Great 'slash the cost of dry-cleaning' Hunt

MSE_Martin

What's it about?

Dry-cleaning can be an expensive business, but it's possible to cut the cost without losing the service.

Currently Tesco clubcard users can exchange points for a Johnsons dry-cleaning voucher worth four times its point value using the clubcard deals scheme. Yet Johnsons is withdrawing from the scheme on 9 August 2009 and you'll need to redeem any vouchers you have by that date.

Furthermore, depending on the garment, there may be an old-style way to get around dry-cleaning it altogether.

So, this week, I'd like to tap MoneySavers' knowledge for other cunning ways to slash the cost of dry cleaning.

What to do

Please click reply and leave your tips below.


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LizD_2

I find silk and wool clothes are fine if washed by hand with a suitable non-bio detergent (Dreft etc) in cool water. In fact, most modern machines also have a delicates cycle that's perfectly fine. Roll in a towel to dry or spin gently in the washing machine.

LizD_2

If you want a wedding dress cleaned, don't tell them it is one and you may get away with just paying the price for a normal evening dress, especially if it's not a white one.

nej

I help a couple of dry cleaners with their computers and get mine done for free.

tawnyowls

Don't buy clothes that need dry-cleaning?

Ticklemouse

If you do have dry-clean only clothes, then after you've worn them, hang them up, inside out and if you can, outside. Often a good blow through with some fresh air will freshen them up enough to wear again.

Also, I often find that some articles are labelled "dry-clean only" because it's easier than working out what the proper washing instructions should be. A gentle hand or specific machine wash will often work just as well.

aurora_borealis_2

Morrisons in Cardiff are doing a 4 items for £12 offer at the mo.

lil_me

Tescos deals can be exchanged which is what I use if decide to get them dry cleaned.

I buy the Revive sheets or similar when they are on offer, used in tumble drier for dry clean clothes. Usually only need half sheet I have found aswell.

The cheapest firm locally for me advertise on a little poster in the local Post Office, small firm who collect, they do my friends who has managed to get a discount for being a regular customer (not usually possible with a larger firm)

highguyuk

I used to work for Sketchleys Dry Cleaners - before they were taken over and mass shut down of stores happened.

If anyone wants to ask anything specific regarding Dry Cleaning, feel free to post in this thread and I will try and answer any questions you have!

SunnyBrighton_2

Thanks for the info about revive .. I hadn't even heard of it! Several years ago, there were a couple of brands of dry cleaning sheets for the tumbler - they were absolutely brilliant and I didn't use the dry cleaners for about 18 months. You used a corner of the dampish sheet to rub out any stains, then popped it all into the tumbler in a special velcro-ed plastic bag. Absolutely brilliant. If this is similar, I'm a happy bunny!!

LowRob16

Think I may have noticed this post a bit late for me! I took an evening dress I have to be dry cleaned the other day, ready for a dinner I'm going to on Friday night.
It's a silky fabric, although not sure what it is! It's from Coast so good quality (got it in the sale though :A !)
I would be really interested in finding out ways of cleaning clothes like this without having to pay £6 a go!!