How Often Should You Actually Dry Clean These 10 Items?

Let’s be honest—most of us are guessing.

You throw on a blazer that’s been hanging for weeks and think, “This still looks fine.” Or you pull out last year’s winter coat and hope no one notices the faint ring around the collar.

The truth is, dry cleaning isn’t just about appearances—it’s about protecting your investment, your image, and in many cases, your sanity. And when you don’t know when to clean something, you either overdo it (wasting money), or wait too long (damaging the garment).

At Maritime Dry Cleaners, we see it all—fabrics that could’ve lasted years but didn’t, and beloved pieces that became unsalvageable because care was delayed. So let’s cut through the confusion with a practical guide you can actually use.

These are the 10 most commonly misunderstood wardrobe items—and how often they really need to be dry cleaned.

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1. Suits

Every 3–4 wears: Even if it looks crisp, body oils and pollution build up invisibly. Regular care keeps the fabric sharp and extends the suit’s life.

2. Dress Pants

Every 3–5 wears: They absorb more friction and sweat than jackets. Clean them regularly to maintain the crease and prevent thinning at the knees or seat.

3. Wool Coats & Blazers

Once per season: They might not show dirt, but they trap odours and allergens. A seasonal refresh keeps them looking (and smelling) ready for anything.

4. Silk Blouses & Dresses

Every 1–2 wears: Silk is fragile and unforgiving. Perfume, sweat, even tap water can leave marks. Let a pro handle it before the damage is permanent.

5. School Uniforms

Weekly or biweekly: Kids wear them hard. Dry cleaning keeps colours from fading and the material from wearing out halfway through the school year.

6. Formalwear & Evening Dresses

After every wear: Even if you wore it for an hour, body oils, makeup, and spilled champagne don’t vanish on their own. Don’t store the memory with the mess.

7. Cashmere & Fine Knitwear

Every 3–4 wears: These luxe layers need gentle care. Dry cleaning prevents stretching, maintains softness, and deters moths during storage.

8. Clothing with Stains (Even Small Ones)

Immediately: Stains don’t get better with time. In fact, they oxidize, set in, and become permanent. Bring it in early—we’ll handle the rest.

9. Duvets, Comforters & Wool Blankets

1–2 times per year: Too big for home washers, too delicate for guesswork. Dry cleaning preserves the fill and deep-cleans where machines can’t.

10. Dark or Raw Denim

Every 4–5 wears: Avoid washing out colour or shrinking the fabric. Dry cleaning maintains the shape and hue, especially for high-end denim.

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Why This Matters

Your clothes aren’t just things—they’re how you show up in the world. Whether it's a job interview, a family gathering, or just a walk downtown, your wardrobe does a lot of heavy lifting. But without the right care, even the best clothes wear out before their time.

We wrote this guide because we’ve seen too many great garments get ruined by bad timing or misinformation. At Maritime Dry Cleaners, our job is more than cleaning—it’s preserving your investment, your style, and your confidence.

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Serving HRM for Over 50 Years

Ready to take better care of your clothes—without second-guessing it? Bring your items in, ask us your questions, and we’ll give you honest advice and expert results.

Visit us at: 214 Bedford Highway

Or call us: 902 443-4447 — because clean clothes should never be stressful.