DLI to Offer Slate of Courses in 2024

LAUREL, Md. — The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute’s School of Drycleaning Technology recently announced a full slate of courses for newcomers to the industry and long-term, experienced cleaning professionals. The organization says that learning best practices and results-driven standards empowers staff to perform their duties correctly and with confidence, reducing the amount of time spent on garments and garment failures in the cleaning, spotting, or finishing processes.

Long-term, experienced drycleaning staff members can also learn some new techniques at the school, the organization said in its announcement, stating that “the way it’s always been done” might not be the most efficient or safest way to process garments.

On-Site Courses

DLI will offer its signature traditional in-person One-Week Introduction to Drycleaning and Two-Week Advanced Drycleaning courses twice in 2024. These courses are designed to teach students the drycleaning principles and best practices.

DLI’s On-Site Introduction to Drycleaning and On-Site Advanced Drycleaning courses run consecutively over a three-week period. Students taking both courses back-to-back receive a discounted rate.

On-Site One-Week Introduction to Drycleaning Course — DLI’s On-Site Introduction to Drycleaning Course is suited for experienced individuals or those who are new to the industry, the organization states. Courses will run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at DL’s School of Drycleaning Technology in Laurel, Maryland.

Some of the topics the one-week course explores include:

sorting loads for drycleaning
drycleaning science
fibers and their characteristics
fabric construction
cleaning silk, satin and other fabrics
soil and cleaning theory
operating a drycleaning machine
stain removal chemistry and procedures including removing ink, coffee, grease and other stains from clothing
pressing pants, coats and skirts
using tensioning equipment to improve finishing quality
and more.

Tuition for DLI’s One-Week On-Site Introduction to Drycleaning Course is $1,595 for non-members. DLI members receive discounts ranging from 20% off to free, depending on membership level.

On-Site Two-Week Advanced Drycleaning Course — DLI’s On-Site Advanced Drycleaning Course runs immediately after the On-Site Introduction to Drycleaning course.

The two-week course is better suited for those who have finished the introductory course or who have hands-on production experience and knowledge of basic stain removal and finishing techniques.

Course topics include:

designing a cleaning plant with the most effective work flow
pressing laundered shirts
understanding the differences between solvents including perc, GreenEarth and hydrocarbon
getting clean, white laundry
cleaning and preserving wedding gowns
current regulations facing the industry
customer service techniques for cleaners
using bleaches without damaging fabric color
and more.

Tuition for DLI’s On-Site Advanced Drycleaning Course is $2,195 for non-members. DLI members receive discounts ranging from 20% off to free, depending on membership level.

In Spring 2024, the introductory course will be offered on March 4-8, with the advanced course following on March 11-22. In Fall 2024, the introductory course will be offered on Oct. 7-11, with the advanced course following on Oct. 14-25.

Virtual Stain Removal Course

DLI is also offering three sessions of its Virtual Stain Removal Class covering everything from fiber identification and characteristics to stain removal chemistry and procedures to using bleaches and specialty products such as digesters, amyl acetate and acetone to assist in the spotting process.

Classes meet virtually over seven days. Attendance at all seven sessions is required to achieve a passing grade in the course. Classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays and are represented by week below.

Spring 2024 Virtual Stain Removal Course

April 30, May 2
May 7, 9
May 14, 16
May 21

Summer 2024 Virtual Stain Removal Course

July 9, 11
July 16, 18
July 23, 25
July 30

Fall 2024 Virtual Stain Removal Course

September 10, 12
September 17, 19
September 24, 26
October 3

Tuition for DLI’s Virtual Stain Removal Course is $695 for non-members. DLI members receive discounts ranging from 20% off to free, depending on membership level.

Self-Study Courses

In addition to its structured, formal courses, DLI’s school offers self-guided courses for students who prefer to learn at their own pace or aren’t able to attend the in-person or virtual courses. DLI issues certificates of completion to all students who pass the final exam at the end of each course. Available courses include: