Pilgrim Dry Cleaners

How Often Should You Dry Clean a Suit or Blazer?

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:40:05 GMT

How Often Should You Dry Clean a Suit or Blazer?

The frequency of cleaning depends on the number of wears, environment of wear, and fabric type.

How often to dry clean:

Business suits (Frequent Use): every 3-5 wears
Occasional wear suits : every 5-10 wears
Blazers: every 5-8 wears
After stains or odors: immediately

What Affects How Often You Should Dry Clean?

How Often You Wear It
Daily workwear vs occasional events
Rotating suits extends time between cleanings
Exposure to Sweat, Odors, and Stains
Body oils break down fabric over time
Smoke, food, and city exposure
Fabric Type Matters
Wool: more durable, needs less frequent cleaning
Linen: wrinkles and absorbs more, may need more care
Synthetic blends: depends on structure

Signs Your Suit or Blazer Needs Dry Cleaning

Noticeable odor
Visible stains
Fabric looks dull or limp
Wrinkles won’t release with steaming
Collar or cuffs look worn

How to Make Your Suit Last Longer Between Cleanings

Use a Garment Brush: Removes dirt and dust
Steam: Refreshes fabric between wears
Rotate Your Suits: Avoid wearing the same one daily
Hang It Properly: Use structured hangers, let it air out after wear

When to Dry Clean Immediately

Spill (Wine, Oil, Etc)
Strong Odor
After event (weddings, long days, travel)

Suit vs Blazer: Is There a Difference?

Suits = more structure, often worn longer days

Blazers = more casual, slightly less frequent cleaning

Professional Care vs At-Home Care

Why dry cleaning matters:

Structure
Shape retention
Fabric longevity

Proper care of your suit extends its life and gives your appearance an elevated look. During longs days, your suit or blazer should be ready for anything your schedule throws at you. Not sure if your suit needs cleaning? We can take a look. Visit one of our convenient 28 Twin Cities locations or give us a call to schedule a pickup at your home or office!

Call/Text 612-554-8285 or email Pickup@PilgrimDryCleaners.com .

Comforter Cleaning in The Twin Cities

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 20:05:16 GMT

Professional bedding cleaning in Minneapolis

Expert comforter and blanket cleaning in the Twin Cities

Comforters and blankets are some of the most used items in your home, yet they are often the most overlooked when it comes to proper cleaning. Over time, they collect dust, allergens, body oils, and odors that regular washing at home may not fully remove.

If you’re wondering where to clean a comforter in Minneapolis, choosing a professional service can help protect your bedding and ensure a deeper, more effective clean.

Why Professional Comforter Cleaning Matters

Comforters, especially larger sizes like queen and king, can be difficult to clean properly at home. Most household washers are not designed to handle bulky items, which can lead to uneven cleaning or damage.

Professional comforter cleaning helps:

Remove deep-set dirt, allergens, and odors
Prevent lumping or shifting of filling
Protect delicate fabrics and stitching
Extend the life of your bedding

Can You Wash a Comforter at Home?

While some comforters are labeled as machine washable, washing them at home can come with challenges.

Common issues include:

Not enough space in the washer for proper cleaning
Long drying times that can lead to mildew
Uneven distribution of filling after washing

For high-quality or oversized comforters, professional cleaning is often the safer and more effective option.

Comforter Cleaning at Pilgrim Dry Cleaners

At Pilgrim Dry Cleaners, we provide comforter cleaning in Minneapolis and throughout the Twin Cities, using professional equipment designed to handle large and delicate items.

Our process is designed to clean thoroughly while protecting the integrity of your comforter, whether it is down, synthetic, or made with delicate materials.

With over 85 years of experience, our team understands how to care for bedding that requires more than a standard wash.

Convenience That Fits Your Routine

Cleaning large bedding items should not be a hassle. Pilgrim Dry Cleaners offers multiple locations across the Twin Cities along with pickup and delivery services, making it easy to keep your comforters and blankets fresh without disrupting your schedule.

When Should You Clean Your Comforter?

Most comforters should be professionally cleaned 2 to 3 times per year, depending on use.

You may want to clean yours more often if:

You have allergies
Pets sleep on the bed
You notice odors or visible buildup

Regular cleaning helps maintain a healthier and more comfortable sleeping environment.

Trusted Comforter Cleaning in Minneapolis

If you’re searching for where to clean a comforter in Minneapolis, Pilgrim Dry Cleaners is a trusted choice for quality, convenience, and care. We combine decades of experience with modern cleaning methods to ensure your bedding looks, feels, and smells its best.

Fresh, Clean, and Ready for Rest

Your comforter should feel as clean as it looks. With professional cleaning, you can enjoy bedding that is refreshed, protected, and ready for a better night’s sleep.

Expert wedding dress cleaning and preservation in the Twin Cities

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:18:17 GMT

Expert wedding dress cleaning in Minneapolis

Your wedding dress is more than just a garment. It holds one of the most meaningful days of your life. After the celebration, proper cleaning is essential to preserve its beauty and protect it for years to come.

If you’re wondering where to get a wedding dress cleaned in Minneapolis, choosing a dry cleaner with experience in delicate fabrics and detailed garments is key. Not all cleaners are equipped to handle wedding gowns, and the wrong process can cause permanent damage.

Why Professional Wedding Dress Cleaning Matters

Wedding dresses are made from delicate materials like lace, silk, tulle, and chiffon. They often include intricate beading, embroidery, and multiple layers that require careful handling.

Professional wedding dress cleaning helps:

Remove invisible stains like champagne, sweat, and sugar that can yellow over time
Protect delicate fabrics and embellishments
Maintain the structure and shape of the gown
Prepare the dress for long-term preservation

What to Look for in a Wedding Dress Cleaner in Minneapolis

Not all dry cleaners offer specialized bridal care. When choosing where to take your gown, look for:

Experience with wedding dress cleaning and preservation
Knowledge of delicate and luxury fabrics
Individual garment inspection and treatment
Proven reputation in the Minneapolis and Twin Cities area
A trusted cleaner will treat your gown with the level of care it deserves.

Wedding Dress Cleaning at Pilgrim Dry Cleaners

At Pilgrim Dry Cleaners, we have expertise in wedding dress cleaning in Minneapolis and throughout the Twin Cities. With over 85 years of experience , our team understands how to care for delicate bridal fabrics and intricate details.

Each gown is carefully inspected and cleaned using techniques designed to protect its fabric, structure, and embellishments. Whether your dress needs stain removal, refreshing, or full preservation, we provide expert-level care every step of the way.

Wedding Dress Preservation for Long-Term Care

After cleaning, many brides choose to preserve their gown. Preservation protects your dress from yellowing, fabric breakdown, and environmental damage over time.

Our wedding dress preservation service ensures your gown is properly stored so it can be cherished for years, whether as a keepsake or to pass down in the future.

When Should You Get Your Wedding Dress Cleaned?

The sooner, the better. Even if your dress looks clean, invisible stains can set over time and become harder to remove.

We recommend bringing your gown in shortly after your wedding to ensure the best results.

Trusted Wedding Dress Cleaning in Minneapolis

If you’re searching for where to clean a wedding dress in Minneapolis, Pilgrim Dry Cleaners is a trusted choice for brides across the Twin Cities. We combine decades of experience, attention to detail, and a commitment to quality to ensure your gown receives the care it deserves.

Preserve the Dress. Remember the Day.

Your wedding dress tells a story that deserves to be cared for. With expert cleaning and preservation , you can protect that story for years to come.

Trust Pilgrim Dry Cleaners for professional wedding dress cleaning in Minneapolis and throughout the Twin Cities.

How Pilgrim Dry Cleaners Gives Back: 85+ Years of Community Support and Service

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 16:38:12 GMT

Serving our community, beyond the clothes

We wouldn’t have been able to celebrate our 85-year anniversary in 2025 without the loyalty of the communities we serve. We’re your neighbors—we live here, work here, and care about the same places you do. From day one, Pilgrim Dry Cleaners has focused on convenience, quality, and service, but just as importantly, we’ve always believed in giving back to the people who have supported us for so long.

One of the organizations closest to our hearts is the U of M Masonic Children’s Hospital. Our team is grateful for the chance to contribute to their mission of improving health and well-being for all children and families. In 2025, we were honored to take part in several of their events, including Winefest as a Premier Cru Sponsor, the 16th Annual Champions for Children’s Golf Classic as a Birdie Sponsor, and FashionFest as the Wine Sponsor. We look forward to supporting this incredible mission in the years to come.

We’re also proud to support the U of M Masonic Children’s Cancer Research Fund . Children facing cancer, and their families, deserve to know that an entire community is standing with them. We believe deeply in supporting efforts that move research forward and bring hope to more families.

Our commitment to community involvement goes back to our founder, Donald Rosen. In 1986, he recognized how many children in Minnesota were facing winter without warm coats. From that need, Coats for Kids was born. Since its beginning, the program has collected, cleaned, and distributed more than 500,000 coats. Each year, over 50 local organizations help us get these coats into the hands of families who need them most.

We’re incredibly grateful to be part of a community that shows up for one another. For over 85 years, that support has shaped who we are and continues to inspire how we give back. We are proud to carry that commitment forward and to keep showing up for our community.

The Twin Cities’ Trusted Choice for High-End Designer Clothing Cleaning

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:28:44 GMT

Where luxury garments receive the care they deserve

When it comes to high-end designer clothing cleaning in the Twin Cities , not all dry cleaners offer the level of care your garments require. Luxury pieces are crafted with precision, delicate fabrics, and detailed construction. Proper cleaning is essential to protect their quality and longevity.

At Pilgrim Dry Cleaners, we have expertise in cleaning and caring for designer clothing, luxury garments, and premium fabrics. With over 85 years of experience serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding Twin Cities communities, we are trusted by customers who expect the highest standard of garment care.

Specialized Cleaning for Designer and Luxury Fabrics

High-end garments are often made from materials like silk, cashmere, wool, velvet, and linen, all of which require expert handling . Standard cleaning methods can damage these fabrics, causing shrinkage, fading, or loss of structure.

Pilgrim Dry Cleaners uses professional cleaning techniques for luxury fabrics, ensuring each piece is cleaned safely while maintaining its original look and feel.

Expert Care for Designer Details and Construction

Designer clothing is known for its craftsmanship. From structured tailoring to delicate embellishments, these details require careful inspection and treatment.

Our team evaluates every garment individually, taking into account fabric type, construction, and care requirements. This level of attention helps preserve the integrity of your clothing and extends the life of your investment.

