Will “Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

71% Chance of Automation

“Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers” will maybe be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #392 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job 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.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 51-6011.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 23,210.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 11.00
Currently, there are 207,710 people on this job

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers”

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

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