Laundress
- Overview
The Role of a Laundress
Laundresses perform additional tasks related to laundry, such as sorting, mending, ironing/steaming, stain removal, wardrobe management, coordinating with dry-cleaners, tailors, shoe repairers, stylists/personal shoppers or other vendors. He or she will have many years of expertise or training in using or caring for different types of fabrics, detergents, machines and equipment, and be able to follow instructions and standards for laundry care.
A skilled Laundress will have a high level of attention to detail, organization and time management, and will allow you and/or your family to enjoy your wardrobes to the fullest extent.
- The Role Defined
Job Description
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
Formal education is not a requirement for a Laundress position, although many Laundresses will have completed their secondary education.
We typically look for 3+ years of experience for a professional Laundress, although many of the best Laundresses have come from other positions such as Housekeepers, Caregivers, Nannies, etc., or from people who are otherwise at the beginning (or a transition stage) of their career.
SKILLS
- Demonstrated excellence in the care of garments, shoes and other personal belongings, developed in a professional capacity or through formal training
- Expertise in caring for fabrics or items requiring special care and stain removal
- Familiarity with various machines, including washers, dryers, ironing and steaming devices, etc.
CERTIFICATIONS / TRAINING
Professional training is not required to be a Laundress, but employers may prefer candidates who have received professional training (sometimes called “white glove training”) at some point in their career.
RESPONSIBILITIES
A Laundress’ responsibilities vary depending on a principal’s expectations, the presence of other staff members and number of individuals in the residence, but common duties include:
- Laundering and care for personal garments, linens, shoes and fabric surfaces
- Following applicable standard operating procedures (SOP) for laundering and creating new procedures to increase the efficiency of labor or product-use
- Ironing, sorting, folding and putting all clothes away
- Seasonal organization or reorganization of clothes
- Ensuring items are cleaned in accordance with their color and fabric type
- Making minor alterations or repairs to clothes if needed
- Maintenance of all footwear, or liaising with shoe-repair workers
- Keeping an updated inventory of laundering products
- Deciding which items require special care (e.g. dry-cleaning)
- Maintaining laundering equipment
- Other tasks that may overlap with other service areas, such as child or pet care, food preparation, personal assistance, etc.
ATTRIBUTES
Characteristics of a successful Laundress include:
Attention to detail
A Laundress should have a keen eye for detail and be able to spot items that need further attention or that may affect their ability to be worn/enjoyed. He or she should be meticulous, thorough and diligent in performing their duties, and also be able to follow instructions precisely. They should also be proactive, organized and efficient, and be able to prioritize and manage their time effectively.
“Nothing is too small” attitude
A Laundress should have a positive and can-do attitude that reflects their willingness and enthusiasm to take on any task, no matter how big or small. The person in this role should be respectful and courteous, treating every item with equal importance and care. He or she should be proactive, adaptable, professional and always striving to deliver high-quality results with enthusiasm and efficiency.
Team player
A Laundress should be a team player who works well with other staff members and contributes to a productive work environment. They should be cooperative, supportive and respectful of others’ opinions and perspectives, and be able to communicate effectively and constructively. He or she should be willing to share information, knowledge and feedback and also be open to learning from others and seeking help when needed.
Responsibility and integrity
A Laundress should be responsible and accountable for his or her actions and decisions. In a situation where a Laundress reports directly to a principal, he or she must be capable of fully managing themselves, and taking ownership of their role at all times. They should always demonstrate integrity and honesty in their work, adhering to ethical standards and protecting the confidentiality and privacy of the estate and its principal(s) at all times.
COMPENSATION
Total compensation for a Laundress generally ranges from $60-85K. Factors that command a higher salary include requirements for specific experience, education or training, the ability to work outside of normal hours, being required to frequently travel between multiple homes or live-in or fluency in languages other than English. Components of an Laundress’s compensation may include:
Base salary
A fixed annual amount received for performing duties as agreed upon. A Laundress’s base salary varies depending on the size, location and number of residences they are responsible for cleaning, as well as the experience and qualifications of the Laundress.
