Blog>Cost Guides>Dry cleaning prices: Cost breakdown 2025

Last updated: 1 July 2025

Dry cleaning prices: Cost breakdown 2025

Wondering how much it costs to get a garment dry cleaned? In this guide, we'll take a look at the average cost of dry cleaning various items, as well as what kind of fabrics really need dry cleaning.

Dry cleaning cost guide
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Fast Facts

  • The average dry cleaning cost for a two-piece suit is £15

  • Dry cleaning prices for a wedding dress tend to average around £100

  • Certain fabrics, such as velvet, suede, and leather, are dry-clean only

Dry cleaning prices vary from business to business, where you are in the UK, and the item you need laundered.

In the UK, dry cleaning prices tend to start around £8 for a jumper or a pair of trousers, £18 for an evening suit, or £29 to launder a double duvet. The cost of dry cleaning depends on the item and the fabric.

Read on for the average cost of dry cleaning a selection of popular items, the factors that can affect the price you’re charged, and the hidden costs to be aware of.

How much does dry cleaning cost in 2025?

Cost provided itemPrice range - LowPrice range - HighAverage UK cost
Two-piece suit£9£18£15
Three-piece suit£13£24£19
Evening suit£15£21£18
Wedding dress£70£140£100
Coat£9£19£15
Trousers£5£11£8
Jumper£5£11£8
Blanket£10£22£16
Double duvet£19£40£29
Last updated: May 2024
Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now

Dry cleaning prices vary depending on the item and the fabric. For example, dry cleaning a pair of trousers typically costs around £8 and cleaning a three-piece suit costs closer to £19.

While most clothing can be laundered at home, others are labelled ‘dry clean only’ as the fabrics need handling by a skilled dry cleaner. These include:

  • Suede

  • Leather

  • Velvet

  • Taffeta

Suits, clothing with pleats, or oversized items are also best taken to the dry cleaners.

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Calculating the cost of dry cleaning UK

Dry cleaning costs can vary significantly depending on the item you need laundered. Here are some of the popular items that visit the dry cleaners, and the average cost of having them dry cleaned.

Suit dry cleaning cost

Tailored suits, jackets, and coats should usually be dry cleaned. This is because they often contain a mix of different fabrics in the facings and linings. These fabrics can shrink at different rates, causing the items to lose their shape.

Depending on the type of suit, you could be looking at £15 for a two-piece suit and £19 for a three-piece suit.

Wedding dress dry cleaning cost UK

Wedding dresses need delicate handling and tend to cost more to dry clean than other garments.

The average price for wedding dress dry cleaning is around £100, although be prepared, this figure may vary based on the dress fabric, embellishments, and value.

Dry cleaning cost

Dry cleaning prices per item

The more organised among us may be planning a larger dry cleaning project, gathering up the winter coats for a professional clean at the end of winter, or perhaps freshening up the duvets as part of a spring clean. Here’s what you can expect to pay:

  • Dry cleaning a coat tends to cost around £15

  • Dry cleaning a double duvet typically costs in the region of £29

  • Preparing for an event? Expect to pay around £18 to have an evening suit dry cleaned

You may find that your local dry cleaning company offers a discounted rate for taking multiple items together.

Dry cleaning cost: Job estimator tool

Use our job estimator tool below to help calculate how much you should pay for dry cleaning near you.

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What affects the cost of dry cleaning?

