Will AI Replace Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers?

Load articles into washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to perform loading.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

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.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Operate extractors and driers, or direct their operation.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Remove items from washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to do so.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Sort and count articles removed from dryers, and fold, wrap, or hang them.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Clean machine filters, and lubricate equipment.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Examine and sort into lots articles to be cleaned, according to color, fabric, dirt content, and cleaning technique required.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Receive and mark articles for laundry or dry cleaning with identifying code numbers or names, using hand or machine markers.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Apply bleaching powders to spots and spray them with steam to remove stains from fabrics that do not respond to other cleaning solvents.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Determine spotting procedures and proper solvents, based on fabric and stain types.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Spray steam, water, or air over spots to flush out chemicals, dry material, raise naps, or brighten colors.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Pre-soak, sterilize, scrub, spot-clean, and dry contaminated or stained articles, using neutralizer solutions and portable machines.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Mix bleaching agents with hot water in vats, and soak material until it is bleached.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Mix and add detergents, dyes, bleaches, starches, and other solutions and chemicals to clean, color, dry, or stiffen articles.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Sprinkle chemical solvents over stains, and pat areas with brushes or sponges to remove stains.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Match sample colors, applying knowledge of bleaching agent and dye properties, and types, construction, conditions, and colors of articles.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Inspect soiled articles to determine sources of stains, to locate color imperfections, and to identify items requiring special treatment.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Operate machines that comb, dry and polish furs, clean, sterilize and fluff feathers and blankets, or roll and package towels.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Iron or press articles, fabrics, and furs, using hand irons or pressing machines.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Hang curtains, drapes, blankets, pants, and other garments on stretch frames to dry.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Identify articles' fabrics and original dyes by sight and touch, or by testing samples with fire or chemical reagents.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Immerse articles in bleaching baths to strip colors.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Spread soiled articles on work tables, and position stained portions over vacuum heads or on marble slabs.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.