drycleaning - alternatives

[TMB]

OK, this drycleaning stuff is starting to get on my nerves.

Away most of last week again, I come home, unpack the suitcase and dress pants, jackets and suit jackets - I'm looking at another close to $80 for dry cleaning and pressing.

I'm getting sick of it, and it keeps getting more expensive.

What alternatives has anyone come across? I can iron a pair of slacks at home but how about cleaning? Pure wool slacks and jackets.

Any other possibilities? Please.

[chasea]

OK, this drycleaning stuff is starting to get on my nerves.

Away most of last week again, I come home, unpack the suitcase and dress pants, jackets and suit jackets - I'm looking at another close to $80 for dry cleaning and pressing.

I'm getting sick of it, and it keeps getting more expensive.

What alternatives has anyone come across? I can iron a pair of slacks at home but how about cleaning? Pure wool slacks and jackets.

Any other possibilities? Please.

An ounce of prevention....

There's some helpful info in the OP of the suit buying thread.
Dig that one up.

You'll need to pack a suitcase differently. And you'll need to hang the clothes correctly as soon as you unpack.
Invest in some decent hangers with wider shoulders for your suit jackets. Buy hangers with clips, and hang your pants by the cuffs. The natural wieght of the pant will take out most wrinkles.

Get a clothing brush. Use it.

Get a clothing steamer. A real one, not just the one on your iron. Use it. Fill it one part vodka, five parts water to remove serious odor.

Keep your funky clothing separate from your clean clothing by using craft paper. I find the plastic bag method for transporting dirty clothing just makes the condition worse.

As far as packing a suitcase, there are different ways to pack different items of clothing so that the wrinkles are minimal when you open the case. I'm not going to explain it, as it would be a novella. Watch these videos when you have the time:

[chasea]

Part 2

[chasea]

Is this what you were getting at? Am I on the right track? Lemme know.

[TMB]

Yeah, the packing stuff actually helps - good stuff there.

But it's the cleaning/pressing that just kills you. three days in Vancouver dodging the rain, high humidity, etc. You come home and look like you're wearing a potato sack.

I think I need to find stuff that doesn't need to be dry-cleaned ( good luck ...)

[AntLockyer]

Brown paper between iron and trousers prevents shine.