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The Art of Fine Laundry: Why a Laundress is Still Essential for Luxury Households

  • John Osmond
  • Mar 17
  • 2 min read

In an era where most people outsource their laundry to high-end dry cleaners or linen services, the role of a professional laundress may seem like a thing of the past. But for those who appreciate impeccable wardrobe care, crisply pressed linens, and seamless household operations, a skilled laundress is an invaluable asset.


Image of a laundress working in a laundry room.

At Hawthorne Domestic Services, we understand that maintaining a home at the highest level requires dedicated staff for specialized tasks. A laundress ensures that every piece of clothing, bedding, and fabric in your home is cleaned, pressed, and organized with meticulous attention to detail.


What Does a Laundress Do?

A laundress is more than just someone who washes clothes—they are garment care experts. In most cases, this is a live-in position, ensuring round-the-clock care for delicate fabrics, fine linens, and designer wardrobes. Their responsibilities include:

  • Washing and stain-treating clothing, linens, and specialty fabrics

  • Ironing and pressing garments, often using professional-grade equipment

  • Maintaining and organizing closets, including seasonal wardrobe rotation

  • Caring for high-thread-count sheets, table linens, and upholstery fabrics

  • Managing delicate hand-washing techniques for couture and vintage pieces

Many luxury homes are equipped with commercial-grade laundry machines and even large ironing presses. A laundress is trained to use these tools to achieve pristine results that standard dry-cleaning services simply can’t match.


Why Hire a Laundress?

For those who find laundry to be a never-ending cycle, a laundress can be a game-changer. If maintaining household laundry is a significant enough task to impact the efficiency of the rest of your staff, hiring a dedicated professional can enhance the overall functionality of your home.


Christine Hawthorne, founder of Hawthorne Domestic Services, has years of experience matching top-tier laundresses with discerning clients. She understands the importance of discretion and trust in private staffing, ensuring that every placement aligns with the client's unique household needs.


Finding the Right Laundress for Your Home

If you’re considering adding a laundress to your household staff, the process begins with defining your specific needs. Do you require someone skilled in caring for designer fabrics? Do you need help maintaining an extensive linen collection?


The best way to start is by filling out our Client Wish List, where you can outline exactly what you're looking for in a professional laundress.


At Hawthorne Domestic Services, confidentiality is our priority. We take great care in placing highly skilled professionals who respect privacy and discretion, ensuring that your household operates smoothly and securely.


If you’re ready to find the perfect laundress for your home, contact us today at Hawthorne Domestic Services 508-540-0074 to discuss your staffing needs.

 
 
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