kg

Dry cleaning at Superman Laundry, Cheras

Superman Laundry is in Cheras (Cheras Yulek), Kuala Lumpur. One machine serves one customer, so your clothes are never mixed with anyone else’s. Laundry is usually ready within 3 working days and express is available; ask at the counter for the time on a dry cleaning item. We accept cash, card, DuitNow and Touch ‘n Go.

More on the service: Dry cleaning in Cheras. For comforters and curtains: Curtains and bedding.

WhatsApp or call 013-833 5526. See our full price list.

Questions

How much is dry cleaning for a shirt?

A shirt or T-shirt is RM14 at Superman Laundry in Cheras.

How much does it cost to dry clean a suit or coat?

There is no suit on the list. A coat or jacket is RM24, and pants are RM14.

Is dry cleaning priced per kg or per piece?

Clothes are priced per piece. Comforters, blankets, bedsheets, pillow cases, curtains and cushion covers are RM24 per kg.