Your Dry Cleaner?s Double Standard

Women are charged more for dry cleaning services. Don't fume, find a better way. While it is true that the practice is unfair it is also true that we have options for keeping our clothes clean and holding onto more of our cash. Try some of these tactics to stem or stop the unfair flow of your dry cleaning dollars.

? Examine labels before you make a clothing purchase. Go for easy care (read machine washable) items whenever possible.

? Determine if dry cleaning is a suggestion or a mandate before you shell out big bucks. If dry cleaning is not necessary for the care of your fabric, consider gentle hand or machine washing.

? Investigate home dry cleaning products such as Dryel. These products work with a special bag and fabric-softener like cleaning sheet, and your dryer to freshen your clothing. You can find home dry cleaning products in the laundry aisle of your grocer or local discount store. Dryel and similar products typically run around $10.00 and clean 6-9 pieces, a significant savings over dry cleaning costs.

? Negotiate with your dry cleaner for better prices. Politely mention your concerns around gender price differentials and ask that your cleaner offer comparable prices for comparable fabrics.

? Invest in a steamer. They are now widely available and priced affordably.

? Take advantage of savings and discount programs. Some dry cleaners offer discounts with pre-payment or a particular number of items.

? Pay cash. Unless you pay your credit card balance in full each month you incur additional costs in interest on top of your already exorbitant dry cleaning costs.

? Wear clothing items twice, instead of once before making a trip to the cleaner.

Dry cleaning costs can run as high as several hundreds of dollars each year. These costs are inflated by gender bias. Fight back and keep more of your cash with a few of the suggestions listed above.

Enjoyed this article? Read similar ones here.

Nicole Soltau is the President and Founder of http://CreditUnionRate.com - The Leading Credit Union Directory Search, Find Join.

10 Quick And Cheap Ways To Cut Your Heating Bill

When you received an energy (heating) bill last winter, were... Read More

Do You Really Need the Power of Money Management Software?

I have been a loyal user of Quicken(R) for more... Read More

Take Control and Master Your Kitchen

Those who keep a watchful eye on where their money... Read More

Want Your Savings to Earn a Higher Rate of Return? Try Internet Banking

Doesn't it seem like the only impressive numbers we've seen... Read More

10 Money-Saving Tips

1. If you have your haircut every 3 weeks, try... Read More

Are You Ready To Be Fired?

Your boss has just informed you that your department is... Read More

Affording a Home

Can you really afford a house? If so, how much... Read More

Budgeting your Savings - Did You Let Your Piggy Bank Get Away?

I think most of us have at some point in... Read More

How To Survive The Grocery Shopping Blues

If you are the normal consumer, then you've probably experienced... Read More

Safely Save for Your Childs University Studies Using An Education IRA!

This investment retirement account (IRA) is useful to you as... Read More

Money Matters: Strengthen Your Marriage by Putting Finances in Order

Did you know that 43% of all married couples argue... Read More

Budgeting: A Tough Love Way to Handle Your Household Budget

Developing and living by a household budget is by far... Read More

Personal Finance ? Why You Should Compare, not Despair

Sorting out your personal finances can be a tricky and... Read More

How To Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

Identity theft is a serious crime that continues to grow.... Read More

Help With My Annuity

The cries are heard from the distance, "I need help... Read More

Bank On It: Places to Hide and Invest Money

Today I passed a thermometer at a bank that read... Read More

What is a Traditional IRA?

With a traditional Investment Retirement Account (IRA) you pay taxes... Read More

How to Balance Your Checkbook ? Get a Calculator and Pencil and You are Ready To Go!

Despite how easy it is to balance a checkbook, very... Read More

More Money? My Cup Runneth Over...But Im Still Thirsty

Most of us, especially those of us who have debtor's... Read More

Your Dry Cleaner?s Double Standard

Women are charged more for dry cleaning services. Don't fume,... Read More

The Good and the Bad of Money Management

Good money management needn't be difficult. In fact, there a... Read More

Budgeting Your Way to Financial Freedom

Financial freedom cannot be achieved without budgeting. Budgeting involves tracking... Read More

The Origins of Check Writing

People haven't always written checks to buy goods and services.... Read More

Im Broke, How Can I Afford...

I'm still amazed every time someone comes to me complaining... Read More

How to Save for A Down Payment

Saving for a Down Payment is hard work, so it's... Read More