When buying new clothes, many people don't consider the ongoing cost of dry cleaning or other special care a garment might require. However, for one Reddit user, maintaining silk, wool, and cashmere workwear had started to feel "like a monthly subscription."
Here's what to know
Posting to the r/cleaningtips subreddit, the original poster shared how escalating dry-cleaning costs had pushed them into a "slow overhaul" of their closet. They had long followed care labels for their "nice" work clothes, especially silk, wool, and cashmere. However, the OP had begun replacing some of those delicate pieces with cotton and synthetic basics that could be washed at home and, if possible, put in the dryer.
The shopper explained that they were testing "a few Ogl dark knit sets and some Uniqlo basics" and admitted, "I am phasing out my high maintenance clothes, letting them sit." They had pushed silk items "in the back," while wearing cashmere sweaters only occasionally.
Other high-maintenance items were getting less use, too. Linen pants were losing their appeal because they became too wrinkled. However, less finicky items still made the cut, with cotton shirts still being "just fine."
What commenters said
The replies indicated that the OP wasn't the only person making similar trade-offs in their clothes-shopping habits.
"I handwash silk all the time. But other than that I never, ever buy things that need to be dry cleaned besides the occasional coat," chimed in one commenter. "I don't have time and money to waste on that."
TCD Picks » Quince Spotlight
💡These best-sellers from Quince deliver affordable, sustainable luxury for all
Another commenter put it even more plainly: "Everything I buy goes into the washing machine."
Several commenters noted that changes in their everyday life had led them to similar wardrobe resets. One observed that after having children, they changed their rule and would "only buy clothes that could be washed in a regular wash cycle."
Another added they had cut back on dressier pieces so much that they "don't even have an ironing board anymore."
Still, not everyone wanted to give up delicate fabrics.
"I'm not giving up my wool for anything," said one. "It's warm without bulk. Synthetics just don't keep me warm enough."
Other solutions
Like the user who cleaned their silk items themselves, several commenters said they kept buying higher-maintenance clothing but washed it at home. Some commenters offered tips, like using mesh bags and gentle cycles for silk or dry-clean-only items, then air-drying them flat or on a hanger.
"I machine wash (in a mesh bag) and iron my silk," one person shared.
For wool and cashmere, commenters offered other at-home methods. They mentioned wool detergent, sink-washing in lukewarm water, rolling sweaters in towels to draw out moisture, and spacing out washes by wearing layers under sensitive items. One commenter added that they save dry cleaning for end-of-season cashmere storage and rely on a cashmere brush for minor upkeep.
Still, the OP couldn't shake the feeling that their recurring dry-cleaning bills echoed an all-too-familiar payment model.
"Does anyone else think of it as a subscription?" the OP asked. "Or is it just me?"
Where can I learn more?
These stories explore similar tradeoffs between clothing costs and upkeep, from safer dry-cleaning alternatives to low-wash habits.
• Safer cleaners and eco-friendly dry-cleaning alternatives have gained attention as perc has faced growing scrutiny.
• Low-wash communities have been learning other ways to care for garments and stretch wear.
• A few laundry routine changes can save money at home without adding work.
• On Reddit, frugal shoppers said modern clothes don't last as long as expected.
• Washing everyday loads in cold water saves energy and trims household costs.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
