Welcome to Widmer’s Cleaners: The Heart of Cincinnati Dry Cleaning Since 1910

Written by cleanermarketing

June 25, 2024

It’s easy to presume all dry cleaners are equally competent, that they use the same cutting-edge dry cleaning technology, or have the same expertise and actual experience. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. You may have noticed how some places rush the job at the cost of your clothing’s longevity. Or maybe you have been disappointed by cleaners who claim they can remove tricky stains from delicate fabrics only to fall short.

At Widmer’s Cleaners, we believe you deserve better and that’s why we are here! We’ve been perfecting our craft since 1910, right here in Cincinnati, making us a leader, a pioneer, and an authority in dry cleaning no other service can match.

You may have heard of us by name, but know there’s much more to us than what our name bears, and that is the purpose of this article: to introduce you to the full spectrum of what Widmer’s Cleaners has to offer. We want to help you understand the depth of our expertise, the care we put into every garment, and to showcase how we’ve grown from our humble beginnings.

Widmer’s Cleaners Over the Years

Our Humble Beginnings

The story of Widmer’s Cleaners is one of vision, dedication, and the American dream. It began in 1910 when John Widmer, a German immigrant who arrived in the United States at the age of nine, opened the doors to his dry cleaning business at 2016 Madison Road in Cincinnati, Ohio. Naming it after himself, John brought with him not only dreams of a new life but also a passion for craftsmanship.

Starting as a tailor, he eventually launched his dry cleaning business, turning it into a family affair with his son Wesley, his wife, and his nine daughters all playing pivotal roles in the business. By the time John retired in 1940 and handed the business to Wesley, Widmer’s Cleaners had already established a reputation for excellence.

Widmer’s Cleaners from the 1950s to the Late 1990s

The 1950s brought new ownership and new accolades. The local family that took over continued to elevate our brand, expanding Widmer’s Cleaners’ reputation beyond just high-quality dry cleaning to include offering a specialized service to restore vintage garments. Widmer’s Cleaners’ expertise reached national prominence when we were entrusted with the care of historical garments for the Smithsonian Institute, including Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Rider Suit and the suit worn by Abraham Lincoln at the time of his assassination.

The late 1990s marked a significant era of change for Widmer’s Cleaners. The company was acquired by Zoots Corporation, the largest dry cleaner on the East Coast, based in Boston. This period also saw the expansion of Widmer’s Cleaners’ services to include carpet cleaning and upholstery care, broadening our expertise and service offerings.

Year 2006: Another Significant Turn of Events for Widmer’s Cleaners

In 2006, a partnership was formed with two renowned carpet cleaning companies, Security Amirkhanian and American Carpet Masters, located in Dayton. This alliance was built on a shared vision and dedication to quality, mirroring the foundational principles of Widmer’s Cleaners. The local touch returned in 2008 when Steve Carico and Jack Cunningham, who had both climbed the ranks within the company, took ownership, infusing the company with their local perspective and firsthand understanding of the business.

Why Widmer’s Cleaners is the Future of Dry Cleaning in Cincinnati and Beyond

Today, Widmer’s Cleaners stands as a multimillion-dollar enterprise, a testament to over a century of continuous evolution and dedication. From a humble tailor’s shop to a renowned leader in both garment care and carpet cleaning, Widmer’s Cleaners proudly carries forward a legacy of quality, community trust, and unwavering commitment to service.

Here’s why Widmer’s Cleaners is not just keeping up but actively shaping the future of dry cleaning in Cincinnati and all the areas we proudly serve:

 

1) Innovative Cleaning Techniques and Eco-friendly Practices

At Widmer’s Cleaners, innovation is not just about adopting new technologies; it’s about continuously improving every facet of our service to enhance our customers’ experience and the care we provide for all items sent to us. We utilize cutting-edge equipment that guarantees thorough cleaning without damaging fabrics, and our techniques are continuously updated to meet industry standards and customer expectations.

