National Clothesline

For West Coast drycleaners who find it difficult and costly to travel all the way to Laurel, MD, for the Drycleaning and Laundry Institute’s comprehensive one-week “Introduction to Drycleaning Course,” there will be a much more convenient upcoming opportunity.

The association will be taking to the road to offer the full version of one of its signature classes in Anaheim, CA, during the week of January 23 to 27.

The event will be hosted in conjuction with the California Cleaners Association at U.S. Western Multitech, Inc., located at 1261 N. Patt St.

The idea behind the road offering is to help plant owners send their employees to the class without having to pay for airfare or hotel accommodations.

“We’re very excited about offering this course in this field,” said DLI Director of Education and Analysis Brian Johnson. “Members have mentioned how challenging it can be to get away to the DLI school. Now, we’re coming to you. We’re currently working on several other locations.”

Those who sign up for the class will learn about everything from sorting loads for drycleaning to cleaning garments including silk, satin and more. Also on the agenda will be an emphasis on removing stains such as coffee, ink, grease and others.

Spotting can be a difficult process, but instructor Johnson tries to teach the thought process involved in removing stains.

“What type of stain is it? What caused it? What is the most effective way to remove that stain? What type of fabric is it on? Will the type of stain removal agent I’m considering damage the fabric? All these things are very important to doing proper stain removal,” Johnson noted.

“We give examples of common stains, but that’s nothing compared to knowing how to remove virtually any stain just by being able to figure out what caused it,” he added.

The ability to think things through and solve potential problems is all part of the introductory course which provides a solid foundation for professional cleaning skills.

Additionally, the class will also examine how to operate a drycleaning machine, how to press pants, coats and skirts, and how to use tensioning equipment to improve finishing quality.

The cost of the course is $995 for DLI and CCA members. Non-members must pay $1,495 each. The class counts as ten Seal of Approval points.

There is an early bird discount for those who manage to register prior to Dec. 30. The cost is reduced $200 for members.

More information on the course, including an online registration form, is available at: www.calcleaners.com/Documents/2011/DLI_CCA_Seminar.pdf.

Also coming up later this year will be CCA’s Fabricare 2012 event in Long Beach, CA.

It is scheduled to take place on the weekend of July 14 and 15 and it will be at its usual location at the Long Beach Convention Center.

A block of rooms have been set aside at the host hotel, the Hyatt Regency Long Beach at 200 South Pine Ave. There is a special discounted rate of $189 per night for convention-goers. For reservations, call (562) 491-1234.

There are also rooms available at a second hotel, the Renaissance Long Beach at 111 East Ocean Boulevard. The cost is $159 nightly and can be reserved by calling (562) 437-5900.

For more information on any of CCA’s upcoming events, visit www.calcleaners.com or call (916) 239-4070.