Trusted Dry Cleaner for High-End Clothing in Minneapolis and St. Paul

For decades, Pilgrim Dry Cleaners has been a trusted name for high-end dry cleaning in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Customers rely on us for consistent quality, reliable service, and expert garment care.

Whether you need designer dress cleaning, suit cleaning, or care for luxury wardrobe pieces, our team understands how to handle garments that require extra attention.

Convenient Pickup and Delivery for Luxury Garment Care

We make it easy to care for your high-end wardrobe pickup and delivery throughout the Twin Cities. Our convenient service allows you to maintain your garments without disrupting your schedule.

You get the benefit of expert-level care with the ease of modern convenience.

Why Choose Pilgrim Dry Cleaners for Designer Clothing

85+ years of experience in professional garment care
Expertise in luxury and delicate fabrics
Trusted by Twin Cities customers for high-end dry cleaning
Convenient pickup and delivery options
Commitment to quality, consistency, and attention to detail

Professional Care for Your Most Valuable Garments

Your designer clothing deserves more than standard cleaning. It deserves expert care from a team that understands the value of quality garments.

Pilgrim Dry Cleaners is proud to be the go-to dry cleaner for high-end designer clothing in the Twin Cities, helping you protect your investment and keep your wardrobe looking its best.

Pilgrim Dry Cleaners vs Other Dry Cleaners in the Twin Cities

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:12:32 GMT

How to choose a dry cleaner in the Twin Cities

What sets a truly high-quality dry cleaner apart

Choosing a dry cleaner is about more than convenience. It’s about trusting someone with the clothing you rely on every day, from your favorite pieces to your most important garments.

If you’re comparing dry cleaners in the Twin Cities, understanding what sets one apart from another can help you make the right choice for your wardrobe.

Experience and Reputation

Not all dry cleaners bring the same level of experience to garment care. Longevity in this industry reflects consistency, trust, and the ability to evolve while maintaining quality.

With over 85 years of service, Pilgrim Dry Cleaners has built a reputation across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding Twin Cities communities. That history represents generations of customers who continue to rely on thoughtful, dependable care .

Other dry cleaners may offer similar services, but experience at this level brings a deeper understanding of fabrics, construction, and long-term garment care.

Care for High-End and Delicate Garments

Clothing today ranges from everyday essentials to high-end designer pieces. Not every dry cleaner is equipped to handle delicate fabrics or detailed garments with the care they require.

Pilgrim Dry Cleaners has expertise in luxury fabrics such as silk, wool, cashmere, velvet, and linen, along with structured garments and specialty items. Each piece is carefully evaluated to determine the best cleaning method, helping preserve its look, feel, and longevity.

Other cleaners may take a more standardized approach, which can be effective for basic garments but may not provide the same level of attention for more delicate items.

Consistency and Attention to Detail

Quality garment care is not just about the cleaning process. It is about consistency from one visit to the next. From pressing and finishing to inspection and presentation, every detail matters.

At Pilgrim, each garment is handled with care throughout the entire process . This attention to detail helps ensure that your clothing looks as expected every time you wear it.

Consistency is what builds trust, and it is one of the most important factors when choosing a dry cleaner.

Convenience That Fits Your Routine

Convenience plays an important role in modern garment care. Busy schedules call for services that make life easier without compromising quality.

Pilgrim Dry Cleaners offers 28 locations throughout the Twin Cities, along with pickup and delivery services that bring professional garment care directly to your door.

While many dry cleaners offer convenience in some form, combining accessibility with high-quality care is what creates a better overall experience.

Choosing the Right Dry Cleaner in the Twin Cities

The right dry cleaner depends on what matters most to you. Whether it is experience, garment expertise, consistency, or convenience, taking the time to compare your options can make a meaningful difference in how your clothing is cared for.

For those looking for a trusted, long-standing dry cleaner with a focus on quality and attention to detail, Pilgrim Dry Cleaners continues to be a reliable choice in the Twin Cities.

Garment Care You Can Rely On

Your clothing deserves thoughtful, professional care. With decades of experience and a commitment to consistency, Pilgrim Dry Cleaners provides a level of service that helps protect your wardrobe and simplify your routine.

What IS the difference between Dry Cleaning and Laundering?

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 18:02:00 GMT

Recently we have had customers ask us what the difference is between dry cleaning & laundering. Some people may be unaware that different processes are used on their garments when they bring them to their dry cleaner. Not all items will actually be put through the dry cleaning process. Some garments will be cleaned using a process called laundering. Typically this process is used for your standard oxford type shirts. Dry cleaning is usually used for the rest of the items that you bring to your dry cleaner. There is also a newer innovation in the industry that may be used as well, called wet cleaning. Here is an in depth look into the different cleaning processes from our very own dry cleaning expert, Lisa. Lisa is the general manager of Pilgrim Cleaners and has over 30 years of industry experience.

Laundering
Typical Items Cleaned With This Process: dress shirts
Why This Process Is Used: the laundering process removes water soluble stains such as: perspiration, food, beverages, etc. Most shirts will call for laundering on their care label. Laundering a shirt will result in a final product of a wet shirt, which creates a crisper press. Using water and an automated press makes this cleaning process economical, resulting in a more affordable option for your most washed item – shirts.
What The Process Is: laundering uses a large front loading machine, commercial detergents, water, starch (if requested), and brighteners for whites. The items are spot treated if needed, then put into the machine. They go into the machine dry, washed wet, and come out of the machine wet. They are then pressed wet, using an automated pressing machine. The garment is then inspected and missing buttons are hand sewn, then the automated garment conveyor system will package the garments and they will be ready for pick up.

Dry Cleaning
Typical Items Cleaned With This Process : suit coats, pants, blouses (silk & rayon), dresses, skirts, etc.
Why This Process Is Used : usually a garment will have a care label that calls specifically for dry cleaning. Dry cleaning experts such as Pilgrim Cleaners will know which items require dry cleaning, or other cleaning processes. Typically, an item requires dry cleaning because of the following reasons: the fabric type, shrinkage, and the colors/dyes used.
What The Process Is : garments are loaded into a machine that looks like an oversize front loading washing machine. The clothes are put into the machine dry and a green solvent is used instead of water. The items are cleaned dry (without water) and come out dry. Garments are then pressed by hand, inspected, and buttons are replaced. Dry cleaning requires a much more labor intensive process, because the stain removal & pressing is entirely done by hand.

Wet Cleaning
Typical Items Cleaned With This Process: items with large & water soluble stains that need special care. Soiled & delicate items such as wedding dresses and even silks can be cleaned using this process.
Why This Process Is Used: items that are too soiled and won’t come clean with the dry cleaning process.
What The Process Is: using a large front loading machine conditioned water is used to prevent shrinkage and dye bleed. Wet cleaning is an alternative green option for dry cleaning a garment. For wet cleaning, garments are spot treated & put into the machine dry, they are then cleaned wet using the conditioned water and come out wet. Garments are then inspected & pressed by hand.

Wash-Dry-Fold
Typical Items Cleaned With This Process: casual garments such as sweatshirts, t-shirts, socks, underwear, jeans, etc.
Why This Process Is Used: we offer wash-dry-fold as a cleaning option for your everyday items that do not note any special care instructions. It is an alternative to doing your laundry at home.
What The Process Is: using standard commercial grade washing & drying machines similar to the type you would find at a laundromat, your items are washed & dried using detergents & water. Your items are then folded and packaged in plastic with a blue ribbon creating an easy to put away bundle.

You said YES! Now let us HEM the dress!

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 16:08:00 GMT

Wedding season is upon us! That means Pilgrim Dry Cleaners expert tailors are BUSY! Brides and Grooms want their big day to be perfect! Choosing a venue, a photographer, a delicious meal, drinks, décor, guest list, seating chart, music, and the attire, is A LOT to do.

Choosing a #tailor can be the easy part. Pilgrim has Expert Tailors at 8 convenient Twin Cities locations . They can help with all things #wedding. Brides, grooms and the whole wedding party. Tailoring and alterations, cleaning and pressing, and when the wedding is over, wedding gown preservation.

Did you order your dress online and it arrived a wrinkled mess?! Or maybe the dress doesn’t fit you the way you had hoped?!

Don’t panic, just bring it to Pilgrim Dry Cleaners and we will beautifully clean and press it, and our professional on-site tailors can make any alterations needed. Our Expert tailors can make sure that all of your delicate garments and accessories are handled properly and completed in time for your wedding day. Suits, Wedding Dresses, Bridesmaids Dresses, Formal Wear, Zipper Repair, and so much more! Most alterations can be completed with in a week.

A perfectly fitted dress is a MUST for brides and their bridesmaids. Grooms definitely want to look their very best on their special day with a perfectly tailored suit. According to Wedding Wire , the average Bride spends over $1k on her bridal gown and that is before alterations. Make sure you choose a tailor that knows how to handle the altering of such a large investment.

Wedding gowns not your thing? The Knot has a list of wedding pantsuits & jumpsuits for every style.

Don’t forget the accessories! Headbands, belts and even couple bracelets . Unique accessories can make your garments stand out. Brides.com has some great articles including, Wedding Dress Belts for Every Bridal Style . Check out MN Bride for some summer flower trends and inspiration to add a little color to your #bigday

8 Professional Tailor locations on-site throughout the Twin Cities. Learn more on our website PilgrimDryCleaners.com #EdenPrairie #SLP #Chanhassen #Lakeville #Maplegrove #Goldenvalley #Minnetonka and #Plymouth #MN

After your wedding is over, you might wonder what you should do with your dress? Pilgrim Dry Cleaners offers professional wedding dress cleaning & pressing services for formal gowns and wedding dresses, so you can have your dress cleaned and pressed to be resold or donated. Or after it is cleaned & pressed we can put your dress into a wedding dress box with acid-free paper to preserve your dress to be remembered & passed on to future generations.

Pilgrim Dry Cleaners , Minnesota’s wedding, alteration, cleaning and preservation experts!

Pilgrim Dry Cleaners – Twin Cities Live!

Thu, 13 May 2021 16:16:00 GMT

We know America’s least favorite chore is doing laundry. Or more specifically, folding laundry! #fullbasket #wrinkled #putitbackinthedryer

Derek, our VP and 3rd generation of Pilgrim Dry Cleaners , answered some common #laundry questions, chatted about our wash dry fold service and hung out, via Skype, with Elizabeth, Steve and the team at Twin Cities Live at KSTP-TV .

WATCH THE CLIP HERE –> Pilgrim on Twin Cities Live

How do you clean a silk blouse? What do all of those symbols on the tag mean? How about cleaning a shirt after you spill coffee on it? Derek also answers a very important question from Steve on TCL. He asks “Why do I need Pilgrim, I have a washer and dryer?”

Time! That’s the answer. Spend more time doing what you love. You do you, we’ll do the laundry.

That leads us to our favorite slogan of 2021 –> Never do laundry again! �� We keep saying it and we mean it!!! Join our Wash Club , a monthly subscription wash & fold service and we will take care of all of your laundry. How would it feel to leave your laundry on your doorstep and then have it arrive back to you clean and folded, ready to be put away?! Yes! We CAN make your laundry dreams come true. #laundryisourlovelanguage

The Wash Club makes an awesome gift to expectant parents and, any parent really!

We have FREE Pick up & Delivery and our drivers will be in your neighborhood twice a week for pick ups and deliveries. You always have the same driver on your route and they take great care of each of their customers. The route drivers even provide their cell phone numbers to their clients for easy communication.

What a great time we had working with the whole crew at Channel 5, KSTP. You can check out Twin Cities Live . Food, Fashion & Fun. Weekdays at 3:00 – 4:30pm on 5 eyewitness news.

1970’s fashion is back!

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 11:33:00 GMT

The 1970’s are back! In fashion at least! Wide leg pants and trousers, psychedelic patterns, and micro mini skirts. If you hung on to those gorgeous flowy dresses and blouses for a few decades, now’s the time to bring them into Pilgrim Dry Cleaners to clean and freshen them up.

Check out the Tom Ford Spring/Summer Collection with a ton of fun paisley’s, tie dyes and floral prints. Florals will be out in bloom on our Spring fashion as well as our garden. Feathers have also made a comeback and we will see them appearing as trim on dresses, sweaters and tops. A hot pink A line or mini dress with feather trim?! #trending

Macy’s Spring collection ‘Bright Now ‘ is everything Spring should be with bright colors and fun designs and fabrics. Check out the Spring Men’s line at Nordstrom , tie dyed fabrics, large collars and lot’s of patterns.

Gucci’s latest collection is full of vibrant patterns and colors reminiscent of the 1970’s. Some bright colors could do us all some good.

You can trust us to clean and care for all of your delicate fabrics. Pilgrim Dry Cleaners uses state-of-the-art equipment to clean and press every garment. Our experienced staff will examine the care labels to determine the proper cleaning method. Every garment is cleaned using safe, environmentally friendly, green cleaning agents. We have been dry cleaning and laundering your favorite garments and household items for over 80 years! We were there for 70’s fashion and will continue to be your favorite family dry cleaner.

Looking for something fun to do with the family? Get into the 70’s groove and plan a fun Fondue night or possibly a Tie Dye activity, grab those old white T Shirts. Here are some step by step directions from Tie Dye Your Summer .

We are excited to see what fun patterns and 1970’s inspired clothing you bring us to care for this Spring. #springhasalmostsprung

Sanitizing your environment is important now more than ever!

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 20:50:00 GMT

From cleaning your counters to washing your hands to cleaning your clothes, sanitizing your environment is important now more than ever. Pilgrim’s dry cleaning and laundering process makes sure all of your clothing and household items are cleaned and sanitized. We have been the Twin Cities expert dry cleaner and launderer for over 80 years. Three generations, family owned and operated. We have the experience and knowledge to take care of all of your clothing and household linens. Shirts, Suits, Dresses, Pants, Blankets, Sheets, Comforters, Coats, Drapes, Wedding Dresses & SO MUCH MORE!

Our 26 convenient locations are OPEN and offer: Drop Boxes, Drive-Thru’s, 24 Hour Kiosks, and Curbside Service.

We also offer FREE Pick Up & Delivery. If interested Call/Text/Email:
612-554-8285
info@pilgrimdrycleaners.com

https://www.pilgrimdrycleaners.com/

Did you know that we have Fast, Expert Tailoring?! Hems, Zipper Repair, Wedding Dresses, Bridesmaids Dresses, Suits, Formal Wear, Holes in Garments, & More! If you need a fitting we have Tailors on site at 8 of our locations. If you don’t need a fitting, feel free to bring your item to any of our locations or leave with your driver for pick-up & delivery service.

Feeling Thankful!

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 20:45:00 GMT

This year we celebrate 80 Years serving the Twin Cities. Wow! We are so very grateful to have had so many loyal customers over the years. Things have changed a lot since 1940. A loaf of bread was only 10 cents and a gallon of gas was 11 cents! The first McDonalds opened in California and a 40 hour work week was put into effect by amending the Fair Labor Standards Act. In 1940 we were first introduced to Bugs Bunny and The Tom & Jerry cartoon short debuted in theaters. Winston Churchill was voted Time Magazine’s Man of the Year and the York Peppermint Pattie debuted. In 1940 people started saying “ cheese” when smiling for the camera, in the past they reputedly said “ prunes ” to keep from smiling!

A lot has changed in 80 years and we know 2020 is nothing like any of us expected. We are all doing our best to remain calm and find the good in these trying situations. Throughout the last 80 years, our community has seen it’s ups and downs, we know it’s important to find ways to help our community when in need. It feels good to do good.

This year Minnesota came together to help their neighbors. Whether it was donating your time to help a businesses clean up and rebuild, donating to your local food shelves, or helping a Minnesotan receive a warm coat, we have all tried our best to help however we can during this trying year.

2020 College Scholarship Winners!

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 22:16:00 GMT

We are SUPER excited to announce our annual scholarship recipients!

Every year Pilgrim Dry Cleaners awards $1,000 College Scholarships to employees who have accepted an offer to attend school in the fall, or who are currently attending college and will be continuing their college education in the fall.

We are very proud of our employees, their work ethic as well as their dedication to give back to our community.

Drum Roll Please………….. Our 2020 Winners are:

Rileigh C from Blaine

Clairise P from Lakeville

Megan S from Golden Valley

To everyone who applied but did not win, they received an award of $250 towards their higher education as well.

Congratulations to all the applicants, very bright futures await you!

Pilgrim Dry Cleaners is Celebrating 80 Years!

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 16:17:00 GMT

Pilgrim Dry Cleaners is celebrating its 80 ^th year as the Twin Cities favorite eco-friendly dry cleaner. Three generations, family – owned and operated consisting of 26 branch locations and over 200 employees. Founded in 1940 and established on the principle that their success is dependent on three key ingredients; Convenience, Quality, and Service. Founder, Don Rosen’s commitment to family & community is still evident in the business today.

Pilgrim Dry Cleaners became a woman owned and operated business when Rosen’s daughter Bonnie Engler became CEO of the family business in 2004. “We strive to improve and serve our customers and communities in the best way possible,” Engler says. She has maintained Rosen’s commitment to family and community over the years and their employee’s loyalty is very apparent. More than half of their 200 employees have been with the company for over 10 years and 22 of those employees have been with Pilgrim for over 20 years.

Rosen founded the Pilgrim Cleaners Coats for Kids Program in 1986 and has since donated over 422,000 coats to help Minnesota families in need. Pilgrim has multiple community drives throughout the year to give back to children in our local community including Costumes for Kids and Scouting for Uniforms as well as donating thousands to local charities in need.

Derek Engler, Vice President, son of CEO Bonnie Engler and grandson of the late Don Rosen now the third generation working for Pilgrim Dry Cleaners. “One of our secrets to success is that we are easy to do business with,” Engler states. “Pilgrim has invested in new technology and modern stores to continually serve our customers better.” Pilgrim Dry Cleaners offers Same Day Service at 26 locations, Free Home and Office Pick-Up and Delivery, On Demand pick-up with their Pilgrim Go App, drive-thru locations, as well as 24 hour kiosks.

Coats for Kids Free Coat Event At Masonic Children’s Hospital

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 22:54:00 GMT

We had a wonderful event today with University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital giving away free coats and hats to patients from our Coats for Kids drive! Thank you to everyone who donated to our drive to make this possible. Oak Knoll Lutheran Church (ELCA) thank you for the beautiful knitted hats!

Thank You For Helping Us Collect & Clean 10,000 Coats for Kids!

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 21:59:00 GMT

THANK YOU for helping us reach our goal again this year of collecting & cleaning 10,000 coats for our Coats for Kids drive! Thank you to our sponsors Alerus Center , FlyOver America , WCCO Radio , Sun Sailor , KARE 11 & our charity partners & schools for helping us distribute the coats directly to people in need!

We received an incredible letter from Park Ave charity that we wanted to share because it really helps express the impact that this drive has on our community:

“The extra adult coats we took out yesterday and distributed to homeless people in South Minneapolis. We gave away almost 50 coats in less than 90 minutes. The need for coats, hats, mittens, etc is so great, it is heartbreaking.

We gave a coat to one young man (early 20s) who was homeless because he had a stroke and became disabled and as a result lost his job. He was wearing just a short-sleeved shirt. I had to help him get his coat on and zipped because his left arm was paralyzed.

We ran into another young man who was riding a bike and pulling a little cart. We stopped him and asked if he needed a coat. He said yes, and then took the coat and wrapped it around a little girl that was in the cart he was pulling. He refused to take a coat for himself in case there was someone else who needed it more.

We talked to an older gentleman who was Native American. He was also a veteran. He asked us why we were doing what we were doing. We told him because we cared about him and everyone deserved to be warm. His eyes welled up with tears and he thanked us over and over for bringing the coats. Imagine….a Native American Veteran….homeless on his native land after serving this country….still so grateful to receive a coat to keep him warm. It just doesn’t seem right.

I know the amount of work that you put into this coat distribution every year takes many hours and is very stressful, but if you have ever wondered if it is really worth it, or if it really makes a difference, rest assured, it does….it really does. For some of these people the coats we gave them were literally the difference between freezing to death or not in the streets last night.

So from the bottom of our hearts….thank you!!