We’re also proud to use the SYSTEMK4 Dry Cleaning Process for all your dry cleaning needs – an excellent alternative dry cleaning solution that’s 100% eco-friendly and biodegradable. The noticeable differences this sustainable dry cleaning solution brings to your clothes are the following:

  • Works well on both water-soluble and lipophilic stains.
  • Gently yet effectively cleans textiles, leather, and furs.
  • Provides high-wearing comfort and a pleasant feel.
  • Bright colors won’t fade in the long run.
  • Textiles are left with a fresh-smelling scent after they are cleaned.

 

2) Family Values, Modern Methods

While we stay true to the family values of integrity, hard work, and quality service, our methods are anything but traditional. At Widmer’s Cleaners, we blend the best of our past with modern advancements, ensuring every customer experience is both personable and exceptional. From the friendly greeting you receive at our counters to the meticulous care we take with your clothing pieces, our family ethos is evident in every aspect of our business.

 

3) Customer-centric Approach

Widmer’s Cleaners places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction. We understand that more than just getting stain-free garments or perfectly pressed suits, convenience and reliability are equally important aspects of great service. Which is why we also offer online scheduling through our website and free pickup and delivery to various locations in Ohio. Our customer service team is here to provide assistance every step of the way.

Our Full Spectrum of Cleaning Services

One of the hallmarks of Widmer’s Cleaners’ success is its comprehensive range of services. Here’s what each service is best for:

Dry Cleaning

Best For: Delicate and special care garments that can’t be washed by a home washer

Dry cleaning at Widmer’s Cleaners is perfect for garments that need special attention. If you have a silk blouse, a woolen suit, or a delicate cashmere sweater, our dry cleaning service uses gentle, eco-friendly solvents to remove stains and refresh these clothing pieces without damaging the fabric. Dry cleaning is perfect for materials like silk, wool, and cashmere that can’t be washed at home without damage.

Wash and Fold Laundry

Best For: Everyday clothes, like t-shirts and jeans, skirts and blouses, towels, etc.

For those busy days when you just can’t find the time to do laundry, our wash and fold service is a lifesaver. Simply drop off your laundry, and we’ll wash, dry, and fold it for you, so it’s ready to put away as soon as you get home.

Alterations

Best For: Custom fit and garment repairs

Widmer’s Cleaners offers professional alterations and repairs to ensure your clothes fit perfectly and are in top condition. From simple fixes to complex alterations, we provide precise, high-quality tailoring services.

Comforter Cleaning

Best For: Bedding and oversized items

Keeping your comforter clean can be a challenge, but with our specialized cleaning service, it’s easy. Widmer’s Cleaners uses techniques that penetrate deep into the fabric to remove dust, allergens, and stains, leaving your comforter fresh and hygienic.

Area Rug Cleaning/Carpet Cleaning

Best For: Home and office carpets, area rugs

Our area rug and carpet cleaning service is perfect for maintaining a clean and healthy living space. Using advanced cleaning methods, we remove deep-seated dirt, stains, and allergens from your carpets and rugs, revitalizing their appearance and extending their lifespan.

Leather/Suede Cleaning

Best For: Leather jackets, shoes, and accessories

Leather and suede items require special care, and Widmer’s Cleaners is equipped to handle them with precision. Our leather cleaning service removes dirt and stains while conditioning the leather to keep it supple and looking great.

Wedding Dress Preservation

Best For: Preserving wedding gowns and special occasion dresses
We meticulously clean and treat all types and designs of wedding dresses, then store them in an acid-free, archival-quality box to prevent yellowing and deterioration. Preserve the memories of your special day with our expert care.

Widmer’s Cleaners’ Vision for the Future

With a rich history behind us and a forward-looking approach, Widmer’s Cleaners is poised for continued success in Cincinnati and beyond. We continuously seek new ways to innovate and improve our services, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the dry cleaning industry. As we expand our reach and capabilities, you can trust Widmer’s Cleaners will maintain the same high standards of quality and customer care that define our legacy.

Want to request a cleaning service from Widmer’s Cleaners? For dry cleaning services, call us at (513) 321-5100, and for carpet/rug cleaning, call us at (513) 321-7600.