How Long Does Dry Cleaning Take By Clothing Type?

If you’re thinking about dry cleaning your clothes, you probably want to know how long it takes to get them back.

Typically, your local dry cleaner will give you a duration based on the clothes you drop off, but it can also help to know the turnaround time beforehand to better plan your dry cleaning.

We look at the different turnaround times for each type of fabric, break down how long each step takes, and explain the reasons that might delay your laundry.

How long does dry cleaning take?

On average, dry cleaning takes 1 to 2 days, depending on the dry cleaner, the type of stain on your clothes, and the fabric type. For instance, shirts take 1 to 2 days, standard suits take 2 to 3 days, but formal tuxedos may take up to 1 week. Leather, suede, and fur can take between 1 and 2 weeks.

If you need a more precise estimate specific to your clothes, the best bet is to ask the dry cleaner or check the claim your tag so you know when your clothes will be ready.

Dress turnaround time

Casual dresses can be dry cleaned and delivered on the same day or within 2 days. Other dress types can take between 1 day to 2 weeks, depending on their complexity, stain type, and the dry cleaner's workload.

• Cocktail dresses: 2 to 3 days.
• Prom dresses and evening gowns: 2 to 4 days
• Wedding dresses: 1 to 2 weeks

Suit turnaround time

Standard business suits usually take 1 to 2 days to dry clean, while wool and linen suits require 2 to 3 days. Silk suits and tuxedos take 2 to 5 days because they demand delicate handling. Designer or custom suits, due to their fabric type, can take 3 to 5 days to dry clean.

Wedding turnaround time

Wedding dresses usually take 1 to 2 weeks to dry clean. The exact turnaround time can vary based on the type of fabric, level of soiling, any additional requests, the level of service (standard vs. express), and the dry cleaner’s schedule.

Impact of cleaning process on times

The dry cleaning process required for each garment type is often the biggest determinent of turnaround time. Let’s look behind the scenes at some of the actual processes involved:

Inspection and sorting: When you drop off your clothes at the dry cleaner, each item is inspected for stains, damage, and specific cleaning instructions. They are then sorted based on fabric type and color. Next, each item is tagged to ensure they are correctly returned to you.

This initial step can take time, especially if you drop off many items or delicate clothes.

Pre-treatment: The next stage is to pretreat the stains identified before the main dry cleaning starts. The complexity and number of stains can add to the time required.

Dry cleaning: Unlike wet cleaning, dry cleaning uses a solvent (usually perchloroethylene) instead of water to clean fabrics. This process involves a washing cycle in a large drum machine, followed by extraction, rinsing, drying, post-spotting, pressing, and finishing.

The cycle’s length, pressing, and repairs (if any) depend on the fabric type, level of soiling, and complexity of the clothes.

• If you want a more detailed breakdown of how dry cleaning works, when to dry clean, and when not, read our article on how dry cleaning works.

Reasons your dry cleaning may take longer

Giving your clothes to the dry cleaner may take longer than usual, either because of a busy period (holidays or special events in the community), stubborn stains on your clothes, or the type of fabric. For instance, a lace wedding dress will take much longer than a simple chiffon top.

Other reasons your dry cleaning may take longer are:

A high volume of orders

During busy periods, such as holidays or special events, your local dry cleaners may have a backlog of orders, which will extend turnaround times.

Complex clothes and fabric type

Items like wedding dresses, tuxedos, and bespoke suits require special attention and care, which can take longer than average to dry clean and finish.

Similarly, delicate fabrics like silk, lace, and chiffon require extra care during the cleaning process. They are more sensitive to solvents and mechanical agitation and need gentler cycles to prevent damage. 

Meanwhile, heavier fabrics like wool or velvet can take longer to dry due to their thickness and moisture retention.

Stubborn stains

Recall that we mentioned pre-treating as a step before dry cleaning. If your clothes have stubborn stains, they may need multiple treatments, adding to the overall time required for cleaning.

Repairs and alterations

If your garment needs repairs, such as reattaching buttons or fixing small tears, or you requested alterations, like the cloth’s length adjustment, the added work will increase the overall processing time.

Operational issues

Dry cleaning uses specialized machinery. If any of this equipment malfunctions or breaks down, it can halt the cleaning process and cause delays. In addition, not everyone can operate dry cleaning machines. Hence, a staff shortage, whether due to illness, vacations, or high employee turnover, can lead to slower processing times.

How long do dry cleaners hold clothes?

Most dry cleaners hold clothes up to 6 months, but it’s worth checking your chit to be sure. Clothes that aren’t collected on time are often given away, sold, or thrown out. Normally dry cleaners will attempt to call you first. 

Dry cleaning turnaround times

Understanding the factors highlighted in this article can help set realistic expectations and improve communication with your dry cleaner. Likewise, it’s always best to check with your dry cleaner for specific timelines and options, especially if you need yoru clothes back quickly.

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