Michelle Higgins
Office Administrator
Park Avenue UMC”

**Thank you to the rest of our 2019 charities & schools who helped us distribute the coats as well:

Loveworks Academy
Urban Academy Charter School
Normandale Housing Ministry
Ronald McDonald House Charities- Upper Midwest
Frost Lake Elementary
Park Avenue Youth & Family Services
MNIC
Battle Creek Middle School
Sharing and Caring Hands
Supplementary Angles of Community Services
Western Communities Action Network
St. Louis Park Emergency Program
Our Saviour’s Housing
Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest
Reach Up Head Start/Early Head Start
Open Door Learning Center–Arlington Hills
Hamline Elementary
Missions Inc. Programs
Sharing and Caring Hands
Children’s Defense Fund Minnesota
Mpls Public Schools
Closet of Hope
Ebenezer’s SDA Church Mpls
St Paul Public Schools
Shakopee Community Assistance
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota – Refugee Services
Friendship Academy of the Arts
Anoka-Hennepin Schools
People Serving People
St. Louis Park Emergency Program
Ramsey Middle School
Mount Olivet of Plymouth for Northport Elementary
Good in the ‘Hood
Columbia Heights Public Schools
Northeast Middle School – MPS
Church inc
CEAP (Community Emergency Assistance Programs)
Pillsbury Elementary School
Children’s hospital
Prodeo Academy
Warm Coats for Cool Kids
Ebenezer’s SDA Church Mplsssistance Programs)

Receive A Free Pass To Nickelodeon Universe When You Donate To Our Costumes for Kids Drive!

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 19:01:00 GMT

Receive a FREE pass to Nickelodeon Universe® while supplies when you donate your kid’s gently used costumes from last year or a new costume at any of our 27 Pilgrim Dry Cleaners locations in the Twin Cities! Hurry in, our Costumes for Kids drive ends Wednesday, October 23rd! Visit www.pilgrimdrycleaners.com/locations to find a location near you.

An update regarding construction for our Plymouth customers! The Rockford Road Bridge over I-494 set to partially open Monday, Oct 7th

Fri, 04 Oct 2019 22:29:00 GMT

We want to thank all of our loyal customers at our Plymouth location at 4130 Berkshire Ln Unit F in Plymouth MN 55446 for their patronage during construction this summer. We want to make sure everyone knows that the bridge will be reopening and it will be easier to get to our store again starting this Monday, October 7th. We hope to see all of our customers at our store again soon now that the construction is coming to an end. Listed below is the information from the Plymouth city website regarding the remainder of the construction:

Rockford Road bridge over I-494 set to partially open Monday, Oct. 7
One lane will be open to traffic in either direction on the bridge. Motorists crossing the bridge should expect congestion and delays.
Post Date: 10/04/2019 8:52 am

The Rockford Road (County Road 9) bridge over I-494 is set to partially open at 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 7 – weather permitting. One lane will be open to traffic in either direction. Motorists crossing the bridge should expect congestion and delays.

The south half of the bridge will remain closed for construction for an additional two or three weeks, weather permitting.

The southeast ramp (the ramp from northbound
I-494 to Rockford Road) will be closed through early November, weather permitting. Motorists should follow the posted detour route – continue north on I-494, exit at Bass Lake Road, return southbound on I-494 and exit at Rockford Road.

Phase 3: Southeast Ramp Closure set for Oct. 7
As part of the third and final phase of the project, the southeast ramp (the ramp from northbound I-494 to Rockford Road) is set to close at 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 7. The southeast ramp will be closed through early November.

Detour: During the Phase 3 ramp closure, motorists should follow the posted detour route – continue north on I-494, exit at Bass Lake Road, return southbound on I-494 and exit at Rockford Road.

Phase 3, which originally required the closure of both south ramps, is ahead of schedule, as crews were able to complete the southwest ramp during Phase 2 bridge construction.

Besides the southeast ramp, the other three ramps remain open to traffic.

Background and More Information
The project to replace the Rockford Road (County Road 9) bridge over I-494 and improve the interchange began in May and is expected to be complete in November, weather permitting.

The project will improve traffic flow and increase the capacity of the interchange. In addition to replacement of the bridge, the project includes:

A wider bridge with dual, dedicated left turn lanes onto I-494
Wider ramps with improved turn lanes onto Rockford Road
Improvements for pedestrians and bicyclists
The project has been completed in phases, in order to best accommodate access for nearby businesses and residents traveling the affected area.

Reminder: Support local business – please remember that area businesses are open during construction.

For more information, visit the project webpage at plymouthmn.gov/rockfordbRridge.

Help us collect 10,000 coats for our Coats for Kids drive!

Mon, 16 Sep 2019 15:57:00 GMT

Today is the first day of our # coatsforkids drive! Donate new & gently used children’s & adults’ coats at any of our 27 locations now-October 12th. Our goal is to collect & clean over 10,000 coats to meet the need of our charity & school partners who have already requested more coats than our goal!

Don’t have any coats to donate? You can also make monetary donations to help us purchase new coats by sending checks to Pilgrim Dry Cleaners 3217 85th Ave N Brooklyn Park MN 55443.

We Celebrate Our Manager Doris’s Retirement & 21 Years of Dedicated Service

Thu, 12 Sep 2019 21:24:00 GMT

At our fall manager meeting yesterday we celebrated the upcoming retirement of our Maple Grove manager, Doris, and thanked her for 21 years of dedicated service to our customers & our team!

2019 Scholarship Winners

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 08:40:00 GMT

Every year Pilgrim Dry Cleaners awards scholarships to our employees who will be in college. Our employees are asked to fill out an essay telling us what they learned by working for us and what suggestions they have for Pilgrim Dry Cleaners. The answers we get are always so inspiring and we love to hear how we helped a young person become more confident and outgoing working at the front counters of our stores. This week we awarded Haley at our Burnsville Pilgrim Dry Cleaners with a $2,000 scholarship for her 1st place essay, Katelyn at our Elk River Pilgrim Dry Cleaners received $1,000 for her second place essay, Megan at our Golden Valley Pilgrim Dry Cleaners received $1,000 for third place, and all employees who submitted essays were awarded $250 for their participation. We are so grateful for our wonderful employees and we are happy to give back to help them achieve their future goals in life!

We Can Help With Cleaning & Tailoring For Prom 2019

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 18:23:00 GMT

Prom 2019 is just around the corner but there is still time to get your dresses & suits tailored & cleaned! We have 7 Minnesota locations in Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Golden Valley, St Louis Park, Plymouth, Eden Prairie & Chanhassen with tailors on-site who can help you with quick turnaround times for alterations! We can also steam your dresses & suits to remove any wrinkles from shipping or clean & press second-hand items. Visit our tailor page to learn more or to find a location near you by clicking HERE .

Happy First Day of Spring! Start Your Spring Cleaning By Bringing In Your Blankets & Comforters!

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 07:57:00 GMT

Happy 1st day of spring! Spring is a great time to get your house cleaned and organized. One of the best places to start is with blankets & comforters that can collect dust, oils, pet hair, skin, bacteria, & even microscopic insects that can worsen your allergies – GROSS! Washing bedding weekly is recommended, but if it has been a while, spring is a good reminder to freshen up all of the comforters & blankets in your house. We can help clean your bedding, simply bring it into any of our 27 Pilgrim Dry Cleaners locations or try our free home pickup & delivery service by signing up with our PilgrimGO mobile app !

Watch Our Video To See How The 24/7 Kiosk Works!

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 22:44:00 GMT

CLICK HERE to watch our new video that shows how our 24/7 automated kiosk works! Our Downtown Minneapolis North Loop location next to the Red Cow is open 24 hours with our automated kiosk and drop box. Use our PilgrimGO app to enter the building by scanning the QR code it provides when you click on the kiosk in the app. You can also use your code that is on your express bag tag or scan your order ready email code.

Grand Opening Of Our 27th Location In Downtown Minneapolis!

Wed, 06 Feb 2019 00:17:00 GMT

Our 27th location opened this week in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis Minnesota! On Monday, February 4th we opened our doors downtown to the only dry cleaner in the area to offer 24 hour pick up & drop off with our automated kiosk! You can pick up your order 24/7 for your convenience with this machine that works similar to a red box that dispenses your clothes. Secured entrance to the building after hours can be accessed with your order ready email, our mobile app PilgrimGO or your express bag tag. This location also offers on-site wash & fold laundry service that lets you save time by not having to do your own laundry at home! You can skip the hassle of bringing in your clothes by requesting a free home pickup by signing up for our home & office pickup & delivery service here . For a limited time, our new store will offer 50% off all dry cleaning & laundry! Visit us in stores at our new location at 206 N 1st Ave Minneapolis, MN 55401 .

How To Properly Care For Your Winter Boots & Coats

Mon, 03 Dec 2018 21:52:00 GMT

In order to endure a Minnesota winter, it is important to dress for the cold weather. Caring for your garments in the harsh winter months can be a challenge. Boots can become damaged from salt and snow and coats can become stained. To protect your boots from the elements, you can use a weatherproofing wax or spray. Make sure the boots are new or clean when you treat them with water-repelling products and read the labels to see if it is safe for the material. To keep your items from being damaged it is also important to clean them regularly to remove any salt, dirt, oils and other stains. Pilgrim Dry Cleaners offers professional cleaning services for your UGG boots, jackets, down coats, ski suits, wool items, and more! Visit any of our convenient 26 Twin Cities locations for service.

Happy Thanksgiving! A Few Holiday Tips

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 08:53:00 GMT

No matter what your tradition is for Thanksgiving, most of us look forward to enjoying a meal with friends or family! Preparing food may be the only thing on your mind, but it is important not to forget about the other details that make Thanksgiving Day special. If you’re hosting a meal at your own house this year, having a festive tablecloth and table setting is an easy way to impress your guests. Pilgrim Dry Cleaners can help you clean and press your tablecloths, table runners and even your comforters and bedding if you plan to have out of town guests stay with you during the holidays! Pilgrim Dry Cleaners can also help clean your favorite sweaters, dresses, shirts and other garments that fall victim to food stains.

CLICK HERE to download our PilgrimGO app to request a free home pickup service for your dry cleaning, laundry & household items!

Thank You For 12,000 Coats For Kids!

Mon, 19 Nov 2018 21:52:00 GMT

Thank you to everyone who helped us collect & clean over 12,000 coats for our Coats for Kids drive this year! Our goal each year for our Coats for Kids drive is to collect 10,000 coats. The amount of donations and support that we received this year is truly remarkable. Thank you for helping us make a difference in our Minnesota communities! Coats are cleaned by Pilgrim Dry Cleaners and distributed to local charities and schools. Thank you to our sponsors, Alerus Mortgage, Kare 11, Sun Newspapers & WCCO Radio. You can find more information about our Coats For Kids drive and a full list of participating organizations by CLICKING HERE .

Donate Coats For Kids Now – Oct 13th

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 22:50:00 GMT

WANTED: 10,000 Coats! Our Coats For Kids drive has officially started! Donate new & gently used children’s & adults’ coats at any of our 26 Twin Cities locations now-October 13th. Coats will be cleaned by Pilgrim Dry Cleaners & distributed to local charities & schools.

