How often should one dry clean work clothes?

Question

Much to my annoyance, most of my work clothes (suits, pants, etc.) must be dry cleaned. How often should they be dry cleaned? How often is too often? The work I do is mostly office work, so it's not like I'm outside playing in the dirt.

Answer 1

If you take them off and sponge them down with a damp (not wet) lint-free cloth and air them overnight before returning to closet, you can get multiple wears out of them. You can buy a steamer, which also helps to cleanse the garment as well as eliminate wrinkles.
I generally dry clean twice a year- my winter clothes in spring and my summer clother in late fall. I bring them to a cleaner that does bulk dry-cleaning- by the pound. I have to drive 25 miles but it's worth it. I call two days before and find out how much it costs me and it's never been more than $40.
You should be able to get a dozen or so wears from some garments before cleaning with chemicals. Other more fragile fabrics may need more pampering. Choose sturdier clothes to save money in the long run.
While the data is not definitive because of too many variables, it is well-documented that affluent women have higher rates of breast cancer, and common factors in their case histories include clothes that are frequently dry-cleaned and employing lawn companies tha use chemical pesticides. So you want sturdy items that can hold up to multiple use.
I tend to wear cotton or cotton-blend, or washable woolen tops under my suits. That way, the washable fabrics are absorbing the sweat and odors from my body and environment. You can do the same with cotton sleeveless undies (commonly referred to as "wifebeaters" tho I hate that term.).
Dry-clean as seldom as you can by keeping things aired, steamed and spot-cleaned. Dry clean when they smell of body odor or smoke or other things you don't want, or if they are stained.
Good question, thanks for making me think about how I do this.:)

Answer 2

Wearing your work clothes twice is the norm. Depending on your cleanliness you may go three to four. I highly recommend not going more than 3, you may not notice your clothes becoming stale, but others may.

Answer 3

depends if you get sweaty in your clothes. i usually wear suits twice before dry cleaning them.