Since 1927, DLI's School of Drycleaning Technology has has taught dry cleaners the methods of effective cleaning. Every year we teach students from all around the world and take pride in the alumni who have gone on to add value to the industry.
We evaluate each part of our curriculum every time it is taught. Over the years, we have devised lessons to accelerate learning for all students.
Our combination of classroom, practical, and virtual training allows students to master lessons in an optimal environment. Lectures provide instruction students apply on the latest industry equipment to develop and reinforce their new skills.
Premier members get FREE access to DLI courses, products, and services for only $255/mo
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NEW Introduction to Drycleaning Blended Course
$1,595
Membership Discounts Apply- New for 2022, DLI is offering its Introduction to Drycleaning Course in a blended learning format, composed of seven days of virtual training and two days of on-site training at DLI's School of Drycleaning Technology in Laurel, Maryland.Sorting loads for dry cleaningCleaning silk, satin and other fabricsOperating a dry cleaning machineRemoving coffee, Ink, grease and other stains from clothingPressing pants, coats, skirtsUsing tensioning equipment to improve finishing qualityBudget Membership Price: $1195International Membership Price $1195Standard Membership Price: $956Gold Membership Price: $717Premier Membership Price: Any Three Courses FREECourse Dates:Nine daysJune 7, 9 (Virtual)June 14, 16 (Virtual)June 21, 23 (Virtual)June 28 (Virtual)July 14-15 (On Site)
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Virtual Stain Removal
$695
Membership Discounts Apply- This seven day virtual course is a mix of live lectures, videos, and hands-on activities. Classes will be held live using ZOOM video conferencingStain Removal Course Topics:Removing coffee, ink, grease and other stains from clothing.Identifying cotton, silk, polyester, and other fabrics.Using bleaches without damaging the fabric color.Using specialty products such as digesters, amyl acetate, and acetone in stain removal.Identifying fibers and fabric construction.Budget Membership Price: $495International Membership Price $495Standard Membership Price: $394Gold Membership Price: $297Premier Membership Price: Any Three Courses FREE
Upcoming Course Dates
Tuesdays & ThursdaysApril 26 2022 - May 17 2022September 13 2022 - October 4 2022 - Register
Introduction to Drycleaning
$1,595
Membership Discounts Apply- Geared toward individuals new to the industry or who have less than one year of experience.
Topics
Sorting loads for dry cleaning
Cleaning silk, satin and other fabrics
Operating a dry cleaning machine
Removing coffee, Ink, grease and other stains from clothing
Pressing pants, coats, skirts
Using tensioning equipment to improve finishing qualityBudget Membership Price: $1195International Membership Price $1195Standard Membership Price: $956Gold Membership Price: $717Premier Membership Price: Any Three Courses FREEUpcoming Course Dates
March 7-11 2022August 8-12 2022October 17-21 2022 - Register
Advanced Drycleaning
$2,195
Membership Discounts Apply- This ten-day Advanced Dry Cleaning Course is for individuals who have completed the Introduction Course or have hands-on production experience and knowledge of basic stain removal and finishing techniques.
Topics
Identifying cotton, silk, polyester and other fabrics
Using bleaches without damaging the fabric color
Pressing blouses, dresses, ties, pleated garments, silks, velvets, corduroy
Wetcleaning wool, silk, and more
Maintaining and changing filters
Troubleshooting problems with the dry cleaning machine
Using tensioning equipment to improve finishing quality
Current regulations facing the dry cleaning industry
Customer service techniques for dry cleaners
Getting clean, white laundry
Cleaning and preserving wedding gowns
Understand the difference between solvents including perc, GreenEarth ® hydrocarbon and SOLVONK4
Pressing laundered shirts
Designing a dry cleaning plant with the most effective work flowBudget Membership Price: $1695International Membership Price $1695Standard Membership Price: $1356Gold Membership Price: $1017Premier Membership Price: Any Three Courses FREEUpcoming Course Dates
March 14-25 2022August 15-26 2022October 24 2022 - November 4 2022 - Register
Intro and Advanced Combined
$2,895
Membership Discounts Apply- This fifteen-day general course is made up of the introduction and Advanced Courses, These classes also can be taken individually, but DLI affiliates save $499 when taking them together.
Topics
Sorting loads for dry cleaning
Cleaning silk, satin and other fabrics
Operating a dry cleaning machine
Removing coffee, Ink, grease and other stains from clothing
Pressing pants, coats, skirts
Using tensioning equipment to improve finishing qualityIdentifying cotton, silk, polyester and other fabrics
Using bleaches without damaging the fabric color
Pressing blouses, dresses, ties, pleated garments, silks, velvets, corduroy
Wetcleaning wool, silk, and more
Maintaining and changing filters
Troubleshooting problems with the dry cleaning machine
Using tensioning equipment to improve finishing quality
Current regulations facing the dry cleaning industry
Customer service techniques for dry cleaners
Getting clean, white laundry
Cleaning and preserving wedding gowns
Understand the difference between solvents including perc, GreenEarth ® hydrocarbon and SOLVONK4
Pressing laundered shirts
Designing a dry cleaning plant with the most effective work flowBudget Membership Price: $1995International Membership Price $1995Standard Membership Price: $1596Gold Membership Price: $1197Premier Membership Price: Any Three Courses FREEUpcoming Course Dates
March 7-25 2022August 8-26 2022October 17 2022 - November 4 2022 - Register
Frequently Asked Questions
Courses are held at the school of Drycleaning Technology located in Laurel, Maryland, just outside of Washington D.C and Baltimore. The address is :
Drycleaning & Laundry Institute
14700 Sweitzer Lane
Laurel, MD 20707
14700 Sweitzer Lane
Laurel, MD 20707
Class hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. Please make travel arrangements to coincide with the ending time of 4:30 p.m.
There are three airports serving the metropolitan Washington DC and Baltimore area:
- Baltimore Washington International (BWI) located in Maryland - Approximately 20 miles.
- Reagan National (DCA) located in Virginia - Approximately 35 miles.
- Dulles International (IAD) located in Virginia - Approximately 50 miles.
The course fee covers lunch, classroom instruction, notebook, and other materials. Breakfast, dinner and lodging expenses are not covered by the registration fee.
Scholarships are available to Drycleaning & Laundry Institute members located in the United States and Canada. Contact DLI's register at 800-638-2627 or (301) 622-1900 ext. 1103 or education@dlionline.org for more information.
We will be taking a class picture the first day of all courses. We ask that you wear appropriate business attire, as it will be published in the Fabricare magazine.
- Females: please wear a cleaned and pressed dress, dress shirt with pants (not jeans), skirt or suit, the first day.
- Men: Please wear a cleaned and pressed dress shirt or shirt and tie, pants (not jeans), jacket or suit the first day.
For the remainder of the class, you can wear comfortable clothing (jeans, shorts, sneakers, etc.) for working in a drycleaning plant. For safety reasons, you are not allowed to wear sandals, open-toed shoes, or any loose-fitting jewelry or clothing (e.g. scarves).
A pen or pencil. A calculator will be helpful during the Advanced class.
Student's progress will be evaluated in class by daily participation in practical exercises as well as periodic written and verbal assessments conducted by the instructors.
We suggest that you bring travelers checks or credit cards to cover all your expenses while attending class. Meals, transportation, and other miscellaneous costs vary widely among participants, but generally average $20-$40 per day.