The Laundress

Domestic Services

What is a Laundress?

A Laundress is a garment and textile care specialist within a private household or estate. In larger residences, this role exists alongside housekeeping staff but remains distinct in its focus: the meticulous maintenance of clothing, couture, linens, and wardrobe systems.

Rather than general cleaning, the laundress is entrusted with the preservation, presentation, and longevity of a household’s most valuable fabrics.

Those interested in exploring the placement of a Laundress in their home, may also appreciate learning more about the specialization of the Lady’s Maid.

To learn more about working with a Laundress or to begin the placement process, we invite you to connect for a consultation.

A professional Laundress may be responsible for:

  • Garment Care

    • Washing and handwashing delicate fabrics

    • Understanding fiber types (silk, cashmere, wool, linen, couture blends)

    • Stain treatment with fabric-appropriate techniques

    • Following luxury care labels precisely

  • Pressing & Finishing

    • Pressing, steaming, and shaping garments correctly

    • Starching when appropriate

    • Ensuring pieces are presentation-ready

  • Mending & Alterations

    • Minor tailoring and repairs

    • Replacing buttons, repairing seams, restoring hems

    • Preserving heirloom and specialty pieces

  • Wardrobe Organization

    • Maintaining orderly closets and dressing rooms

    • Seasonal rotation and proper storage

    • Packing and unpacking for travel with garment protection in mind

    • Tracking wardrobe inventory and item locations

  • Luxury Linen Care

    • Managing sheets, towels, table linens, and specialty textiles

    • Protecting fine fabrics from shrinkage, discoloration, and wear

    • Maintaining uniform folding and storage standards

The Duties and Responsibilities of a Laundress.

Questions and Answers

  • Households with couture wardrobes, bespoke tailoring, rare vintage pieces, or fine European linens often benefit from a dedicated laundress. While a housekeeper can manage everyday laundry, high value garments require specialized care to preserve fabric, structure, and longevity.

    On larger estates, the volume of clothing and linens alone can justify a full time laundress. Keeping textile care in house also reduces the risk of damage or loss that can occur when items are sent out for cleaning.

  • A housekeeper manages the overall cleaning and upkeep of the home, with laundry as just one of many responsibilities.

    A laundress focuses exclusively on garment and textile care. They have specialized knowledge of fine fabrics, proper pressing techniques, minor repairs, and wardrobe organization. While a housekeeper handles the home, a laundress is dedicated to preserving high-value clothing and linens with precision and care.

  • When handled by a skilled laundress, yes.

    An experienced laundress understands garment construction, fiber composition, and finishing techniques. They evaluate each piece individually, determining whether it should be hand washed, professionally pressed in house, or sent to a trusted specialist.

    In many cases, careful in home care is actually preferable. It allows for controlled handling, reduced chemical exposure, and significantly lowers the risk of loss or damage that can occur when high value items leave the residence.

    For couture, bespoke suiting, and rare vintage garments, proper in house stewardship is often the safest approach.

  • This depends on wardrobe volume and the size of the estate. Households with extensive seasonal clothing, formalwear, fine linens, or frequent travel often require a full time laundress.

    In smaller residences, a part time schedule may be sufficient, particularly if the role focuses primarily on garment care rather than full textile systems. The decision is typically based on volume, not square footage.

  • Compensation for a Laundress varies based on location, the scale of the household, and the professional’s level of expertise.

    Those with experience handling couture, bespoke tailoring, and fine estate linens - particularly individuals with seamstress or alteration skills -command premium salaries reflective of that specialization.

    For current market ranges in your region, it’s best to assess rates based on scope, garment volume, and the level of discretion and technical skill required.

At The Grocery Store, The Anti-Agency, the process begins with a private conversation about your goals and the standard of care your home requires. The position is then defined with care and a confidential search begins.

How to Hire a Laundress.

The Grocery Store places Laundresses across major residential, metropolitan, and resort destinations:

  • Southern California, Los Angeles, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Newport Beach, and surrounding communities

  • Northern California, San Francisco, Atherton, Palo Alto, Woodside, and the greater Bay Area

  • Florida, Miami, Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and neighboring coastal areas

  • New York City and New York State, the Upper East Side, Upper West Side, SoHo, TriBeCa, Chelsea, Brooklyn, the Hamptons, and the greater Tri-State area

  • Connecticut and nearby regions, Greenwich, Stamford, Westchester, and surrounding communities

  • New England, Boston and surrounding areas of Massachusetts, as well as Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard

  • The Midwest, Chicago and surrounding areas

  • Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, Maryland and Virginia

  • Texas, Houston, Austin, Dallas, and other major cities

  • The Pacific Northwest, Seattle and Portland

  • Resort destinations, Aspen, Colorado, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming

  • The Hawaiian Islands, Honolulu, Maui, and the North Shore

  • Nationwide, with select international placements

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