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The Truth About Dry Cleaning
Most Items Don't Need Dry Cleaning
If you are searching for dry cleaning services in Christchurch, here is something the dry cleaning industry does not want you to know: most garments labelled "dry clean only" can actually be washed safely and effectively using modern washing techniques. In fact, professional washing is often gentler, safer, and better for your clothes than traditional dry cleaning.
The "dry clean only" label is often a manufacturer's way of protecting themselves from liability, not a reflection of whether your garment can be washed. Many delicate items like wool jumpers, silk blouses, dress shirts, and even some suits can be washed using gentle cycles, proper detergents, and professional care.
At Pick Up Laundry, we offer a professional laundry service that cleans your clothes more effectively and safely than traditional dry cleaning, at a fraction of the cost. We use advanced washing techniques, gentle detergents, and careful handling to clean delicate garments without harsh chemicals.
The result? Cleaner clothes, fresher smells, no chemical residue, and significantly lower prices. Plus, we offer the same convenient pickup and delivery service you would expect from a dry cleaner, but with better results and better value.
Before you spend money on expensive dry cleaning, let us show you a better way. Call us on 027 269 0154 to discuss your garments.
The Problems with Traditional Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaning has been around for over 100 years, but that does not mean it is the best solution for your clothes. Here are some significant drawbacks to traditional dry cleaning services:
- Harsh Chemicals: Dry cleaning uses chemical solvents like perchloroethylene (perc), which can leave residue on your clothes and has been linked to health concerns
- Expensive: Dry cleaning is significantly more expensive than washing. A single shirt can cost $8-15 to dry clean, compared to a fraction of that for professional washing
- Not Actually "Cleaner": Dry cleaning does not remove odours as effectively as washing with water and detergent. It cleans surface dirt but does not deeply refresh fabrics
- Chemical Smell: Clothes often come back with that distinctive dry cleaning chemical smell that takes days to air out
- Fabric Damage: Repeated dry cleaning can actually be harsher on fabrics than gentle washing, causing fibres to break down over time
- Environmental Impact: The chemicals used in dry cleaning are harmful to the environment and require special disposal
In contrast, professional washing with the right techniques is gentler, more effective at removing odours and stains, safer for you and your family, and far more environmentally friendly.
A Better Solution
Why Our Professional Laundry Service is Better Than Dry Cleaning
No Harsh Chemicals
We use gentle, eco-friendly detergents and fabric softeners. No chemical solvents, no toxic residue on your clothes, and no unpleasant chemical smell.
Significantly Cheaper
Our service costs a fraction of what you would pay for dry cleaning. Save 50-70% while getting better results and more convenient service.
Actually Gets Clothes Clean
Water-based washing removes odours, sweat, and dirt more effectively than dry cleaning solvents. Your clothes come back genuinely fresh and clean.
Gentle on Fabrics
Modern washing techniques with proper temperature control and gentle cycles are actually kinder to fabrics than repeated dry cleaning.
Same Convenience
We offer the same pickup and delivery service as dry cleaners. Your clothes are collected from your door and returned clean within 48 hours.
Environmentally Friendly
No toxic solvents, no harmful chemical disposal. Our washing process is safe for you, your family, and the environment.
What We Can Wash Instead of Dry Cleaning
Many items traditionally sent to dry cleaners can be washed professionally with excellent results. Here is what we can handle:
Dress Shirts & Blouses
Cotton, linen, silk blouses, and dress shirts wash beautifully. We use gentle cycles and proper temperatures to keep fabrics looking pristine. Professional pressing available.
Wool Jumpers & Knitwear
Most wool items can be hand-washed or machine washed on delicate cycles using wool-safe detergents. We prevent shrinking and maintain softness without harsh chemicals.
Trousers & Casual Pants
Cotton trousers, chinos, dress pants in washable fabrics. We wash, press, and return them looking sharp and ready to wear.
Dresses & Skirts
Many dresses and skirts labelled "dry clean only" can be washed safely. We assess each garment and use appropriate washing methods for the fabric type.
Bedding & Linens
Duvet covers, sheets, pillowcases, and blankets. These should always be washed, not dry cleaned. We handle large items with ease.
Table Linens & Napkins
Tablecloths, napkins, and decorative linens. Professional washing and pressing for events and everyday use.
Not sure if your item can be washed? Give us a call on 027 269 0154 and describe the garment. We will let you know honestly whether washing is suitable or if dry cleaning is genuinely necessary.