Tips For Creating A Minimal Wardrobe

Wed, 05 Sep 2018 21:17:00 GMT

It is no secret that living a more minimal life can reduce stress, be more economical, and allow you to be happier. For many people, reducing the size of their wardrobe can be difficult. In Minnesota, one of the added challenges in pairing down your closet is the seasonal changes. Over the years we end up with more scarves, coats, hats, mittens, and boots than we need. The best rule is to donate or sell items that you haven’t worn in a year. At all of Pilgrim Dry Cleaners 26 locations, you can donate new or gently used children’s and adults’ coats and winter accessories September 17th-October 13th. We clean the coats and partner with local schools and charities to help people in our community stay warm. Our goal is to collect 10,000 coats this year. Beat the winter blues and give your life a clean start by donating coats to help the lives of others.

Pilgrim Dry Cleaners is your expert in garment care for all of your cleaning needs! CLICK HERE to learn more about the Coats For Kids drive and services offered by Pilgrim Dry Cleaners.

Tips For Being The Best Wedding Guest

Thu, 23 Aug 2018 16:19:00 GMT

If you haven’t already, RSVP promptly and only bring a guest or kids if they are included on the invite. If you’re not in the wedding party, follow the dress code on the invite. If you’re in doubt, it is better to dress formally than to underdress at a wedding. Don’t dress in a manner that takes away attention from the maid of honor. Garments should be taken out of storage ahead of time to be cleaned and to ensure that they still fit. Over the years your body and the styles may change. Pilgrim Dry Cleaners has professional tailors for alterations. Make sure alterations are completed at least 4-6 weeks in advance, so your outfit is ready in time. Pilgrim Dry Cleaners specializes in quick turnaround times for those of you who forget to plan ahead. We have same day cleaning service and most alterations can be done within a week or so. The day of the wedding, be on your best behavior, take lots of photos and have a great time!

Pilgrim Dry Cleaners is your expert in garment care for all of your wedding dress cleaning, preservation, tailoring & suit cleaning needs! CLICK HERE to learn more about the services offered by Pilgrim Dry Cleaners.

An App For Your Laundry!

Thu, 16 Aug 2018 22:24:00 GMT

Most people spend hours every week checking pockets, treating stains, sorting clothes by color, waiting for the wash cycle and the even longer drying time, hanging and folding clothes, then hauling them back to their closet to put them away. Apps provide options to make our lives more convenient. Laundry is one of those things most people are happy to have taken care of for them.

Pilgrim Dry Cleaners will come right to your house with the click of a button from the PilgrimGO app ! There is no charge for this pickup & delivery service, no subscription fee, and no minimums. Simply download the app and give it a try next time you want to spend your time to do something more enjoyable! These warm Minnesota months don’t last forever!

For more time to enjoy your summer, let Pilgrim Dry Cleaners take care of your wardrobe! CLICK HERE to learn more about our services.

Thank You For Helping Us Collect & Clean Over 100 Scout Uniforms!

Thu, 09 Aug 2018 22:16:00 GMT

Thank you to the Northern Star Council for teaming up for our 11th annual Scouting For Uniforms drive! We collected & cleaned over 100 uniforms this July! As the Scouts welcome girls into their troops we were happy to be able to provide additional uniforms for their growing need. Our drive is annual and happens every year in July. We encourage everyone to pass along their uniforms for donation and to keep the memories!

The Benefits of Dry Cleaning

Mon, 06 Aug 2018 20:27:00 GMT

Professional garment care is better for your clothes and also saves you time. Dry cleaning helps avoid shrinkage, color loss and damage to fabric fibers. Natural fabrics like silk, linen, and wool should always be professionally cleaned. Washing your clothing at home with water and detergent can leave your garments appearing clean; however, dry cleaning solvents actually dissolve body oils, grease, and grime. Pilgrim Dry Cleaners also uses expert stain removal methods that far exceed home remedies. The quality of pressing using state-of-the-art machines is also superior to regular ironing methods. Pilgrim Dry Cleaners knows what cleaning methods are best for every garment and offers eco-friendly dry cleaning, laundering, wash and fold service, and wet cleaning for garments and household items!

For more time to enjoy your summer, let Pilgrim Dry Cleaners take care of your wardrobe! CLICK HERE to learn more about the services offered by Pilgrim Dry Cleaners.

Tips For Caring For Your Outdoor Camping Gear

Thu, 12 Jul 2018 15:50:00 GMT

Camping is one of Minnesota’s favorite pastimes in the summer. Many items used for camping can be hard to clean and care for. Tents should have yearly cleaning and maintenance including spraying them with a water repellent. You will also want to patch any holes to keep out water and insects. Sleeping bags are usually too large for regular washing machines. They may also have special care instructions on the label so we recommend bringing them to your local Pilgrim Dry Cleaners. Backpacks should also be sprayed regularly with a water repellent and cream should be applied to any leather bags to prevent cracking from sun exposure. For leather, we recommend bringing the item to one of our stores for cleaning. Rainwear can develop odors and bacteria which can cause infections. Make sure these items are dry before folding and storing.

Enjoy your summer; let us take care of cleaning! CLICK HERE to learn more about the services offered by Pilgrim Dry Cleaners.

4th of July Garment Care Tips

Wed, 27 Jun 2018 16:54:00 GMT

The 4th of July is filled with BBQ’s that sometimes leave your clothes looking less than their best. One of the most common stains that are tricky to remove is mustard. The turmeric spice that gives mustard its yellow color and flavor makes mustard nearly impossible to remove from your clothes. Grease, ketchup, BBQ sauce and other stains can also be tricky. Pilgrim Dry Cleaners is the expert in caring for your clothes. Make sure you don’t rub the stains and bring them in as soon as possible to your local Pilgrim Dry Cleaners for cleaning. American flags displayed for this holiday are delicate items to clean at home. In honor of America, Pilgrim Dry Cleaners offers FREE cleaning for American flags at any of our 26 locations .

2018 Pilgrim Dry Cleaners Scholarship Winners

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 21:02:00 GMT

Congratulations to our Pilgrim Dry Cleaners employees who won this year’s college scholarship awards! Alyssa (pictured on top) from our Brooklyn Park location won 1st place & was awarded $2,000. We had a tie for second place. Emily & Kitrina from our Eden Prairie location (pictured on the bottom) each received $1,000. As a thank you to everyone who sent in their applications we awarded everyone who participated $150! If you’re interested in learning more about our benefits and employment opportunities, please visit: https://www.pilgrimdrycleaners.com/employment

How To Care For Your Wedding Attire

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 21:36:00 GMT

June is the busiest month of wedding season! Many of us will be attending weddings as guests, be in weddings a bridesmaid or groomsmen, or even planning our own wedding. Pilgrim Dry Cleaners can not only help you with your pre-planning preparations for cleaning, pressing, and tailoring your garments; but can also help with preserving wedding gowns after the big day as well. If you plan to hang on to your cherished dress after your wedding you won’t want to ruin it by tucking it into a closet or storage unwashed. Bring your wedding dress to Pilgrim Dry Cleaners to have it professionally cleaned and preserved in a gown box so it can be passed down to future generations to come. CLICK HERE to learn more about the wedding garment services offered by Pilgrim Dry Cleaners.

A Guide For Caring For Your Clothes This Summer – Swim Suit Care Tips & More!

Wed, 30 May 2018 22:17:00 GMT

Summer is just around the corner and as the temps start to heat up we will sweat more and use more deodorant, but did you know that it can be damaging to your clothes? Make sure you don’t put on more than you need and always let deodorant dry before putting on your garments. Suntan lotions and sunblock can also stain or damage your clothes. Try to avoid contact with your clothing and wash hands after application. Another major enemy to clothing in the summer is chlorine. After swimming make sure to rinse your suit as soon as possible and follow the care instructions on the label. Self-tanners and insect repellents with alcohols can also damage clothing as well. Pilgrim Dry Cleaners can ease your worries this summer and keep your favorite items looking their best!

Download The PilgrimGO On-Demand Dry Cleaning & Laundry App!

Mon, 21 May 2018 20:27:00 GMT

Most of us are constantly trying to find a balance between work and fun. With the building pressures life brings, technology is constantly improving to make our lives easier. The trend of convenient services provided through an app isn’t a new thing, but most people don’t know that there is an app to have your dry cleaning and wash and fold laundry picked up with the touch of a button! PilgrimGO allows users to request a same day pick up for their clothes in the Minneapolis area. Clothes are cleaned and delivered back the following day. Unlike some of the other apps, there are no yearly fees or even minimum orders to use this convenient service! Simply CLICK HERE to learn more and download the app to sign up for service! Questions? Call/Text 612-554-8285

Welcome To Our New Tailor At Our Chanhassen Location!

Tue, 24 Apr 2018 17:54:00 GMT

Welcome to our newest Pilgrim Dry Cleaners team member, Cheryl, who will be working as our professional tailor at our Chanhassen location ! Cheryl has many years of experience altering wedding dresses, prom dresses, and formal wear!

With prom season quickly approaching, please keep us in mind for any of your tailoring needs!

Cheryl will be on-site Monday 10-5, Tuesday 10-6, Wednesday 10-5, Thursday 10-6. You do not need to make an appointment. If you hav e any questions you can call her at: 952-401-0423

We also have tailors on-site at our stores in Eden Prairie, Plymouth, Maple grove, Minnetonka, St Louis Park and Golden Valley. Learn more by clicking HERE .

Tips For Getting Your Wardrobe Ready For Spring!

Tue, 03 Apr 2018 19:34:00 GMT

As the spring weather FINALLY hits Minnesota it is time to start transitioning your closet. When storing your winter attire, don’t put away items you never wore this season. Chances are you won’t wear them again next year either. Donate these items, or bring them to a consignment shop. When you simplify your closet not only do you have more space, but you also have an easier time taking care of your favorite items. Bring your jackets, blazers, winter coats, UGG boots, sweaters, scarves, & wool items to Pilgrim Dry Cleaners for cleaning. Removing stains and dirt will help preserve your favorite items so they can be worn again next year. Once items are cleaned make sure to take off the plastic garment bag before you put your items into storage. You should also remove sweaters from hangers and fold them to preserve their shape. If you take out something from storage that doesn’t fit just right anymore, bring it to Pilgrim Dry Cleaners and our professional tailors can take in or let out garments, instead of tossing them. Find a location near you by clicking HERE or signup for FREE pickup & delivery service !

New Location In Uptown Minneapolis Now Open!

