The Cost of Dry Cleaning: A Breakdown of Average Costs by Type of Fabric and Location
Dry cleaning is an effective means to provide delicate care to clothing that can’t be washed with water. Most people have dry cleaning done for suits, dresses, coats and specialty fabrics. One of the most common questions asked about dry cleaning is how much does dry cleaning cost?
There is no single answer as the cost of dry cleaning depends on the type of garment being cleaned, the fabric type and location. While the price of some articles of clothing are under $5, others can run into the hundreds of dollars.
Knowing what factors affect the cost of dry cleaning can help you budget for the care of your clothing and avoid any unexpected costs.
Average Cost of Dry Cleaning for Everyday Clothing
Everyday clothing is typically inexpensive to dry clean. The majority of the clothing that most people wear daily can be cleaned relatively quickly in batches, therefore reducing costs.
The average cost of dry cleaning many common types of clothing:
• Dress Shirts: $2-$5
• Pants/Slacks: $6-$12
• Skirts: $6-$12
• Sweaters: $6-$12
• Blouses: $5-$10
Shirts tend to be less expensive to clean than pants, sweaters and skirts since they are easier to process and are generally cleaned in larger quantities.
Pressing and fabric handling costs contribute to increased prices for these items.
Average Cost of Dry Cleaning for Suits, Dresses & Outerwear
Specialty garments require more care and handling than regular clothing and are therefore more expensive. These items may require more specialized cleaning and drying techniques as well as specialized pressing, etc.
Average prices for dry cleaning specialty garments:
• Two-Piece Suit: $15-$30
• Jacket or Blazer: $10-$25
• Formal Gown/Dress: $12-$40
• Winter Coat: $20-$50
Outerwear (such as winter coats) is typically more expensive to clean than suits and other outerwear due to its size and fabric weight.
Formal gowns and evening wear may be more expensive to clean than other items of clothing due to their delicate materials (such as silk and/or chiffon) etc.
Generally speaking the more complexly constructed the garment, the more expensive it will be to clean.
Factors That Impact the Cost of Dry Cleaning Services
Pricing for dry cleaning services varies from one dry cleaner to another. Several factors impact what you pay for dry cleaning services.
The largest factor impacting pricing for dry cleaning is fabric type. Fabrics such as silk, wool, cashmere and linen often require the use of gentle cleaning solvents and special handling. As such, these types of fabrics may be more expensive to clean than cotton or polyester.
Garment construction also impacts pricing for dry cleaning services. Garments with features such as pleats, embroidery, lining and other decorative elements require more time and attention when cleaning and pressing than do garments with fewer features.
Additional charges may be incurred for stain removal treatments. If your garment has oily, greasy or heavily soiled stains (i.e., wine, etc.), the cleaner may need to treat those stains with special solutions before the cleaning process begins.
The cost of dry cleaning will depend on your location as well. In general, the cost of dry cleaning is higher in large cities because the cleaner has a higher overhead than in a smaller town or village.
Comparing Professional Dry Cleaning Services to Professional Laundry Services.
While some garments cannot be laundered professionally (dry cleaning), other garments can be laundered using a commercial laundery service. Professional laundry uses water and detergents to clean; dry cleaning uses a solvent to clean garments.
Laundry services are typically less expensive than dry cleaning services and are suitable for use on cotton shirts, everyday clothing and household fabrics. Basic wash and press services typically cost between $1 and $3 per item.
Clothing that is marked as “dry clean only” should not be washed with water. Washing these items may cause them to shrink, lose their shape or become otherwise damaged.
When using the right cleaning service, you can ensure the best possible preservation of your clothing and minimize unnecessary wear and tear or damage.
Benefits of Professional Dry Cleaning Services
While dry cleaning is more expensive than washing your clothes at home, there are many advantages to using a professional dry cleaner. The main advantage is that professional dry cleaners use specialized cleaning equipment and cleaning solvents to remove oils and stains from your garments without damaging the delicate fibers of your clothes. Additionally, the drying and pressing processes used by professional dry cleaners help to maintain the structural integrity of your garments, such as suits, blazers and dresses. Finally, professional dry cleaners provide professional pressing to give your clothing a smooth, wrinkle-free finish, which is especially important for business attire and formal wear. By properly maintaining and preserving your delicate garments, dry cleaning extends the life of your clothing and helps prevent fading, shrinking and fabric damage over time.
Common Questions and Answers About Dry Cleaning Costs, Services, and Garment Care
HOW MUCH DOES DRY CLEANING COST FOR A SHIRT?
The price of dry cleaning a shirt is usually around $2-5 depending on if it includes pressing or just cleaning.
WHY ARE COATS MORE EXPENSIVE TO DRY CLEAN?
Coats are typically more expensive to clean because they are larger, have more fabric and require more solvent to clean. They also take longer to press.
DO I REALLY NEED TO GET MY DELICATE CLOTHING DRY CLEANED?
If a garment’s care label says “dry clean only,” it is highly recommended to dry clean the garment to prevent shrinkage or damage to the fabric.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY SUITS DRY CLEANED?
Suits can be cleaned anywhere from once every 3-5 times worn until they appear visibly soiled or stained.
CAN DRY CLEANING SERVICES REMOVE TOUGH STAINS?
Yes, most professional dry cleaners offer specialized stain removal services designed to safely remove oil, grease, wine and other tough stains.
