laundry and dry cleaning worker responsibilities are to load articles into washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to perform loading; sort and count articles removed from dryers, and fold, wrap, or hang them; remove items from washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to do so; examine and sort into lots articles to be cleaned, according to color, fabric, dirt content, and cleaning technique required; 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;

receive and mark articles for laundry or dry cleaning with identifying code numbers or names, using hand or machine markers; inspect soiled articles to determine sources of stains, to locate color imperfections, and to identify items requiring special treatment; clean machine filters, and lubricate equipment; operate extractors and driers, or direct their operation; determine spotting procedures and proper solvents, based on fabric and stain types; mix and add detergents, dyes, bleaches, starches, and other solutions and chemicals to clean, color, dry, or stiffen articles;

pre-soak, sterilize, scrub, spot-clean, and dry contaminated or stained articles, using neutralizer solutions and portable machines; 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; sprinkle chemical solvents over stains, and pat areas with brushes or sponges to remove stains; mix bleaching agents with hot water in vats, and soak material until it is bleached; test fabrics in inconspicuous places to determine whether solvents will damage dyes or fabrics; hang curtains, drapes, blankets, pants, and other garments on stretch frames to dry; iron or press articles, fabrics, and furs, using hand irons or pressing machines; identify articles' fabrics and original dyes by sight and touch, or by testing samples with fire or chemical reagents; operate dry-cleaning machines to clean soiled articles; mend and sew articles, using hand stitching, adhesive patches, or sewing machines; spray steam, water, or air over spots to flush out chemicals, dry material, raise naps, or brighten colors; rinse articles in water and acetic acid solutions to remove excess dye and to fix colors; immerse articles in bleaching baths to strip colors; match sample colors, applying knowledge of bleaching agent and dye properties, and types, construction, conditions, and colors of articles; dye articles to change or restore their colors, using knowledge of textile compositions and the properties and effects of bleaches and dyes; spread soiled articles on work tables, and position stained portions over vacuum heads or on marble slabs; wash, dry-clean, or glaze delicate articles or fur garment linings by hand, using mild detergents or dry cleaning solutions; start pumps to operate distilling systems that drain and reclaim dry cleaning solvents; operate machines that comb, dry and polish furs, clean, sterilize and fluff feathers and blankets, or roll and package towels; clean fabrics, using vacuums or air hoses.