Laundry/Dry Cleaning Machine Operator
A Laundry/Dry Cleaning Machine Operator is responsible for cleaning various items, such as clothing, linens, and rugs, using specialized machines and chemicals. This role typically takes place in laundromats and dry-cleaning establishments, where operators interact with customers to ensure proper cleaning instructions are followed. Key tasks include sorting items by color and fabric type, measuring and applying cleaning agents, operating machines, monitoring the cleaning process, and organizing returned items for patrons.
Operators often work in warm and noisy environments and must adhere to safety regulations when handling chemicals. While formal education requirements are minimal, high school courses in mathematics and home economics, along with vocational training, can be beneficial. The job attracts individuals who are comfortable with physical labor and possess strong customer service skills. According to 2023 statistics, the median annual earnings for operators are around $31,880, with job growth expectations indicating little to no change in employment levels. Overall, this profession offers a blend of technical duties and customer interaction in the hospitality and human services sectors.
Laundry/Dry Cleaning Machine Operator
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Hospitality & Tourism, Human Services
Interests: Physical labor, working with your hands, customer service
Earnings (Yearly Median): $31,880 (2023)
Employment & Outlook: Little or No Growth Expected
Overview
Sphere of Work. Laundry and dry cleaning machine operators use machines to clean a wide range of materials, including clothing, rugs, and linens. Patrons bring operators their items to be cleaned, and the operators determine how best to clean them using machines and various chemicals. Operators also perform maintenance and cleaning of the machines used in their jobs. They may also perform tasks related to clothing and fabric maintenance, such as mending and sewing.
Work Environment. The work environment of a laundry and dry cleaning machine operator can be noisy and warm. Operators work in laundromats and dry-cleaning locations, as well as larger commercial environments. When working with chemicals such as bleach, they must follow safety regulations. Operators may work alone or with other employees and supervisors. They also work one-on-one with clients.
Occupation Interest. The laundry and dry-cleaning profession involves a wide range of physical tasks. The job tends to attract people who enjoy physical labor. Operators should be enthusiastic about working with the public and have great customer-service skills. Laundry and dry cleaning machine operators should be adept at figuring out how to best clean materials presented to them. Operators should have excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Laundry and dry cleaning machine operators work either alone or with other operators to clean clothes, linens, rugs, and a wide variety of other materials. Patrons typically drop off their items with specific instructions. Items are marked and labeled to keep them organized and to ensure they are returned to the right patron. Some cleaning jobs require an operator to treat the material before it is put into the machine. This is commonly done with bleach, detergent, and other cleaning chemicals.
Operators sort through articles and separate them by color, fabric type, and the type of cleaning that has to be performed. Materials are then loaded into laundry or dry-cleaning machines. Depending on the job, appropriate chemicals are added, and the machine is set to the proper cleaning time. Operators monitor the cleaning and drying machines throughout the process. Once the cleaning process is finished, they remove the articles and separate and organize them. At coin-operated facilities, operators collect money from washing machines, dryers, and change machines. In some instances, they perform material-alteration services, such as sewing and mending. Operators communicate with patrons throughout the workday to help them operate machines, collect their items, and perform a variety of other point-of-sale duties.
According to 2023 data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, California (17,040), Florida (14,940), Texas (14,050), and New York (12,490) were the top four states that employed the most laundry and dry-cleaning workers. Workers in the District of Columbia earned the most, with a mean annual salary of $42,240.
Dry Cleaners. Dry Cleaners operate dry cleaning machines, which clean clothing, drapes, and other materials that cannot be washed in water.
Fur Cleaners. Fur Cleaners restore fur garments by hand or machine using brushes, pads, sawdust, corncob dust, and cleaning fluids.
Laundry Operators. Laundry Operators perform various duties, such as receiving, marking, washing, finishing, checking and wrapping laundry articles.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Operators work at laundromats and dry-cleaning establishments. These locations are usually warm and noisy due to the use and operation of machinery. Most operators interact frequently with workers, supervisors, and clients. The area where cleaned items are stored needs to be kept organized to ensure the right clothes go to the right customer.
Human Environment. Laundry and dry cleaning machine operators collaborate with other workers and supervisors to ensure jobs are done properly and on time. They interact with customers to be sure they understand what cleaning tasks need to be accomplished.
Technological Environment. The laundry and dry-cleaning profession requires the use of a variety of automated machines, including washing and drying machines. Chemicals such as bleach and detergent are also used. These chemicals can pose health risks, and usage guidelines should be followed at all times. Should a laundry or dry cleaning professional wish to own a small business, knowledge of accounting and scheduling software, office suite programs, and Internet communication is necessary.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. There are typically no education requirements for workers in the laundry and dry-cleaning profession. Some employers require that applicants have a high school degree or the equivalent. Individuals can prepare for a career in the cleaning industry by taking basic high school courses such as mathematics and English, as well as any business-related classes. Many high school home economics courses instruct students in the basics of sewing, mending, and other methods of clothing repair and alteration. Students interested in laundry and dry-cleaning operations can get a head start in the profession by applying at laundromats or dry cleaners during their summer vacation or winter break.
Postsecondary. Laundry and dry cleaning machine operators are not required to have a college education. There are, however, many courses offered at vocational and technical schools that may be beneficial to those interested in the cleaning industry. Relevant courses include machine engineering, entrepreneurship, and small-business management. Machine-engineering courses provide students with a strong background in machine use and repair and teach them about the basics of machine safety. Vocational courses in machinery commonly offer a combination of formal classroom instruction and hands-on training. Anyone with a basic understanding of how machines work will have an edge in the laundry and dry-cleaning industry. Business courses can help individuals gain knowledge of customer service, point-of-sale systems, budgeting, and employee management. There are many advancement opportunities in the laundry and dry-cleaning industries. In addition, technical and vocational schools offer students great opportunities for networking with others in the industry, and many programs offer job placement opportunities.
Related Occupations
Bibliography
"Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers." Bureau of Labor Statistics, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes516011.htm. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.
"Number of Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers in the United States From 2020 to 2023." Statista, 12 June 2024, www.statista.com/statistics/436610/number-of-laundry-and-dry-cleaning-workers-in-the-us/. Accessed 22 Aug. 2024.