DLI Introduces Custom On-Site Training and 14 In-Person & Virtual Courses for 2026
Registration Open Now for In-School, On-Site, and Online Courses
Now entering its 99th year of industry education, The Drycleaning & Laundry Institute’s School of Drycleaning Technology is expanding its training opportunities with brand-new on-site programs and 14 skills-building courses for 2026. These programs are designed to help owners, managers, and staff improve quality, streamline production, and strengthen customer satisfaction.
New On-Site Custom Training: Tailored Learning Improves Teams
DLI’s new customized on-site training option brings professional instructors directly to cleaning businesses—allowing teams to learn in their own business, on their own equipment, solving their own production challenges.
This program helps businesses:
- Improve workflow and consistency
- Train entire teams without travel downtime
- Build confidence in customer service, cleaning, finishing, stain removal, and more
- Receive hands-on guidance tailored to their facility
“Managers can finally train their whole team without shutting down or losing production time,” said Mary Scalco, DLI’s CEO. “This program helps owners build stronger, more capable teams right where the work happens.”
Fibers & Fabrics Virtual Course: Prevent Problems Before They Happen
This new two-session virtual course teaches employees how to make smarter cleaning decisions that reduce claims and re-dos. Students learn how to identify fabric risks, understand fiber behavior, test dyes before cleaning, and confidently handle delicate garments.
Key benefits for students:
- Reduce mistakes by understanding fiber behavior
- Improve customer satisfaction with better garment outcomes
- Learn risk assessment techniques that prevent damage
- Gain the confidence to handle specialty and high-end items
This course is ideal for anyone who makes fabric-related decisions, from spotting to customer service.
Virtual Stain Removal Courses: Hands-On Skills That Boost Quality
DLI’s virtual stain removal programs allow students to practice real stain removal, gaining practical skills they can use immediately. Basic and Advanced courses are offered throughout the year in English and Spanish.
Students benefit by learning how to:
- Remove stains more efficiently
- Reduce re-cleans and callbacks
- Build confidence with difficult stains
- Increase quality and throughput
- Understand the “why” behind stain chemistry
DLI’s Spanish-language Basic course will return in August after its successful debut with 44 highly engaged students. Due to demand, DLI is working to add an additional session earlier in the year.
Virtual Basic Stain Removal Techniques
February 17, 19, 24 & 26 (English)
June 9, 11, 16 & 18 (English)
August 18, 20, 25 & 27 (Spanish)
Virtual Advanced Stain Removal Techniques
May 5, 7, 12 &14
August 11, 13, 18 & 20
Leadership & Customer Service Virtual Courses
DLI introduced two new two-day virtual courses in 2025 to help managers and staff quickly develop crucial skills. Both courses will return in 2026 and are instructed by Jennifer Whitmarsh with Snappy Dry Cleaning & The Route Pros.
Customer Service Representative Superstar Virtual Course April 21 & 23
This high-energy virtual course is designed to transform customer service professionals into exceptional brand ambassadors. The program focuses on building the skills and mindset needed to create unforgettable customer experiences, foster loyalty, and drive success. Participants learn effective communication techniques, problem-solving strategies, and tools to handle challenging situations with confidence and grace. Seasoned professionals or industry newcomers will gain knowledge and techniques to exceed expectations, delight customers, and shine in every interaction.
Inspire & Influence: Leadership Virtual Course September 15 & 17
Inspire & Influence is a virtual leadership course designed to empower individuals to become impactful leaders in today’s fast-paced world. This program focuses on mastering the art of inspiration, building trust, creating a dynamic culture, and fostering individual leadership to drive success in any team. Through interactive sessions, real-world scenarios, and actionable strategies, participants will learn how to effectively communicate a company’s overall vision, motivate others, and create a lasting positive impact. Whitmarsh and DLI designed this course to equip emerging leaders and seasoned professionals with the tools to lead with confidence, authenticity, and purpose.
In-Person Courses: Build Confidence with Hands-On Mastery
DLI’s renowned in-person beginner and advanced drycleaning courses help students master the full production process, understand the science behind cleaning and finishing, and operate equipment with confidence.
Students walk away able to:
- Improve quality and consistency on the production floor
- Operate equipment correctly and safely
- Reduce errors through better fiber and fabric knowledge
- Apply stain removal chemistry with skill
- Increase efficiency and turnaround time
DLI’s Five Day Introduction to Drycleaning Course
Great for new hires or experienced staff who never received formal training.
Ten-Day Advanced Drycleaning Course
Perfect for those looking to deepen their expertise and handle more complex garments, customer challenges, and production issues.
Students who register for both courses receive a discounted tuition rate.
Spring 2026
Five Day Introduction to Drycleaning Course
March 9 – 13
Ten Day Advanced Drycleaning Course
March 16 – 28
Summer 2026
Five Day Introduction to Drycleaning Course
July 13 – 17
Ten Day Advanced Drycleaning Course
July 20 – 31
Fall 2026
Five Day Introduction to Drycleaning Course
October 5 – 9
Ten Day Advanced Drycleaning Course
October 12 – 23
Learn more and register at DLIonline.org or call 800-638-2627 for details.
Dedicated to Industry Success
All drycleaning and laundry professionals are invited to join DLI to receive tuition discounts, access on-demand training videos, and enjoy other membership benefits. New members receive a package with significant savings from 27 industry suppliers.
DLI exists to help member drycleaners succeed.
Learn more at DLIonline.org
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