Mon, 19 Mar 2018 20:36:00 GMT

We are so excited to announce that we opened our 26th location today in Uptown Minneapolis at: 2925 Dupont Ave S! To celebrate, we are offering 50% off dry cleaning & laundry at this location only for their grand opening! Bring in all of your household items, dry cleaning, and your everyday laundry for wash & fold laundry service! This location also features our newest technology – an automated kiosk for 24 hour pick up & drop off! For more info call: 612-286-8552. Hours: Monday- Friday: 7am-7pm, Saturday: 9am-4pm, Sunday: 12pm-5pm

How To Think Green For St. Patrick’s Day

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 18:33:00 GMT

When most people think of St. Patrick’s Day, they think of green beer, green clothes, and green food. Another way to celebrate this Holiday is by thinking about how to be green as well! Online you can find tips on how to replace green dyes made from chemicals with all natural fruits and vegetable ingredients. Another way to help the environment is by consuming locally sourced products. Luckily for us, Minnesota has a plethora of local breweries to choose from for St. Patrick’s Day. One of the most important ways to be greener is by reducing waste and recycling. The average American generates 1,606 pounds of trash per year! Making changes to your habits to reduce your own impact can make a huge difference. Pilgrim Dry Cleaners is committed to being green as well. We use environmentally friendly green cleaning, recyclable metal hangers (unlike wood and plastic hangers that cannot be recycled) and our poly garment bags are melted down to create construction materials through a sustainable local company. We also offer repairs and tailoring for garments, which is a green alternative to throwing them away and creating waste. Have fun, be safe, and think green this St. Patrick’s Day!

How Often Should You Clean Your Suits?

Tue, 27 Feb 2018 16:18:00 GMT

If your suit is not cleaned regularly, damage to your suit can occur. Body odor, deodorant, and perspiration can cause your suit to smell and deteriorate the fibers. Stains, even if they are not visible, can cause permanent marks and even holes. If you iron your suit with stains present, the heat will cause the stains to be more set into the fabric. Always clean your suit before putting it into storage, as a dirty suit can attract moths, crickets, ants, and other insects that will eat the suit and cause holes. Cleaning your suit at Pilgrim Dry Cleaners after wearing it two or three times will extend the life of your suit.

How To Properly Care For Your Sports Jerseys

Tue, 16 Jan 2018 22:38:00 GMT

With the big game around the corner, you may invest in a new jersey to wear, or you may have a “lucky” jersey that needs to be washed. We promise a clean jersey can still be lucky! For best results, bring your jersey to the experts at Pilgrim Dry Cleaners . Clean jerseys at home with caution. Do not use bleach for stain removal. Before washing, make sure to turn it inside out to protect the sewn on, or painted lettering. Signed jerseys should be tested before washing by blotting the ink with a damp white cloth and detergent to see if signature will bleed. Do not use too much water when testing, or it could leave a permanent ring around the signature. If no ink comes off, wash on gentle cycle in cold water and air dry. Never apply heat with an iron, or in the dryer.

Click HERE to learn more about our free pickup & delivery service for your dry cleaning & laundry. In town for the big game? Call 612-554-8285 to request same day pickup & next day delivery (available in the Minneapolis area)

How To Properly Care For Your Holiday Attire

Mon, 01 Jan 2018 05:23:00 GMT

Now that the holidays are over, it is important to properly clean and store the clothing that you wore to your holiday and New Year’s parties. Here are some tips for how to care for the most common holiday fabrics, so your favorite outfits can stay well-kept and be worn year after year!

Satin: An elegant choice for the holidays, satin was once only made from silk, but can now be composed of other fibers. Always read the care label, but if it is made from silk or acetate it must be dry cleaned. If you stain satin do not rub the stain to avoid the loss of sheen and color. The fabric is very delicate and can easily snag. Be careful not to store it alongside of anything that could cause damage.

Beaded Garments: Many New Year’s dresses are affixed with sequins, beads & adornments. These items are especially difficult to care for. They are prone to losing their beads, or having color bleeds. Even if the care label says that it may be washed, special attention needs to be taken for the sewn on decorations. These types of garments should be cleaned by a professional, where they will be tested to see if they can withstand the cleaning process. If you wash these items at home, proceed with caution: use cold water, a mild detergent, gentle cycle, & hang or lay flat to dry.

Cashmere: A luxurious and cozy material, we recommend only dry cleaning or hand washing anything made from this fabric. Invest in high
quality cashmere, as this will help prevent pilling and shape problems. Never store this garment without cleaning as moths can create holes.

Velvet: A fabric that has seen resurgence, velvet must be dry cleaned as any water can damage the fabric permanently. Ironing will also cause damage to this fabric as well.

You Will Notice The Difference When You Have Beautifully Pressed Sheets!

Thu, 21 Sep 2017 15:44:00 GMT

There is a reason you pay $5 for a coffee instead of just making it yourself… It is a taste, experience, & a feeling that is hard to replicate at home. The same idea goes for your bedding!

Drop off your bed sheets & pillow cases at any of our 25 Pilgrim Dry Cleaners locations , or signup for our FREE home & office pickup & delivery service – we will pick up & deliver your bedding at your front door for no extra charge! Watch our video to see how it works !

Once Pilgrim Dry Cleaners beautifully launders, presses, and folds your sheets and cases, you will wonder why you haven’t been bringing your bedding to the cleaners sooner. The difference really is noticeable!

Now through October 31st give it a try and we will launder, press, and fold your fitted sheet, flat sheet, and two pillow cases OF ANY SIZE for just $12.99! (Regularly Priced At $16.99)

Added Bonus: You will never have to fold a fitted sheet again!

Coats For Kids Starts On September 18th!

Tue, 05 Sep 2017 17:38:00 GMT

Our 32nd annual Coats For Kids drive starts on September 18th! Donate new & gently used kids & adults coats at any of Pilgrim Dry Cleaners 25 convenient Twin Cities locations now through October 14th! We will clean the coats and distribute them through our local charity partners and schools to help kids in need. Help us reach our goal this year of collecting 10,000 coats! Donations can also be made online to help us purchase new coats by clicking Here .

10th Annual Scouting For Uniforms

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 17:09:00 GMT

Our 10th Annual Scouting For Uniforms Drive starts today and runs through July 31st! Bring in gently used Boy Scout or Cub Scout uniforms & accessories to any of our 25 Pilgrim Dry Cleaners locations during the month of July and we will clean them & get them ready for new memories! Also, be sure to RSVP to our Scouting For Uniforms 10th Anniversary Party ! Find more information, or donate online by clicking HERE.

Enter To Win Our 4th of July Fun Fair Giveaway!

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 15:17:00 GMT

Enter to win (2) 2017 Good Any Day Regular Admission Passes + (1) 2017 Single Day Parking Pass to a Minnesota amusement park! One Winner Will Be Randomly Selected On Wednesday, July 5th. Click HERE to sign up to win!

Independence Day Giveaway

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 06:12:00 GMT

Enter to win our Independence Day Baseball Giveaway! The winner will receive 2 dugout box seat tickets for the game on Monday, July 3rd. Click here: http://bit.ly/independencedaygiveaway to enter to win. A winner will be selected on Tuesday, June 27th. Good Luck!

2017 Pilgrim Dry Cleaners Scholarship Winners!

Tue, 06 Jun 2017 22:04:00 GMT

Congratulations to our 2017 Scholarship Winner, Alyssa Schroeder (pictured on the left), from our Elk River location who came in 1st place and was awarded a $2000 college scholarship. Chloe Kaelberer (pictured on the right), from our Golden Valley location , came in 2nd place and was awarded a $1000 scholarship. We had so many amazing entries that we decide to give away additional $500 honorable mentions to our employees at our Ridgedale Square location , Emma Marti, Allison Gruel from our Golden Valley location , and Lauren Cesare from our Brooklyn Park location . We are so grateful for our wonderful staff and we wish them well on their journey into college life! If you’re interested in the opportunity to work for Pilgrim Dry Cleaners, please visit our careers page by clicking here .

Enter To Win 2 Dugout Box Seat Baseball Tickets!

Tue, 30 May 2017 21:12:00 GMT

We are giving away 2 tickets to the game on Friday, June 16th. These are dugout box seat tickets! To enter to win, please click on the following link: http://bit.ly/baseballgiveaway. One lucky winner will be selected on Tuesday, June 13th. Good luck!

Feeling Burnt-Out? Give Mom The Gift Of Laundry Service!

Thu, 11 May 2017 20:36:00 GMT

Mother’s Day is this Sunday! We want to help burnt-out Mom’s (or anyone) by taking care of your laundry! Print our coupon by clicking here: https://goo.gl/P81n3C to save 10% on our wash-dry-fold laundry service! A house free of dirty laundry is a great last minute gift idea too!

Note: This coupon is not for dry cleaning or laundered shirts. Wash-Dry-Fold is for everyday items like towels, t-shirts, casual pants, etc. that you wash at home. We will wash, dry, fold, & beautifully package your laundry in bundles ready to be brought home & put away!

Pilgrim Dry Cleaners 2017 Employee Scholarship Program

Thu, 20 Apr 2017 19:37:00 GMT

Pilgrim Dry Cleaners is again offering the chance for a scholarship to those attending college next Fall! There will be one $1,000 scholarship and one $500 scholarship award.

To Qualify:
– You must be attending college in the Fall of 2017 (Proof must be submitted with your application)

– You must have started working for Pilgrim Dry Cleaners on or before December 1st, 2016.

– You must still be employed with Pilgrim Dry Cleaners by May 31st, 2017

Applications are due no later than May 19th, 2017.

To download & print the application, please click HERE.

Good luck!

Save 30% On Green Garments For St Patrick’s Day!

Wed, 15 Mar 2017 21:56:00 GMT

Get your green garments ready for St Patrick’s Day on Friday! Bring them in to any of our 25 Pilgrim Cleaners locations for FREE Same Day Service & save 30% now through Saturday! Present this coupon at time of order drop off to receive discount.

How To Properly Use Collar Stays

Mon, 06 Mar 2017 22:59:00 GMT

All of our 25 Pilgrim Cleaners locations have FREE collar stays on the counters for our customers! Many people have seen these plastic cards and may have wondered what they were for and how to properly use them. The purpose of collar stays is to insert them in the collar of your shirt to help hold the shape and keep your collar propped up and looking great all day. No more frumpy collar blues once your starch wears out! It is also a great alternative for those of you who prefer to go starch-free because of the itchy feeling it may give you around your neckline. Please watch our video to learn how to properly insert collar stays into the pockets of your shirt collar. Keep in mind that not all shirt collars come with pockets underneath the collar for collar stays! Please leave any questions for us to answer in the comments below.

We Can Help You Clean Up After The Holidays!

Mon, 26 Dec 2016 20:48:00 GMT

Are you spending the day cleaning up after your guests from the Holidays? You deserve a break! We can help you clean table cloths, linens, sheets, drapes, & more. Just stop by any of our 25 Pilgrim Cleaners locations today or call 612-554-8285 to schedule a FREE home pick up. Happy Holidays!

Suits For Soldiers

Tue, 20 Dec 2016 19:51:00 GMT

Pilgrim Cleaners is proud to be a donor of Suits For Soldiers . We were able to donate a car full of suits, dress shirts, pants, and more to help men and women returning from the armed forces reenter the workforce. The event to distribute the garments takes place in early December and it was a huge success. We look forward to participating in the event again next year

Donate For Don, A Great Way To Give Thanks This Holiday

Fri, 25 Nov 2016 20:07:00 GMT

Thanksgiving is a great time to not only be thankful for what you have, but also to give back to those that are less fortunate. Pilgrim Cleaners is honoring the memory of our very generous founder, Don Rosen, with another year of Donate For Don. Each of our employees are given a $10 bill with instructions to perform a small act of kindness with the money. We look forward to hearing how they helped others and we also encourage you to share this post and participate in the tradition with us as well. Happiness is contagious, so let’s spread some around this holiday!

Wash-Dry-Fold Laundry Service By Pilgrim Cleaners

Thu, 10 Nov 2016 20:09:00 GMT

Our manager Heidi at our Elk River Pilgrim Cleaners location may be the only person on earth who loves folding laundry! Here she is making a customers clothes look beautiful. Did you know that we offer full service laundry options? We will wash, dry, fold, and beautifully package your items in easy to carry bundles that fit right into your closet. Take a break from spending hours of your time sorting and putting away laundry and give our wash-dry-fold service a try today! Pair it with our FREE home & office pick up & delivery service and we will come to you for the ultimate convenience! Sign up to schedule a pick up by clicking HERE , or calling 612-554-8285.

Are You Overusing Fabric Softener?

Tue, 08 Nov 2016 22:07:00 GMT

A lot of people do every load of laundry the same. They add detergent into the wash and fabric softener or dryer sheets. While there are benefits of using fabric softener such as: reduced static, softer feeling fabrics, and an added scent if desired; many people may not know that fabric softener is actually harmful to certain fabrics.

Fabrics To Avoid Using Fabric Softener On:

Athletic Fabrics That Have Been Treated Using “Wicking” Technology:
Many athletic fabrics created by brands such as: Lululemon, Under Armour, Nike, & Athleta use a technology called “wicking” to absorb sweat from your body. These fabrics are typically made from polyester-blended fabrics that have a chemical treatment to allow the perspiration to be pushed through the fabrics surface and evaporate. Using fabric softeners on these types of fabrics will leave them coated and stop the “wicking” process from working to absorb sweat.

Microfiber & Microsuede Fabrics:
The appeal of microfiber µosuede fabrics is their ability to resist stains, provide durability & softness. Using a fabric softener on these materials can eliminate the electric static that makes microfiber effective against stains.

Egyptian Cotton & Terry Cloth:
These fabrics may be the most common fabrics people misuse fabric softener with. Your instinct is to always want soft towels and sheets, however, if they are made of ultra soft materials, using fabric softener will reduce the ability for these fabrics to absorb liquids: which is an important use for towels made of these fabrics.

Flame-Retardant Fabrics:
Fabrics made to be fire-retardant should be dry cleaned at your local Pilgrim Cleaners , or laundered according to the care labels. Avoid using any fabric softeners on these fabrics, as it will reduce their ability to be flame resistant.

Sign Up To Win Professional Hockey & Basketball Tickets At Pilgrim Cleaners!

Wed, 26 Oct 2016 22:13:00 GMT

Bring Your Laundry & Dry Cleaning To Pilgrim Cleaners & Sign Up To Win Professional Hockey & Basketball Tickets! Find a location near you by clicking HERE .

Coats For Kids Donations Are Being Distributed To Charities & Families In Need This Week

Tue, 25 Oct 2016 20:25:00 GMT

Now that our Coats For Kids drive has ended, Pilgrim Cleaners is working hard to get all of the coats cleaned and distributed to local charities. Here are few photos of charities receiving & distributing coat donations from our Coats For Kids drive this week. The local Minnesota charities pictured are: Sharing & Caring Hands , Ronald Mcdonald House Twin Cities , & WeCAN . Donations received were also distributed to the following local charities: CEAP, Catholic Charities, Lutheran Social Services, STEP, Sebathani, Camden Promise, & Local Schools.

Costumes For Kids Fox 9 Feature – This Is The Last Weekend To Donate!

Fri, 21 Oct 2016 21:01:00 GMT

Thank you Fox 9 For having us on today to talk about our Costumes For Kids drive! Help us reach our goal of collecting 1,000 costumes by donating a new or gently used children’s costume now through Tuesday October 25th at any Pilgrim Cleaners location or make a donation online by clicking HERE . For every costume you donate you will receive a Nickelodeon Universe point pass while supplies last.

Thank You For Helping Us Collect 8,500 Coats For Kids This Year!

Thu, 20 Oct 2016 19:46:00 GMT

Thanks to everyone’s generous donations, Pilgrim Cleaners was able to collect & clean 8,500 Coats For Kids this year! We also thank you for your monetary donations, which purchased over 500 brand new coats for kids in need. A special thank you to: The Studebaker Car Club, United Trailer Leasing , Barb Bechard, Oak Knoll Lutheran Church, Blaine High School, and all of the other schools, churches & businesses that helped us collect coats! We also thank our Coats For Kids Sponsors: Subway, WCCO, Sun Post, & Kare 11.

TODAY ONLY Donate A Coat & Receive A FREE 6″ Subway Sandwich Coupon While Supplies Last!

Thu, 13 Oct 2016 18:07:00 GMT

TODAY ONLY Donate A New Or Gently Used Children’s or Adults’ Coat & Receive A FREE 6″ Subway Sandwich Coupon While Supplies Last! Limit 1 Per Person. Offer Valid On 10/13/16 Only.

Help Local Kids Have A Happy Halloween! Donate To Costumes For Kids

Mon, 10 Oct 2016 21:26:00 GMT

Meet Damien (pictured) he wants to be a zombie or a vampire this Halloween. Michael is another young boy who is also in need of a costume, he is size 4-6T and he would like to be the Hulk. Costumes For Kids is helping to make their wishes come true! Donate a costume at any of Pilgrim Cleaners 25 locations now through October 25th. You can also make a monetary donation online by visiting: http://www.pilgrimdrycleaners.com/community/costumesforkids/

Costumes For Kids – Donate A New Or Gently Used Children’s Costume Now Through Oct 25th

Thu, 29 Sep 2016 18:43:00 GMT

Pilgrim Cleaners & Fox 9 News team up again this year to help kids! Donate a new or gently used children’s costume at any of Pilgrim Cleaners 25 locations now through October 25th. Receive a Nickelodeon Universe ride pass with every costume you donate while supplies last. The costumes received will be distributed to local kids to help them have a great Halloween!

Make a monetary donation online, or find out more info by visiting: www.pilgrimdrycleaners.com/costumesforkids

Donate A Coat Tomorrow, Thursday September 22nd For Your Chance To Win 4 Cirque Du Soleil Tickets!

Wed, 21 Sep 2016 18:11:00 GMT

When: TOMORROW Thursday, September 22nd from 7am-7pm

Where: Brooklyn Park Pilgrim Cleaners: 3217 85th Ave N Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 OR Chanhassen Pilgrim Cleaners: 836 W 78th St Chanhassen, MN 55317

What You Win: 4 tickets to the Sunday, October 2nd 5pm Cirque Du Soleil Tourk The First Flight Inspired by James Cameron’s Avatar show ($320 value)

How To Win: If you are the person that donates the 10th coat, or the 31st coat TOMORROW at our Chanhassen or Brooklyn Park Locations you will win a set of (4) tickets! We selected these as the winning numbers because 1 in 10 children in Minnesota live in poverty and this is the 31st year that Coats For Kids has been helping children in need.

What To Donate: New & gently used children’s or adults’ coats can be donated. The more coats you bring in for donation, the better your chances are to win!

Special Guest: Dave Ryan from KDWB will also be making a guest appearance at our Chanhassen location around 2pm tomorrow to donate a coat to our Coats For Kids drive! Stop by tomorrow to donate a coat for Coats For Kids and meet Dave Ryan!

We hope to see a lot of you out at our stores donating tomorrow! We also encourage you to help us reach our goal of collecting 10,000 coats by the end of our drive on October 14th by getting your office, school, church, or organization involved to help us collect coats! Find out more information about our Coats For Kids drive by clicking HERE.

If you’re interested in helping us collect, or if you have any questions about our Coats For Kids drive, please email: keona@pilgrimdrycleaners.com, or call 763-425-7524 x236.

Coats For Kids September 19-October 14

Tue, 20 Sep 2016 14:58:00 GMT

Coats For Kids Starts TODAY! Donate new or gently used children’s or adults’ coats at any of Pilgrim Cleaners 25 Twin Cities locations now through October 14th. Find a location near you by visiting: http://bit.ly/pilgrimlocations

Don’t have a coat to donate? You can also make a monetary donation online at: www.pilgrimdrycleaners.com/coatsforkids

Cirque Du Soleil Giveaway

Mon, 29 Aug 2016 21:29:00 GMT

Sign up to be entered in our drawing to see Cirque Du Soleil Tourk – The First Flight Inspired By James Cameron’s Avatar September 28th – October 2nd At The Target Center! Winners will receive a complimentary pass voucher that can be exchanged for (2) reserved Category 2 seat tickets at the Target Center box office. $160 value. Subject to availability. For best seats, exchange pass as soon as possible. Winners will be selected by Friday, September 16th 2016.

There are 3 ways you can enter to win:
1) Visit one of our 25 Pilgrim Cleaners locations & sign up to win in stores
2) Sign up to win online by clicking here
3) Like our Facebook page & enter to win by “liking” & “commenting” on our Cirque Du Soleil giveaway post.

Good luck!

Thank You For Helping Us Collect Over 380 Uniforms For Our Scouting For Uniforms Drive This Year!

