Overview
Dry cleaners use chemicals and solvents to clean clothes and other items that cannot be washed in the normal way.
Activities
- Take items from customers and give them a collection ticket
- Sort items according to colour and fabric type and check for damage
- Tag the articles with bar codes or computer chips for easy identification
- Treat heavy stains before cleaning by ‘spotting’ with chemicals
- Weigh items and load them into machines
- Programme machines to match the fabric and the amount of soiling
- Add cleaning fluids and chemicals
- Check, press, fold or hang the items after cleaning
Organisations
Many dry cleaners are self-employed. Others are employed by dry cleaning shops, at a laundry or in a factory.
Workplace
Dry cleaners do most of their work indoors.
Working Hours
On average dry cleaners work around 37-40 hours a week although many roles can be part time.
Salary
Salary varies but on average starting salary is around £14,000.
Qualifications
You could apply directly for jobs. Employers will often be more interested in your personal qualities like reliability, timekeeping and customer care than qualifications.