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How exposed to AI is a Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker?

Of the 32 tasks O*NET lists for laundry and dry-cleaning workers, 0 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 29 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
Dry CleanerLaundry AideLaundry AssistantLaundry AttendantLaundry HousekeeperLaundry TechnicianLaundry WorkerPersonal Clothing Laundry AideSpotter
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
32
tasks rated for this occupation
0%
hold a degree, from a survey of 26
157k
people do this job in the US
66 of 107
least protected in production

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Only with software built on top

3
  • Receive and mark articles for laundry or dry cleaning with identifying code numbers or names, using hand or machine markers
  • Determine spotting procedures and proper solvents, based on fabric and stain types
  • Match sample colors, applying knowledge of bleaching agent and dye properties, and types, construction, conditions, and colors of articles

Cannot be sped up

29
  • Load articles into washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to perform loading
  • 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
  • Operate extractors and driers, or direct their operation
  • Remove items from washers or dry-cleaning machines, or direct other workers to do so
  • Sort and count articles removed from dryers, and fold, wrap, or hang them
  • Clean machine filters, and lubricate equipment
  • Examine and sort into lots articles to be cleaned, according to color, fabric, dirt content, and cleaning technique required
  • Apply bleaching powders to spots and spray them with steam to remove stains from fabrics that do not respond to other cleaning solvents
  • Spray steam, water, or air over spots to flush out chemicals, dry material, raise naps, or brighten colors
  • Pre-soak, sterilize, scrub, spot-clean, and dry contaminated or stained articles, using neutralizer solutions and portable machines
  • Mix bleaching agents with hot water in vats, and soak material until it is bleached
  • Apply chemicals to neutralize the effects of solvents
  • 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
  • Inspect soiled articles to determine sources of stains, to locate color imperfections, and to identify items requiring special treatment
  • Operate dry-cleaning machines to clean soiled articles
  • Operate machines that comb, dry and polish furs, clean, sterilize and fluff feathers and blankets, or roll and package towels
  • Iron or press articles, fabrics, and furs, using hand irons or pressing machines
  • Hang curtains, drapes, blankets, pants, and other garments on stretch frames to dry
  • Clean fabrics, using vacuums or air hoses
  • Test fabrics in inconspicuous places to determine whether solvents will damage dyes or fabrics
  • Rinse articles in water and acetic acid solutions to remove excess dye and to fix colors
  • Identify articles' fabrics and original dyes by sight and touch, or by testing samples with fire or chemical reagents
  • Start pumps to operate distilling systems that drain and reclaim dry cleaning solvents
  • Immerse articles in bleaching baths to strip colors
  • Spread soiled articles on work tables, and position stained portions over vacuum heads or on marble slabs
  • Mend and sew articles, using hand stitching, adhesive patches, or sewing machines
  • Dye articles to change or restore their colors, using knowledge of textile compositions and the properties and effects of bleaches and dyes
  • Wash, dry-clean, or glaze delicate articles or fur garment linings by hand, using mild detergents or dry cleaning solutions
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.