Laundry and Dry Cleaning Workers

Career summary

Depending on job duties, some workers may be called spotters or laundry attendants.

#match with 4464

Laundry and dry cleaning workers may staff the counter and receive items from customers. Workers talk to customers about cleaning instructions and give them laundry tickets. They clean items including garments, wedding gowns, drapes, and bedding.

Workers mark stains on garments and try to remove them. They often test fabrics to make sure they won't be damaged by the cleaning process. They apply stain removers and may soak articles before washing them. Workers also sort garments based on their color, fabric, and cleaning technique.

Once stains are removed, workers load and tend:

• Washing machines
• Extractors
• Dryers

Dry cleaners run dry cleaning machines with pumps that drain and reclaim the dry cleaning solution. They also clean the filters in washing machines and dryers. Some workers maintain and repair washing machines and other cleaning equipment.

Related careers

This career is part of the Human Services cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Clothes Pressers
• Janitors
• Maids and Housekeepers
• Packers and Packagers
• Production Helpers
• Retail Salespeople
• Tailors
• Textile Machine Operators

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to laundry and dry cleaning workers.

• Receive and mark articles for laundry or dry cleaning.
• Examine and sort articles to be cleaned according to color, fabric, dirt content, and cleaning technique required.
• Mend and sew articles using hand stitching, adhesive patch, or power sewing machine.
• Pre-soak, sterilize, scrub, and clean contaminated or stained articles using various cleaning solutions.
• Load articles into washer, dryer, or dry cleaning machine.
• Mix and add detergents, dyes, bleach, starch, and other solutions and chemicals to clean, color, or stiffen articles.
• Start washer, dry cleaner, dryer, or extractor. Turn valves or levers to regulate and monitor cleaning or drying operations.
• Remove items from washer, dryer, or dry cleaning machine.
• Sort and count articles removed from dryer. Fold, wrap, or hang items for airing out, pickup, and delivery.
• Hang curtains, drapes, blankets, pants, and other garments on stretch frames to dry.
• Wash or dry clean delicate articles by hand, using mild detergent or dry cleaning solutions.
• Iron or press articles, using hand iron or pressing machine.
• Start pumps to operate distilling systems that drain and reclaim dry cleaning solvents.
• Clean machine filters and lubricate equipment.
• Test fabrics to see if cleaning solvents may damage or discolor them.

Common work activities

Laundry and dry cleaning workers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Handle and move objects
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Control machines and processes
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Assist and care for others
• Teach others
• Get information needed to do the job

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, laundry and dry cleaning workers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium to high level of social contact. They often work alone but also spend time interacting with customers.
• Communicate with others usually in person or over the telephone.
• Often work with a team of other cleaning works.
• Are responsible for the work done by other cleaning workers.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of other workers and their customers.
• May occasionally be placed in conflict situations in which customers may be rude or angry.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Are regularly exposed to contaminants, such as dry cleaning solvents.
• Are sometimes exposed to diseases and infections carried on customer clothing.
• Often wear safety gear, such as rubber gloves and goggles.
• May work physically near other workers, such as when sharing work spaces.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work and be sure all details are done so that customers are happy.
• Must let the work pace be determined by the speed of equipment or machinery.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• Usually set their own daily tasks and goals based on the amount of cleaning to be done.
• Make some decisions on their own, but often consult supervisors first before deciding on a course of action.
• Must meet strict daily and weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time. Schedules are typically fairly regular.

Physical demands

Laundry and dry cleaning workers frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for laundry and dry cleaning workers to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for laundry and dry cleaning workers to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.

Skills and abilities

Laundry and dry cleaning workers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Apparel and Textiles

Training

To work as a laundry and dry cleaning worker, you typically need to:

• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education is required for this job. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or its equivalent.

On-the-job training

Laundry and dry cleaning workers usually receive informal training on the job. Sometimes experienced workers lead the training. Other times dry cleaning machine manufacturers do the training.

Training generally lasts up to one month. After training, another worker supervises your work for a short time.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Family and Consumer Sciences
• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers look for applicants who are dependable and who have the stamina to perform the work. A clean, neat appearance is important for those who deal with the public.

Some larger hotels and motels prefer workers who can work flexible hours.

Costs to workers

Some workers may be required to join a union and pay an initiation fee and regular dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Laundry and Dry Cleaning Workers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

#In Washington, the average entry-level wage for laundry and dry-cleaning workers is $10.75 per hour ($1,863 per month).

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

#Updated ES wage info 07.16 sd

Wages vary by employer and area of the country.

Laundry and dry cleaning workers who work full time often receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

#Between 2014 and 2024, it is estimated that there will be 19 openings annually due to new positions and 47 openings annually from workers leaving this career.

#Updated outlook 06.16 sd

Washington outlook depends on consumer demand for professional laundry and dry cleaning services and on technological innovations in fibers and finishes. Opportunities will be best for applicants with special knowledge of fabrics and cleaning compounds.

#comments still seem relevant so left in 4/11/12 cj. Yes, OK 3/7/13 lh, & 5/11/16 cj.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Laundry services and dry cleaners
• Nursing and residential care facilities
• Hotels
• Hospitals

National outlook

Employment of laundry and dry cleaning workers is expected to experience little or no change. A growing population will continue to demand laundry and dry cleaning services. However, many people are choosing to purchase clothing that can be cleaned at home.

Other resources

Drycleaning and Laundry Institute 
14700 Sweitzer Lane
Laurel, MD 20707
800.638.2627
301.622.1900

National Cleaners Association 
252 W 29th Street
New York, New York 10001

Service Employees International Union 
1800 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036
800.424.8592

UNITE HERE 
275 - 7th Avenue, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10001
212.265.7000

References

Career cluster

• Human Services

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers (51-6011.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 1 - Little or no preparation needed. No previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Continuous-towel Roller (361.685-014) 
• Dry Cleaner (362.382-014) 
• Dry Cleaner (589.685-038) 
• Dry-cleaner Apprentice (362.382-010) 
• Feather Renovator (362.685-010) 
• Fur Blower (369.685-010) 
• Fur Cleaner (362.684-014) 
• Fur Cleaner, Machine (369.685-014) 
• Fur-glazing-and-polishing-machine Operator (369.685-022) 
• Launderer, Hand (361.684-010) 
• Laundry Operator (369.684-014) 
• Laundry Worker I (361.684-014) 
• Laundry Worker II (361.685-018) 
• Leather Cleaner (362.684-026) 
• Rug Cleaner, Machine (361.682-010) 
• Spot Cleaner (582.684-014) 
• Spotter I (361.684-018) 
• Spotter II (362.381-010) 
• Upholstery Cleaner (780.687-058) 
• Washer, Machine (361.665-010) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Consumer Economics