Dry cleaning assistant

Dry cleaning assistants deal with customers, sort out clothes, and operate cleaning equipment, such as a steam press or dry-cleaning machine. They remove stains using chemicals and carry out minor repairs to clothes.

Work activities

Some clothes and other fabric items (for example, curtains and duvets) can’t be washed in water, because they would shrink, lose colour, or be damaged in some other way. Instead, they have to be dry cleaned. Dry cleaning assistants work in dry cleaning shops and industrial laundries. They deal with clothes and other items from the general public and organisations like hotels and hospitals. Dry cleaning assistants in shops meet customers face to face. When a customer brings in something to be cleaned – for example, a jacket – the dry cleaning assistant examines it and explains to the customer what the cleaning treatment will be, how long it will take and how much it will cost. If the item is stained, the assistant asks the customer for details of what caused the stain, as this might affect how the garment is cleaned. They then tag the item for identification, take the customer’s contact details and give the customer a collection ticket. They either take payment at this point or when the customer collects the cleaned item.

Most dry cleaning shops are self-contained – they can clean most items onsite. The dry cleaning assistant sorts items for cleaning, loads and unloads the cleaning machines, and removes stains by hand. To remove stains in this way, chemicals are applied directly (but very carefully) onto the stain. Sometimes, assistants do small repairs to items of clothing. Once an item is clean, the dry cleaning assistant presses or irons it. Finally they put the item on a hanger, or fold it neatly, and cover it (usually with polythene) to protect it from dust. It is then stored, ready for the customer to collect. Some outlets use touch-screen computers to locate customer items. When the customer comes to collect the item, the assistant asks for the collection ticket and matches it up with the tag on the item. Then they ask the customer to confirm that it does belong to them. Assistants might have to deal with any problems that might occur and any customer complaints, or they might refer them to the manager. Those who work in industrial laundries might do normal laundry work as well as dry cleaning.

Personal qualities and skills

As a dry cleaning assistant, you need:

• A good level of fitness.
• Stamina; there’ll be lots of lifting and bending, and you’ll be on your feet a lot.
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken.
• To get on well with people.
• To work well on your own and in a team.
• To be able to take instructions from a supervisor or manager.
• To be polite and friendly to customers.
• To explain things clearly.
• The ability to work quickly and pay attention to detail.
• Number and cash-handling skills.
• To follow health and safety procedures.

This is a job where you’ll come into contact with chemicals. If you have any allergies, breathing problems or skin complaints, you should find out first if the chemicals would affect you.

Pay and opportunities  

The pay rates given are approximate. Dry cleaning assistants earn in the range of £16,500 a year, rising to £22,000 with experience.

Dry cleaning assistants normally work a basic 39-41-hour week including Saturdays, with a day off in the week in lieu. Part-time posts are common.

Employers are dry cleaning shops and industrial laundries, handling commercial laundry services. Opportunities for dry cleaning assistants occur in towns and cities throughout the UK. Industrial laundries tend to be in larger towns and cities.

What’s happening in this work area?

Cleaning is regarded as an essential service, no matter what the economic conditions. The sector is expected to grow steadily over the next few years, providing plenty of opportunity for employment.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised on job boards, in local newspapers, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. You could also approach possible employers directly and ask about vacancies.

Entry routes and training

You can go straight into this job without qualifications, but you might be at an advantage if you have GCSEs in English and maths. Alternatively, you could enter this career path through a level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship in the role of commercial laundry operative.

Either way, training is mostly on-the-job, with short courses in different aspects of the work. The Guild of Cleaners & Launderers (GCL) has a Qualification Star Scheme, which provides qualifications for many aspects of dry cleaning, such as stain removal, dry cleaning practice, garment finishing and retail sales. Dry cleaners who use solvents in their work need to be registered and hold a permit. They need to fill in forms and keep records to show how much solvent is being used. Staff need to be trained in operating and safety procedures.

With training and experience, it might be possible to move into supervisory or branch manager positions.

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through an intermediate apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme. If you enter via direct application, you’ll most likely be expected to have a few GCSEs.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have a background in retail work or in an area involving practical hand skills.

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