When You Actually Need Dry Cleaning
We believe in being honest with our customers. There are some items that genuinely require dry cleaning:
- Structured Suits & Blazers: Tailored suits with fused or canvassed construction should be dry cleaned to maintain their shape and structure
- Leather & Suede: These materials require specialized dry cleaning and cannot be washed with water
- Heavily Embellished Garments: Items with beading, sequins, or delicate embellishments may need dry cleaning to avoid damage
- Vintage or Delicate Fabrics: Very old or fragile items may be safer with professional dry cleaning
- Items with Non-Washable Linings: Some garments have linings that cannot be washed and require dry cleaning
For these items, we can refer you to a trusted dry cleaner in Christchurch. However, for the vast majority of your laundry needs, our professional washing service is the better choice.
Cost Comparison
See How Much You Can Save
Let's compare the cost of dry cleaning versus our professional laundry service for a typical weekly load:
Traditional Dry Cleaning
5 Dress Shirts: $50-75
2 Trousers: $20-30
2 Blouses: $20-30
1 Dress: $15-25
Total: $105-160 per week
Pick Up Laundry Service
Same items washed professionally
Gentle cycles, proper temperatures
Pickup and delivery included
48-hour turnaround
Total: $45-65 per week
You Save: $60-95 per week!
That's over $3,000-$4,900 saved per year by switching from dry cleaning to our professional laundry service, while getting cleaner, fresher clothes without harsh chemicals.
Simple Process
How Our Service Works
1
Order Online or Call
Book your pickup through our website or call 027 269 0154. Tell us about any special care requirements.
2
We Collect
Leave your laundry bag at your door. We collect it at your scheduled time.
3
We Wash & Care
Professional washing using gentle cycles, proper temperatures, and quality detergents. Pressing available.
4
We Deliver
Clean, fresh clothes delivered back within 48 hours. No chemicals, no hassle.
Customer Stories
What Our Customers Say
"I used to spend over $100 a week getting my work shirts dry cleaned. Since switching to Pick Up Laundry, I pay less than half that and my shirts actually smell fresh instead of like chemicals. I wish I had made the switch years ago."
– Michael T., Merivale
"I was sceptical about washing my wool jumpers instead of dry cleaning them, but the team at Pick Up Laundry were amazing. They explained the process, and my jumpers came back soft, clean, and perfect. No shrinking, no issues. So much better than dry cleaning."
– Sarah L., Fendalton
Simple Pricing
Our Affordable Rates
Small Load
5kg or less - $45
10kg or less - $65
Medium Load
15kg or less - $95
20kg or less - $130
Large Load
25kg or less - $160
30kg or less - $185
Professional pressing and ironing services available. Compare this to dry cleaning costs of $8-15 per shirt, and the savings speak for themselves.
Service Areas
We Service All of Christchurch
Convenient pickup and delivery across all Christchurch suburbs:
- Addington
- Avonhead
- Burnside
- Cashmere
- Fendalton
- Halswell
- Hornby
- Ilam
- Linwood
- Merivale
- Papanui
- Riccarton
- Shirley
- Spreydon
- St Albans
- Sumner
- Sydenham
- Woolston
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really wash "dry clean only" items safely?
Yes, in most cases. Many "dry clean only" labels are overly cautious. We use gentle cycles, proper temperatures, and appropriate detergents for delicate fabrics. If we believe an item genuinely requires dry cleaning, we will let you know honestly.
Will my wool jumpers shrink?
No. We use cold water and gentle cycles specifically designed for wool. We also use wool-safe detergents that protect the fibres. Thousands of wool items washed with zero shrinkage issues.
How much cheaper is your service compared to dry cleaning?
You typically save 50-70% compared to traditional dry cleaning. For a typical weekly load that would cost $100-160 to dry clean, our service costs just $45-65.
Do you offer pressing and ironing?
Yes. Professional pressing and ironing services are available for shirts, trousers, and other garments that need a crisp finish.
What if my item gets damaged?
We treat every garment with care and follow proper washing guidelines. In the rare event of damage, we take full responsibility. However, our track record speaks for itself – thousands of satisfied customers trust us with their delicate items.
Is your service really better than dry cleaning?
For most items, absolutely. Our washing removes odours and dirt more effectively, uses no harsh chemicals, costs significantly less, and is gentler on fabrics. Plus, your clothes smell fresh, not like chemicals.
Ready to Ditch Expensive Dry Cleaning?
Try our professional laundry service and discover cleaner clothes, better prices, and a safer, more eco-friendly alternative to traditional dry cleaning.