Dry Cleaning Assistant

Introduction

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

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Work Activities

Some clothes and other fabric items (eg, curtains) 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 linen from the general public and from organisations like hotels and hospitals.

Assistants in shops meet customers face to face. When a customer brings in something to be cleaned - for example, a jacket - the 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. The assistant tags the item for identification, takes the customer's contact details and gives the customer a collection ticket.

Sometimes the assistant takes payment at this point; sometimes payment is taken when the customer collects the cleaned item.

Most dry-cleaning shops are self-contained - they can clean most items on site. The assistants sort items for cleaning, load and unload the cleaning machines, and remove stains by hand. To remove stains in this way the assistant puts chemicals directly (but very carefully) onto the stain.

Once an item is clean the assistant presses or irons it. Finally they put the item on a hanger, or fold it neatly, and cover it (usually with plastic) to protect it from dust. It is then stored, ready for the customer to collect.

Those who work in industrial laundries may do normal laundry work as well as dry cleaning.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

There can be a lot of lifting and bending in this job - loading and unloading machines - and you'll spend most of the day on your feet. Also it's a job where you'll come into contact with chemicals and chemical fumes.

If you want to be a dry cleaning assistant you should be fit and have lots of stamina. If you have any allergies, breathing problems or skin complaints you should find out first if the chemicals would affect you.

Whether you work in a shop or an industrial laundry you should be able to get on well with people. As well as getting on with your own work, you'll work in a team and take instructions from a supervisor or shop manager. And if you want to work in a shop you should be polite and friendly, and able to explain things clearly.

The ability to work fast and pay attention to detail is very important.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Dry cleaning assistants earn in the range of £200 - £290 a week.

Dry cleaning assistants normally work a basic 35-37 hour week including Saturdays, with a day off during the week in lieu. Part-time posts are common.

If you suffer from allergies, breathing problems or skin complaints, you should be aware that this work involves contact with chemicals and chemical fumes.

There are dry cleaning shops in most towns throughout the country.

Job vacancies are advertised in the local press and in Jobcentre Plus.

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Adult Opportunities

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.

• 37% of people in occupations such as dry cleaning assistant work part-time.
• 3% have flexible hours.
• 4% work on a temporary basis.

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