Discretionary bonus
Discretionary bonuses are variable amounts that are paid annually based on an individual’s performance. The percentage of compensation paid as a salary versus a bonus is entirely up to the employer, but for Laundress, a discretionary bonus can range anywhere from 10 – 20% of total compensation. The most common reason for a higher bonus percentage (relative to salary) is to tie an employee’s compensation to their overall performance. It also allows an employer to set strategic goals during the employee’s annual performance evaluation, with the pay out of their bonus linked to the completion of stated goals.
Living Expenses
A principal may prefer that their staff lives in with them, either at their residence, at an adjoining accommodation on their property or within certain proximity of the residence. Reasons for this include the need for this person to be available off-hours, the importance of proximity to the residence or principal due to various duties associated with the role or because the residence is located in a remote area. If a principal requires any of these living situations of their Laundress, housing and/or moving expenses are expected to be included in the employee’s compensation package.
STANDARD BENEFITS
Homes with a part-time Laundress or a modest domestic team may not need to provide benefits to their employees. For established teams, or for staff that are part of a family office, a Laundress typically has access to the following corporate-style benefits (or receives a stipend to obtain such benefits themselves):
Medical, dental and vision
Standard health benefits help employees stay healthy, reduce absenteeism and ultimately increase productivity.
Retirement savings account
401k, thrift savings plan or simple IRA, especially with employer matched contributions, shows your employees your commitment to their future.
Paid time off
PTO allows your employees to take time off from work for various reasons, such as vacation, sickness, personal matters or holidays.
Travel/miscellaneous expenses
Expenses incurred when travelling or conducting business on behalf of the house. Expenses include transportation, accommodations, meals and other costs related to business travel and may be reimbursed or covered by an allowance or budget.
OTHER BENEFITS / "PERKS"
Additional benefits are often included to enhance the attractiveness of an employment offer, as well as encouraging long-term employment. Such benefits include:
Education
- Tuition reimbursement, scholarships/savings plans for those with college-aged children
Professional development
- Encouraging and covering an employee’s participation in training courses, workshops, seminars, conferences or professional certifications
Health and wellness
- Healthy food, beverages or snacks offered at the house
- Paid or discounted gym memberships or fitness classes
- Access to wellness programs with counseling services, health screenings, substance abuse treatment, etc.
- Life and disability insurance
Employee assistance
- Financial counseling
- Legal advice
- Transportation reimbursement or allowance
Charity
- Volunteer opportunities
- PTO days for community service
- Charitable match program
Family benefits
- On-site childcare or childcare reimbursements
- Parental and family medical leave
Workplace
- Remote work/flexible hours
- Casual work attire
- Employee recognition programs, awards or rewards
REPORT STRUCTURE
A Laundress generally reports:
- To an Executive Housekeeper
- To a House or Estate Manager
- Directly to the client(s)
- To a designated individual within the family office (Director of Operations or Administration, Chief of Staff or Managing Director)
One Garment at a Time
A Laundress brings expertise and precision to the care of your garments, linens, and delicate fabrics. From stain removal to hand-washing couture pieces and pressing fine linens, they ensure that every item in your home receives top-tier care. Their meticulous attention to detail keeps your wardrobe and household textiles in pristine condition.
Looking for a professional who treats your garments with expert care? Let us match you with a Laundress who will maintain your wardrobe to the highest standard.
Adam Cook
Managing Director, Old State Staffing
- Fine Fabric Care
Professionalism in Every Fold
Why You Should Consider a Laundress
A skilled Laundress provides expert care for clothing, fine linens, and specialty fabrics, ensuring they remain in pristine condition. Their knowledge of textiles and garment care preserves the integrity of your wardrobe. A Laundress can help:
- Wash, press, and properly store delicate garments and linens
- Handle specialty fabrics with the appropriate cleaning techniques
- Maintain seasonal wardrobe rotation and organization
- Remove stains and treat fabrics with expert care
- Ensure that all laundry is completed with precision and efficiency
With a Laundress, your wardrobe and household linens will receive the meticulous care they deserve, ensuring they remain pristine for years to come.
- Experts For Every Need
