Laundry and drycleaning workers starts pumps to operate distilling system that drains and reclaims dry cleaning solvents. Adjusts switches to tend and regulate equipment that fumigates and removes foreign matter from furs. Cleans machine filters and lubricates equipment. Mends and sews articles, using hand stitching, adhesive patch, or power sewing machine.

Hangs curtains, drapes, blankets, pants, and other garments on stretch frames to dry, and transports items between specified locations. Irons or presses articles, fabrics, and furs, using hand iron or pressing machine. Receives and marks articles for laundry or dry cleaning with identifying code number or name, using hand or machine marker. Sorts and counts articles removed from dryer and folds, wraps, or hangs items for airing out, pickup, or delivery.

Examines and sorts articles to be cleaned into lots, according to color, fabric, dirt content, and cleaning technique required. Pre-soaks, sterilizes, scrubs, spot-cleans, and dries contaminated or stained articles, using neutralizer solutions and portable machines. Washes, dry cleans, or glazes delicate articles or fur garment linings by hand, using mild detergent or dry cleaning solutions. Starts washer, dry cleaner, drier, or extractor, and turns valves or levers to regulate and monitor cleaning or drying operations.

Loads or directs other workers to load articles into washer or dry cleaning machine. Removes or directs other workers to remove items from washer or dry cleaning machine and into extractor or tumbler. Tends variety of automatic machines that comb and polish furs; clean, sterilize, and fluff feathers and blankets; and roll and package towels. Mixes and adds detergents, dyes, bleach, starch, and other solutions and chemicals to clean, color, dry, or stiffen articles.