How often should suits be dry cleaned?
People are often confused about how often their suits should be dry cleaned. While this question may seem silly, it is actually very important to know the answer if you want your suit to last longer and look better.
The frequency with which you should have your suits dry cleaned depends on a number of factors, such as the
- Your usage
- Climate
- The type of fabric your suit is made from,
- How often you wear it.
Generally speaking, you should have your suit dry cleaned once every three to four wears or about three to six months. If you hardly wear it, then once a year should suffice. Make sure that you don't give your suit for dry cleaning as frequent dry cleaning can be damaging.
The biggest factor that affects how frequently you need to clean your suit depends on how your workday looks like. If you are in a profession that requires you to wear a suit all day long, you will probably need to get your suit dry cleaned more than once a month. Also, if you are exposed to pollutants, stains, dirt, rain, and perspiration, it goes without saying that you would need to clean your suit more often.
However, if you only wear your suit for special occasions or when attending social events, then you can go without having your suit dry cleaned for up to a couple of months or a year.
If you are unsure whether you should have your suit cleaned more often or less often, then you can always consult your tailor or a dry cleaner. They will be able to help you with suit care tips.
What can you do to reduce the frequency of dry cleaning your suit?
There are many things you can do to extend the life of your suit and make sure that it lasts longer. Some of these include:
- Extend your wardrobe so that you have a couple of suits that you can wear rotationally
- Do not wash your suit in hot water. Hot water damages the fibers of the material used in making your suit.
- Always check the label before washing your suit. It should state how often you should wash your suit.
- Never use bleach or any other chemicals to clean your suit. These chemicals damage the fibers of the suit and cause it to fade over time.
- Use wooden suit hangers to ensure your suit does not get an ugly crease.
- Hang your suits at least 2 inches apart so that they can get some breathing space. This will help release odor and moisture.
- Avoid ironing your suit. Ironing causes the fibres of the fabric to become brittle and break down. This means that the suit loses its shape and becomes wrinkled
- Always clean your suits at a reputed dry cleaning company
FAQs
Does dry cleaning damage suits?
Not exactly. Although dry cleaning chemicals may be harsh, getting them cleaned a few times a year should be fine. However, frequent cleaning is harmful to the fabric. Dry cleaning should be done only when it's necessary.
Is dry cleaning a suit worth it?
Of course, yes! A good quality suit can cost thousands of dollars. So, it makes sense to spend money on getting your suit cleaned by professionals. The benefits of having a well-maintained suit far outweigh the costs involved.
Can I wash my suit myself?
Yes, you can wash your suit yourself by hand or use the washing machine. Use a short and gentle wash cycle for best results
Should I wash my suits in cold or warm water?
It's recommended to wash your suit in cold water using a mild detergent. Warm water may not be ideal for washing suits.