Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
What is a Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker?
Laundry and dry-cleaning workers are responsible for cleaning and finishing garments and other articles made of fabric. They operate machines used for washing, drying, and pressing clothes, linens, and other textiles. These workers ensure the cleanliness and maintenance of clothing and textiles by using various methods and solvents, including water and chemical agents for dry cleaning. They may also sort, tag, and hang items based on their cleaning requirements and customer specifications. Attention to detail is crucial as they must identify stains and select appropriate cleaning techniques to preserve the quality of the items being processed. Additionally, they often handle customer inquiries, provide estimates for services, and may manage the logistics of drop-off and pick-up of garments in retail or commercial laundries. Their work is vital in hotels, hospitals, and personal service establishments, contributing significantly to the overall cleanliness and presentation of garments and linens.
Tasks
- Load articles into washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to perform loading.
- Start washers, dry cleaners, driers, or extractors, and turn valves or levers to regulate machine processes and the volume of soap, detergent, water, bleach, starch, and other additives.
- Operate extractors and driers, or direct their operation.
- Remove items from washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to do so.
- Sort and count articles removed from dryers, and fold, wrap, or hang them.
Technology Skills
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Point of sale POS software
- Cents
- Curbside Laundries Wash and Fold POS Software
- Sales processing software
- Wash-Dry-Fold POS
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Electronic mail software
- Email software
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Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
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Operating system software
- Microsoft Windows
Tools Used
- Dry cleaning machines
- Identification markers
- Laundry type washing machines
- Folding machines
- Ironing machines or presses
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Abilities
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Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
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Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
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Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Less than high school diploma
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work Activities
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
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Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Detailed Work Activities
- Apply water or solutions to fabrics or apparel.
- Direct operational or production activities.
- Operate garment treatment equipment.
- Sort materials or products for processing, storing, shipping, or grading.
- Count finished products or workpieces.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$23670.0 - $38920.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.