To Crease or Not to Crease
At Hollyway Cleaners in West Hollywood, “the doctor” is always in to assist in removing heinous stains. The medics are members of the Amersi family, owners since 1983, who not only receive your dirty laundry but do a lot of listening as well. We dropped by and took a load off.
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Kevin Bolyard
West Hollywood
Graphic designer
What are you having cleaned?
Curtains for my living room. They’ve been in storage for two years.
Why were they in storage?
My relationship broke up. I’m getting myself back in my own space.
Most unusual item you’ve had cleaned?
A kangaroo suit. I worked at a nightclub and had to wear it to work. A patron threw up all over me.
Do you iron your own clothes?
No. At 43, I drew the line.
Do you dry-clean your underwear?
No, but I’d like to have them pressed.
Give us a good dry-cleaner story.
Once I was trying on clothing I was having altered at the cleaner. I didn’t realize that the curtain was open. I was naked, and there were all these people watching me.
Your position on wire hangers?
I don’t like them. They leave impressions on your clothing.
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David Cuyler
Los Angeles
Entertainment consultant
Why are you here today?
Picking up shirts, suits, sweaters. I was wearing these at a renewal of vows in San Francisco. It was nice.
Worst stain you’ve had cleaned?
We came home from going out. I had on my hot black Versace couture suit and my 3-year-old was happy enough to see me to throw up all over me.
Do you dry-clean your underwear?
Only in foreign countries.
What kind of person never goes to the cleaner?
Wrinkly, disheveled, non-fashion-oriented.
Dry cleaning: magic or science?
It took me forever to figure out that they used liquid stuff for “dry” cleaning. It was a great revelation that came to me late in life.
Your position on wire hangers?
I wish they wouldn’t breed in my house. Their offspring get pretty tough.
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Chiara Grant
Hollywood
Restaurant manager
What are you here for today?
Dropping off my shirts and picking up suits.
Worst job you’ve given the cleaner?
To wash my Prada purse. It had water stains all over it. Not even Prada wanted to [clean] it. My husband and I have been coming here for over 18 years.
Most unusual item you’ve had cleaned?
A Borsalino--a black felt hat I always wore in Italy during the winter.
Do you dry-clean your undies?
No. Hand wash.
Give us a good dry-cleaner story.
This was one of the first places my husband drove me, picking something up on one of our first dates. He introduced me as a friend. Later on, he introduced me as his wife. It was very funny.
Your position on wire hangers?
I hate wire hangers! I change them as soon as I arrive home.
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John McIlwee
Los Angeles
Business manager
What are you dropping off/picking up today?
Shirts and a pair of white linen pants for a wedding in Cabo.
Worst job you’ve given the cleaner?
Cat [urine]. It didn’t come out. I no longer have the cat.
What’s the most unusual item you’ve ever had dry-cleaned?
A pillow my cat peed on. Same cat.
Do you dry-clean your undies?
If it’s that dirty, throw it away!
Give us a good dry-cleaner story.
About two weeks ago I saw this brand-new Bentley in the parking lot, with drawn curtains. Sure enough, it’s Patti LaBelle. She dropped her stuff off, talked to everybody, got back in her car and took off. The curtains got me!
Your position on wire hangers?
They stack nicely.
