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Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers - 51-6011.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Operate or tend washing or dry-cleaning machines to wash or dry-clean industrial or household articles, such as cloth garments, suede, leather, furs, blankets, draperies, linens, rugs, and carpets. Includes spotters and dyers of these articles.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Dry Cleaner
  • Laundry Aide
  • Laundry Assistant
  • Laundry Attendant
  • Laundry Housekeeper
  • Laundry Technician
  • Laundry Worker
  • Personal Clothing Laundry Aide
  • Spotter

SOC Occupation Groups

51-0000 Production Occupations
51-6000 Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers
51-6010 Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers
51-6011.00 Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Apply bleaching powders to spots and spray them with steam to remove stains from fabrics that do not respond to other cleaning solvents.
  • Apply chemicals to neutralize the effects of solvents.
  • Clean fabrics, using vacuums or air hoses.
  • Clean machine filters, and lubricate equipment.
  • Determine spotting procedures and proper solvents, based on fabric and stain types.
  • Dye articles to change or restore their colors, using knowledge of textile compositions and the properties and effects of bleaches and dyes.
  • Examine and sort into lots articles to be cleaned, according to color, fabric, dirt content, and cleaning technique required.
  • Hang curtains, drapes, blankets, pants, and other garments on stretch frames to dry.
  • Identify articles' fabrics and original dyes by sight and touch, or by testing samples with fire or chemical reagents.
  • Immerse articles in bleaching baths to strip colors.
  • Inspect soiled articles to determine sources of stains, to locate color imperfections, and to identify items requiring special treatment.
  • Iron or press articles, fabrics, and furs, using hand irons or pressing machines.
  • Load articles into washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to perform loading.
  • Match sample colors, applying knowledge of bleaching agent and dye properties, and types, construction, conditions, and colors of articles.
  • Mend and sew articles, using hand stitching, adhesive patches, or sewing machines.
  • Mix and add detergents, dyes, bleaches, starches, and other solutions and chemicals to clean, color, dry, or stiffen articles.
  • Mix bleaching agents with hot water in vats, and soak material until it is bleached.
  • Operate dry-cleaning machines to clean soiled articles.
  • Operate extractors and driers, or direct their operation.
  • Operate machines that comb, dry and polish furs, clean, sterilize and fluff feathers and blankets, or roll and package towels.
  • Pre-soak, sterilize, scrub, spot-clean, and dry contaminated or stained articles, using neutralizer solutions and portable machines.
  • Receive and mark articles for laundry or dry cleaning with identifying code numbers or names, using hand or machine markers.
  • Remove items from washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to do so.
  • Rinse articles in water and acetic acid solutions to remove excess dye and to fix colors.
  • Sort and count articles removed from dryers, and fold, wrap, or hang them.
  • Spray steam, water, or air over spots to flush out chemicals, dry material, raise naps, or brighten colors.
  • Spread soiled articles on work tables, and position stained portions over vacuum heads or on marble slabs.
  • Sprinkle chemical solvents over stains, and pat areas with brushes or sponges to remove stains.
  • Start pumps to operate distilling systems that drain and reclaim dry cleaning solvents.
  • 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.
  • Test fabrics in inconspicuous places to determine whether solvents will damage dyes or fabrics.
  • Wash, dry-clean, or glaze delicate articles or fur garment linings by hand, using mild detergents or dry cleaning solutions.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Apply protective or decorative finishes to workpieces or products.
  • Apply water or solutions to fabrics or apparel.
  • Clean production equipment.
  • Compare physical characteristics of materials or products to specifications or standards.
  • Count finished products or workpieces.
  • Direct operational or production activities.
  • Immerse objects or workpieces in cleaning or coating solutions.
  • Inspect garments for defects, damage, or stains.
  • Lubricate production equipment.
  • Mark products, workpieces, or equipment with identifying information.
  • Mix substances to create chemical solutions.
  • Mount materials or workpieces onto production equipment.
  • Operate garment treatment equipment.
  • Operate sewing equipment.
  • Prepare fabrics or materials for processing or production.
  • Remove products or workpieces from production equipment.
  • Repair textiles or apparel.
  • Select equipment, materials, or supplies for cleaning or maintenance activities.
  • Sew clothing or other articles.
  • Smooth garments with irons, presses, or steamers.
  • Sort materials or products for processing, storing, shipping, or grading.
  • Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products.
  • Test materials, solutions, or samples.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Dry Cleaning Specialist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Laundry and Bath Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Laundry Operator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Retail Services Specialist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Shower and Laundry Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Storekeeper (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Water Support Technician (Marine Corps - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Dry Cleaner

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Continuous-Towel Roller
  • Dry Cleaner
  • Dry-Cleaner Apprentice
  • Dyer
  • Feather Renovator
  • Fur Blower
  • Fur Cleaner
  • Fur Cleaner, Machine
  • Fur-Glazing-and-Polishing-Machine Operator
  • Launderer, Hand
  • Laundry Operator
  • Laundry Worker I
  • Laundry Worker II
  • Leather Cleaner
  • Rug Cleaner, Machine
  • Rug Dyer I
  • Rug Dyer II
  • Spot Cleaner
  • Spotter I
  • Spotter II
  • Upholstery Cleaner
  • Washer, Machine