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Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers

SOC 51-6011.00Job Zone 2 · Some Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers competencies performed in commercial laundry and dry-cleaning facilities, from hands-on machine operation and garment handling at the entry level through facility leadership, staff development, and operational strategy at the advanced level.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Garment sorting procedures — recognize and apply basic color and fabric categories under direct supervisor guidance in a commercial laundry facility.
  2. Washer and dry-cleaning machine loading — perform step-by-step loading tasks according to posted protocols on a production laundry floor.
  3. Machine start-up sequences — follow written instructions to start washers and dryers under close supervision in an entry-level shift role.
  4. Identifying codes and name markers — apply hand or machine markers to customer articles using established numbering systems with supervisor oversight.
  5. Valve and lever adjustments — identify and turn basic controls to regulate water and detergent volume under direct direction from a lead worker.
  6. Article removal from machines — retrieve cleaned items from washers and dry-cleaning machines as directed by a senior coworker or supervisor.
  7. Folding and hanging finished items — sort, fold, wrap, or hang dried articles following facility standards under guidance on a production line.
  8. Filter cleaning basics — clean machine filters using approved procedures after being shown the correct method by a trainer in the plant.
  9. Customer intake recognition — receive customer articles at the counter and record basic identifying information using facility intake forms under supervision.
  10. Oral instructions — listen to and accurately follow verbal directions from supervisors regarding machine settings and task priorities in a busy laundry environment.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Fabric and soil assessment — examine incoming articles independently to classify by color, fabric type, and dirt level before routing to the correct cleaning process.
  2. Machine operation sequencing — start and monitor washers, dry-cleaning machines, dryers, and extractors with minimal oversight during a standard production shift.
  3. Additive regulation — adjust soap, detergent, bleach, starch, and water volumes by reading machine gauges and following batch-specific formulas on the shop floor.
  4. Extractor and dryer coordination — operate or direct a small team in running extraction and drying cycles to meet daily throughput targets in a commercial laundry.
  5. Article tracking and marking — receive, code, and log customer garments using hand markers or POS intake software with consistent accuracy across a full shift.
  6. Finished-goods quality check — count, inspect, fold, and package dried articles to confirm they meet cleanliness and appearance standards before customer return.
  7. Routine equipment maintenance — clean filters and lubricate machine components on a scheduled basis to prevent downtime in a production laundry setting.
  8. Stain and specialty-item handling — identify common stains and select appropriate pre-treatment chemicals or cleaning techniques for delicate fabrics without supervisor prompting.
  9. Co-worker communication — relay machine status updates and task completions clearly and promptly to team members during a fast-paced laundry shift.
  10. Basic digital recordkeeping — enter production counts and customer order data into spreadsheet or database software to support shift reporting requirements.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Multi-machine workflow management — independently oversee simultaneous washer, dry-cleaner, extractor, and dryer cycles to maximize throughput on a high-volume production floor.
  2. Complex fabric and dye risk evaluation — autonomously assess garment color-fastness, fiber content, and soil type to determine safe cleaning techniques for non-routine or high-value articles.
  3. Chemical formulation adjustment — calibrate detergent, solvent, bleach, and starch ratios based on load composition and machine performance data across varied batch conditions.
  4. Equipment troubleshooting — diagnose irregular machine sounds, cycle failures, or chemical imbalances and initiate corrective action to restore production without external assistance.
  5. Complete article lifecycle oversight — manage the full process from customer intake and marking through washing, finishing, folding, and order fulfillment with minimal error rates.
  6. Preventive maintenance execution — perform thorough filter cleaning, lubrication, and minor mechanical adjustments on a proactive schedule to extend equipment service life.
  7. Non-standard order resolution — handle damaged, shrunken, or mismarked garments by consulting care labels, customer records, and industry references to determine remediation steps.
  8. Production data analysis — review shift output records in spreadsheet or database software to identify bottlenecks and recommend process improvements to management.
  9. Customer service escalation — address complaints about cleaning quality or lost articles directly, applying knowledge of cleaning processes and service standards to reach satisfactory outcomes.
  10. Team task coordination — direct coworkers in loading, removal, and finishing duties to balance workload evenly and maintain quality standards across a full shift.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Facility workflow strategy — design and implement production scheduling systems that optimize machine utilization, staffing, and turnaround times across the entire laundry or dry-cleaning operation.
  2. Staff training program development — create structured on-the-job training curricula covering sorting, machine operation, chemical handling, and finishing techniques for new and advancing employees.
  3. Quality standards leadership — establish and enforce facility-wide cleaning quality benchmarks, inspection protocols, and corrective action procedures to protect customer satisfaction and brand reputation.
  4. Chemical and solvent safety governance — develop and maintain OSHA-aligned chemical handling, storage, and disposal policies to ensure regulatory compliance across all plant operations.
  5. Equipment acquisition and lifecycle planning — evaluate, recommend, and oversee the purchase or replacement of washers, dry-cleaning machines, dryers, and extractors based on operational needs and ROI.
  6. Technology integration oversight — lead the adoption and configuration of POS, database, and production-tracking software to streamline intake, order management, and reporting at the organizational level.
  7. Performance metrics and accountability — define key production and quality KPIs, monitor results using data tools, and hold team leaders accountable for continuous improvement targets.
  8. Vendor and supplier management — negotiate contracts with chemical suppliers and equipment service providers to maintain cost efficiency and supply reliability for the facility.
  9. Cross-functional customer service strategy — partner with front-of-house staff and management to design intake, marking, and delivery processes that reduce errors and improve the overall customer experience.
  10. Organizational culture and dependability standards — model and champion workplace values of integrity, attention to detail, and stress resilience to build a high-performing, low-turnover production team.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

The Anthropic Economic Index (2026-03-24 release) doesn't show enough AI-assisted task observations for this occupation to anchor an AI-at-Work Competency Framework yet. Most physical and on-site occupations land here today; that signal may rise as more workers in this field adopt AI tools.

Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Show O*NET source anchors33 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Dry Cleaner · Assorter · Bag Hanger · Bag Washer · Benzene Washer · Benzene Worker · Blanket Washer · Box Storage Worker · Bundle Breaker · Buttoner · Carpet Cleaner · Carpet Renovator
RAPIDS apprenticeships
0084 · Dry Cleaner
O*NET skills
Active ListeningMonitoring
Knowledge domains
Customer and Personal ServiceProduction and Processing
Abilities
Arm-Hand SteadinessNear VisionSpeech RecognitionOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionManual DexterityControl Precision
Work styles
DependabilityAttention to DetailCautiousnessIntegrityCooperationStress Tolerance
Technology
Point of sale POS softwareElectronic mail softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareOperating system softwareWord processing softwareData base user interface and query softwareInternet browser software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Load articles into washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to perform loading.
  2. 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.
  3. Operate extractors and driers, or direct their operation.
  4. Remove items from washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to do so.
  5. Sort and count articles removed from dryers, and fold, wrap, or hang them.
  6. Clean machine filters, and lubricate equipment.
  7. Examine and sort into lots articles to be cleaned, according to color, fabric, dirt content, and cleaning technique required.
  8. Receive and mark articles for laundry or dry cleaning with identifying code numbers or names, using hand or machine markers.
CIP education codes
52.020547.060747.060847.060947.061548.0503

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.