We’ve touched upon the type of item, the fabric, and your location all having an impact on the cost of dry cleaning, but here’s a complete list of the main elements that can influence laundry service costs:

  • Garment size: A larger item, such as a heavy winter coat or double duvet, will cost more to clean

  • Garment type: Intricate items with embellishments and delicate detailing, such as those found on a wedding dress, will cost more to dry clean

  • Fabric: Suede, silk, velvet, and leather all need specialist handling

  • Stains: Stubborn or oil-based stains can be trickier (and more costly) to tackle

  • Location: Dry cleaning prices will vary across the UK, so use our prices as a ballpark guide

  • Urgency: Need your item in a hurry? Express or same-day laundry services cost more

dry cleaning on rails

Hidden dry cleaning costs to watch out for

In some situations, there may be other, less obvious, costs that can add to your overall bill. Here are a few to bear in mind:

  • Specialist stain removal: Light stains shouldn’t impact your overall bill too much (if at all), but moderate to heavy stains or stains on delicate fabrics may incur an extra cost

  • Pressing or folding preferences: Like your shirts on a hanger? You could save a little on the cost of dry cleaning, as folding and pressing typically cost more

  • Garment repairs before cleaning: Many dry cleaners offer alteration services too, which is super handy, but as you might expect, this is charged as an extra

  • Boxes for wedding dresses or seasonal items: Some dry cleaners offer standard preservation boxes as part of the cost, others charge this as extra, and some offer luxury presentation boxes, so be sure to ask

  • Storage charges: Many dry cleaners offer a grace period for holding onto your dry cleaning, but beyond this, they may charge you a storage fee

Always ask your dry cleaning company what’s included in the price, especially if you have any specific requirements, as we’ve listed above.

laundered shirts on hangers

Cost of hiring a professional dry cleaner vs DIY

You may consider hand-washing or spot cleaning some items at home, but there are several reasons why the services of a local dry cleaner are invaluable: 1. Time: Save yourself the time and effort and enjoy the convenience of a dry cleaning service. Some offer same-day pick-up and collection via an app! What’s not to love? 2. Expertise: Rather than rummaging around in the cleaning cupboard to find something suitable to tackle that pesky stain, why not call upon the professionals; they’ll know exactly how to care for your garment. 3. Specialist care: Dry cleaning is gentler on your clothes than putting them through the wash at home, helping to preserve delicate fabrics and keep them looking their best. The take home? Don’t leave yourself high and dry with a favourite jumper that’s now two sizes too small. For a job done right, hire a dry cleaner who’s rated & reviewed in your area. Search your postcode to get started.

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Laundry service cost checklist

Finally, here are our top tips for helping you budget for the cost of dry cleaning:

  • Check the label: Not all items need dry cleaning; only certain items require professional laundering

  • Combine items: Plan ahead and take a bulk load to the dry cleaners - you may be offered a discount

  • Compare quotes: Shop around to get quotes from several dry cleaners covering your local area to help ensure you receive fair and competitive pricing

  • Check reviews: Take the time to read customer reviews - you want to be sure your garments are in good hands

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Find checked dry cleaners near you

All our members must pass up to 12 checks to be given the Checkatrade seal of approval. So when you hire through us, you can be assured that your dry cleaner is working to The Checkatrade Standard and is covered by our guarantee. Book a checked dry cleaner covering your local area through the Checkatrade app or search your postcode in the box below. It’s as simple as that!

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Dry cleaning cost: FAQs

Why do they call it dry cleaning?

When garments are dry cleaned, they're cleaned in a kind of fluid called a dry solvent. In other words, they're cleaned in a fluid that doesn't use water.

Ultimately, dry cleaning gets its name because of the absence of moisture, rather than the absence of liquid.

Is dry cleaning worth it?

Yes - for delicate, valuable, or structured garments, it helps to extend their lifespan and appearance. It’s also a convenient and time-saving option for busy households!

How often should I dry clean a suit?

It depends on use, but every 3-4 wears is typical to maintain freshness and shape.

What happens if you wash something that is dry clean only?

This depends on what kind of fabric the garment is made of and the label instructions.

Usually, if a manufacturer writes 'dry clean only' on the label, it means they have genuine concerns about whether the garment will be able to survive the washing process.

Woollen garments that are washed at too high a heat will often shrink and felt, which is irreversible. Other kinds of 'dry clean only' garments could shrink or lose their shape.

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