Do you want to be a...

Dry Cleaner

Dry cleaners care for, clean, repair and rejuvenate clothing, curtains, bedding and furnishings by operating dry cleaning and ironing machines.

Dry cleaners need to have a thorough knowledge of how fabrics and their blends react to the various stages of the dry cleaning process.

They must apply specialised treatment to fabrics and materials such as wool, silk, leather and vinyl, and to beading and other decorative finishes.

Work environments can be hot and humid, but most workplaces are well ventilated and have exhaust fans or evaporative coolers.

Dry cleaners are required to stand for long periods.

Customer contact may also be necessary.

TASKS

Dry cleaners may perform the following tasks:

comply with occupational health and safety and environmental regulations
sort and examine articles, picking out those that may need hand spotting or stain treatment
sort articles into lots of equal weight, colour and type and load into computer-operated dry cleaning machines
use and store dry cleaning chemicals and solvents
unload the machines when the cleaning cycle is completed
iron and press clean articles, or send them to the finishing section where the garments are pressed by steam and vacuum
operate a boiler
replace missing buttons and make minor repairs
waterproof garments and apply other finishes
operate wet cleaning machines
check and inspect garments to ensure customer requirements have been met
perform basic maintenance on dry cleaning and pressing equipment
put together orders and dispatch goods

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy practical work
normal colour vision
able to cope with the physical demands of the job

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a dry cleaner without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

You can also become a dry cleaner through an apprenticeship or traineeship in Dry Cleaning Operations.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Textiles, Clothing and Footwear Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Most dry cleaners work in small plants located in shopping centres. Large plants employing many people are in areas close to the city and are serviced by vans bringing articles for cleaning from various agencies and shops. There are also opportunities for self-employment.

With experience, and sometimes further training, it is possible to progress to supervisory and management positions.