Dry cleaning is a great way to extend the life of your clothes without having to worry about ironing or washing them. It can also be an affordable option for those who want their clothes cleaned and pressed but don’t have the time, energy, or desire to do it themselves. However, how much you’ll spend on dry cleaning will vary by location and company, so you may want to call around before deciding on one place in particular.
How Much Does Dry Cleaning Cost?
The average cost of dry cleaning is $12–$15 per garment in a standard size load which includes two pairs of pants, three shirts or blouses, and one coat or blazer. When looking at particular garments, the cost of dry cleaning a shirt or pair of pants is below $10.
For dry cleaning larger items like comforters or draperies, you can probably expect to pay between $20 and $40. Finally, specialty items such as wedding dresses can cost over $450.
Average Dry Cleaning Costs for Different Garments
As we already mentioned, the cost of dry cleaning greatly varies across the country. For example, in Manhattan, the average dry cleaning cost is $16–$18 per garment, while in Chicago, it’s only $11–$13. This difference can be attributed to variations in overhead costs (e.g., rent).
In addition, some services like stain removal or leather care come at an additional charge. So it’s essential to ask about any special requests you may have when getting your garments cleaned. For example, if you can’t remove a persistent wine stain, you should definitely mention this when asking about the costs.
Shirt
Average cost: $2–$4
Cost factors:
The cost of dry cleaning a shirt depends on its size, type of material, condition of fabric stains or spoilage, whether they have to remove paint out of clothes, number of items being cleaned in one order, as well as additional requests like pressing and specialized cleaning.
Pants
Average cost: $5–$8
Cost factors:
The factors that may affect the price include pressing requests or specialized cleaning services such as leather care. The size may also play a role in the pricing, as well as how many pairs you’re having dry cleaned.
Skirt
Average cost: $4–$14
Cost factors:
Type of fabric, size, and number of items being cleaned all factor into the price. For example, dry cleaning costs may increase if your skirt is made out of delicate or high-quality fabrics.
Suit
Average cost: $10–$15
Cost factors:
The number of items being cleaned and whether the suit needs pressing will all contribute to how much you’ll pay for dry cleaning a suit. Suits are generally one of the most expensive garments to have dry cleaned, but they can last many years if you take care of them properly.
Sweater
Average cost: $3.5–$15
Cost factors:
The size and material of the sweater are the main factors that go into how much you’ll spend on dry cleaning a sweater. For example, if your sweaters are stained or have built-up dirt, it will cost more to get them cleaned than if they’re just a little bit dirty.
Dress
Average cost: $10–$18
Cost factors:
The factors that may affect the cost of dry cleaning a dress include its length, material, as well as whether you need additional services such as hemming. Most cleaners will charge an expediting fee if you need your dress quickly.
Wedding Dress
Average cost: $150–$500
Cost factors:
Cleaning a wedding dress is generally more expensive than dry cleaning other garments. This is because it’s a specialty item and often needs to be cleaned more carefully. Additional requests like pressing, stain removal, and specialized cleaning can also add to the final price tag.
Coat
Average cost: $12–$25
Cost factors:
The material of a coat, its length, and whether or not it needs to be pressed all affect the price of dry cleaning. In general, dry cleaning a leather coat is more expensive than cleaning wool or cashmere coats.
Comforter
Average cost: $30–$40
Cost factors:
Comforters are generally one of the most expensive items to have dry cleaned. This is because they’re often quite large and made from delicate fabrics. The cost also varies depending on the type of comforter you have.
Curtains and Draperies
Average cost: $17 per panel
Cost factors:
The size of the item and the type of material it’s made of will affect how much you pay for dry cleaning. In addition, many cleaners charge an additional panel fee for items that are longer than usual.
Conclusion
Knowing how much your dry cleaning will cost in advance can help you budget for it. Be sure to ask about the price of any additional services such as pressing if that’s something you require. By understanding the factors that affect the cost, you can decide which clothes to have cleaned and when.
