National Clothesline

According to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, there are currently about 2,000 drycleaning facilities that use perc in the state, most of which are located within the greater New York City metropolitan area.

Chances are, many of those will need to be obtaining or updating their DEC certification soon. Fortunately, they won’t have to go far as the National Cleaners Association will be hosting two-day certification courses soon at its New York School of Drycleaning at 252 W. 29th St.

The next installment is set to take place on consecutive Sundays, Jan,. 9 and Feb. 5, 2012. The class meets from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a total of 16 hours.

The cost is $795 for members and $995 for non-members.

Also coming up will be a version of the course taught in Korean. Class dates are April 9 and 15.

Of course, NCA will also focus on its usual educational offerings designed to help cleaners improve all aspects of their business. Next up will be the association’s “Technical Training at the Counter for Customer Service Representatives” on Jan. 29 in New York City.

The class is designed to provide customer service people with the basic technical information and skills needed to effectively communicate with customers. Attendees will be able to sell services and identify potential problems upon completion of the course.

It will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m. The cost is $250 for members and $350 for non-members.

Starting the following month, NCA will host a two-day course on “Basic Pressing and Finishing” in the Bronx from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 4 and 5. Tuition is $455 for members and $595 for non-members.

Around the same time, NCA will be heading to Northvale, NJ, to host its five-day, 40-hour “Radical Drycleaning/Stain Removal” session that starts on Monday, Feb. 4.

The comprehensive course covers drycleaning, stain removal, bleaching and the proper use of stain removal equipment as well as the relevance of fabrics, dyes and garment construction.

It meets from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The cost is $$750 for members and $995 for non-members.

Later in the month, there will be “Technical Training II —Interactive Training for CSRs” on Feb. 26. It meets in New York City from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On the same day, NCA will host its one-day course on wetcleaning from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both courses cost $250 for members and $350 for non-members.

In March, cleaners wanting to learn more about “Bed Bug Cleaning Basics 101” will have an opportunity on Sunday, March 4. The class, which runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., also costs $250 for members and $350 for non-members.

However, there is an extra $75 cost for those who wish to receive official certification.

Rounding up the batch of upcoming classes is one on “Extreme Stain Removal/ Intensive Bleaching” set for March 18 in the Bronx.

The combination course meets from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuition is $250 for members and $350 for everybody else.

For more information on NCA’s upcoming classes or to register, call at (212) 967-3002 or visit www.nca-i.com.