Fri, 05 Aug 2016 16:38:00 GMT

Our July 2016 Scouting For Uniforms drive has officially ended. We want to thank everyone for another successful year. We were able to collect uniforms & donations to be able to provide over 380 uniforms to kids in need! Pilgrim Cleaners cleaned all of the uniforms & Northern Star Council will now distribute the uniforms through their Uniform Exchange Program to Scouts in need. You can find more information about how the uniforms are distributed by visiting: http://www.northernstarbsa.org/uniform-exchange. Without your help this wouldn’t be possible, thank you!

Enter To Win Tickets In Our Fun Fair Giveaway

Thu, 04 Aug 2016 16:28:00 GMT

Sign up to be entered in our drawing to win tickets to the fair for the whole family! (4 tickets) A winner will be selected on Friday, August 26th 2016.

There are 3 ways you can enter to win:

1) Visit one of our 25 Pilgrim Cleaners location s & sign up to win in stores
2) Sign up to win online by clicking here
3) Like our Facebook page & enter to win by “liking” & “commenting” on our Fun Fair giveaway post

Good luck!

What Is Dry Cleaning & Laundering? Our Expert Explains The Different Cleaning Processes

Fri, 29 Jul 2016 19:10:00 GMT

Laundering
Typical Items Cleaned With This Process: dress shirts
Why This Process Is Used: the laundering process removes water soluble stains such as: perspiration, food, beverages, etc. Most shirts will call for laundering on their care label. Laundering a shirt will result in a final product of a wet shirt, which creates a crisper press. Using water and an automated press makes this cleaning process economical, resulting in a more affordable option for your most washed item – shirts.
What The Process Is: laundering uses a large front loading machine, commercial detergents, water, starch (if requested), and brighteners for whites. The items are spot treated if needed, then put into the machine. They go into the machine dry, washed wet, and come out of the machine wet. They are then pressed wet, using an automated pressing machine. The garment is then inspected and missing buttons are hand sewn, then the automated garment conveyor system will package the garments and they will be ready for pick up.

Dry Cleaning
Typical Items Cleaned With This Process : suit coats, pants, blouses (silk & rayon), dresses, skirts, etc.
Why This Process Is Used : usually a garment will have a care label that calls specifically for dry cleaning. Dry cleaning experts such as Pilgrim Cleaners will know which items require dry cleaning, or other cleaning processes. Typically, an item requires dry cleaning because of the following reasons: the fabric type, shrinkage, and the colors/dyes used.
What The Process Is : garments are loaded into a machine that looks like an oversize front loading washing machine. The clothes are put into the machine dry and a green solvent is used instead of water. The items are cleaned dry (without water) and come out dry. Garments are then pressed by hand, inspected, and buttons are replaced. Dry cleaning requires a much more labor intensive process, because the stain removal & pressing is entirely done by hand.

Wet Cleaning
Typical Items Cleaned With This Process: items with large & water soluble stains that need special care. Soiled & delicate items such as wedding dresses and even silks can be cleaned using this process.
Why This Process Is Used: items that are too soiled and won’t come clean with the dry cleaning process.
What The Process Is: using a large front loading machine conditioned water is used to prevent shrinkage and dye bleed. Wet cleaning is an alternative green option for dry cleaning a garment. For wet cleaning, garments are spot treated & put into the machine dry, they are then cleaned wet using the conditioned water and come out wet. Garments are then inspected & pressed by hand.

Wash-Dry-Fold
Typical Items Cleaned With This Process: casual garments such as sweatshirts, t-shirts, socks, underwear, jeans, etc.
Why This Process Is Used: we offer wash-dry-fold as a cleaning option for your everyday items that do not note any special care instructions. It is an alternative to doing your laundry at home.
What The Process Is: using standard commercial grade washing & drying machines similar to the type you would find at a laundromat, your items are washed & dried using detergents & water. Your items are then folded and packaged in plastic with a blue ribbon creating an easy to put away bundle.

Do you have a question that you want answered by dry cleaning experts? Please comment with your question, or email: keona@pilgrimdrycleaners.com!

We Are Giving Away Tickets To The Minnesota Renaissance Festival!

Thu, 21 Jul 2016 21:16:00 GMT

There are 3 ways you can enter to win tickets:
1) Simply “Like” our Renaissance Festival Giveaway posts on our FACEBOOK PAGE to enter to win
2) Sign up to win on our website by clicking here: http://bit.ly/renaissancefestivalgiveaway
3) Visit us at our 25 Pilgrim Cleaners locations & put your name in our drawing box to enter to win. Find a location near you by visiting: http://bit.ly/pilgrimlocations

The contest will end on Friday, August 26th 2016. Good luck!

Scouting For Uniforms FREE Family Event On Monday, July 18th!

Mon, 11 Jul 2016 14:37:00 GMT

Our Scouting For Uniforms Family Fun Event is a FREE get together for the whole family! Stop by the Golden Valley Pilgrim Cleaners in the morning from 7-9am and grab a free cup of Starbucks coffee & donuts, or visit us in the evening from 4-6pm with your family to enjoy snacks, games, refreshments, live demonstrations by the Scouts, giveaways, & more fun activities! The first 50 people to donate a used Cub Scout / Boy Scout uniform, OR a monetary donation of $5 or more dollars will also receive a Chipotle voucher while supplies last.

Our goal for this 1 day event is to collect used uniforms & monetary donations to provide 25 children in need with Scout uniforms. Help us meet our donation goal by bringing your family out to have fun & participate in giving back to our community!

The Golden Valley Pilgrim Cleaners located at: 7860 Olson Memorial Highway Golden Valley MN 55427. If you have any questions about the event, or if you would like to sponsor this event, please email keona@pilgrimdrycleaners.com or call 763-425-7524 x236

Thank you to our sponsors: Sun Newspapers, Starbucks coffee located at 7802 Olson Memorial Highway Golden Valley, MN & Chipotle located at 12509 Wayzata Blvd #1305, Minnetonka, MN.

If you are unable to attend the event, but you would still like to help us with our Scouting For Uniforms program there are two ways you can donate:

1) You can donate used Boy Scout & Cub Scout uniforms at any Pilgrim Cleaners location now through July 31st. Find a location by visiting: http://bit.ly/pilgrimlocations

2) Don’t have a uniform to donate? You can make a monetary donation online by visiting: http://bit.ly/scoutingforuniforms
Every $25 will purchase a uniform for a child in need.

Fashion Friday: How To Create A 4th of July Tie Dye Tee

Fri, 01 Jul 2016 20:09:00 GMT

We are normally teaching you how to get stains out of your shirts, but today we will be teaching you how to turn a plain white tee into a patriotic tie dyed shirt!

Here is what you will need:

1) A plain white 100% cotton t-shirt (wet the shirt with warm water)

2) Blue & Red tie dye

3) Rubber bands, or zip ties

4) Rubber gloves

5) Metal drying rack & metal cake pan

6) Plastic grocery bag

How to create the 4th of July tie dye tee:

1) Gather the shirt together the long way (hot dog style) so it creates a long line as pictured above.

2) Place your first rubber band or zip tie 4 inches from the end of the t-shirt where the shoulders are. Add in rubber bands or zip ties every 2 inches thereon until you reach the end of the shirt.

3) Put on your rubber gloves. Place your bunched up t-shirt on your metal drying rack with the metal baking pan underneath, or whatever you want to use to catch the spillage.

4) Start with the long 4 inch shoulder end and squeeze your blue tie dye onto this section of the shirt. The next sections you will alternate every other section dying one red & skipping the next section to leave it white. Alternate this method dying every other 2 inch section of the t-shirt with your red tie dye until you reach the end of the t-shirt.

5) Once you’re finished dying the shirt, put it into a plastic grocery bag and leave in a warm area to dry for about 7 hours.

6) Remove the shirt from the bag & rinse with warm water. Ring the shirt out to remove excess water, then rinse & repeat. Continue this process until the water runs clear.

7) Remove the rubber bands or zip ties.

8) Throw the t-shirt into your washer & dryer, then your shirt will be ready to wear!

We hope you have a safe & fun 4th of July!

Scouting For Uniforms – Now Through July 31st!

Thu, 30 Jun 2016 17:52:00 GMT

Pilgrim Cleaners is Scouting For Uniforms! July 1st-July 31st donate your Cub Scout and Boy Scout uniforms, so a child can have the opportunity to become a Scout. The greatest need is for blue Cub Scout shirts, but all vintages/styles/sizes of Boy Scout & Cub Scout uniforms are encouraged to be donated. Visit any of our 25 Pilgrim Cleaners locations to drop off your donations. Find a location near you by clicking HERE .

If you do not have a uniform to donate, but you would still like to help out the cause you can make a monetary donation online by clicking HERE . A $25 donation will purchase a uniform for a child in need. You can also mail in a check to help us purchase new uniforms. Please send checks to:
Northern Star Council Scouting For Uniforms 5300 Glenwood Avenue Golden Valley, Minnesota 55422.

1 in every 5 children in the US live in poverty. Help give young boys the chance they deserve to join Boy Scouts of America. Wearing a uniform is an important part of the Scouting experience. Scouting instills positive values for youth and addresses many of the social concerns of parents and youth in our country. Scouting prepares our youth by teaching them values such as: responsibility, achievement, self-confidence, leadership, environmental consciousness, and giving back to the community.

Thank you to our sponsor, Sun Newspapers . If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor of Scouting For Uniforms, or have questions about Scouting For Uniforms donations, please email: keona@pilgrimdrycleaners.com or call 763-425-7524 x236.

Happy Flag Day! FREE Flag Cleaning At Pilgrim Cleaners

Tue, 14 Jun 2016 18:32:00 GMT

Happy Flag Day! Did you know that Pilgrim Cleaners will clean your American flag at no charge? We love seeing that red, white & blue flag flying high in the sky and we find value in keeping our Old Glory looking her best. Find a location near you by visiting: http://bit.ly/pilgrimlocations (Some restrictions on flag cleaning may apply.)

Don’t Be Afraid To Have Fun, We Will Clean Your Dress When Your Wedding Is Done!

Fri, 10 Jun 2016 21:22:00 GMT

June is here and wedding season is in full swing. If you will be getting married this Summer you probably have a million things on your mind. One thing you may not be thinking about though is how dirty your wedding dress is about to get after just one day.

That photo shoot you have planned for your wedding party, which usually entails some sort of off-road hike into a scenic wooded area may be less than kind to your 6-foot-long trained gown. Little Jenny who asks for a dance and steps on your dress the entire time may leave a less than kind mark on your snow white frock.

Don’t be afraid to get dirty & don’t let your day go by without a splash of fun! Just make sure that you send your dress to your local Pilgrim Cleaners location, or schedule a FREE pick up before you depart for your honey moon. Leaving the stains too long may result in them setting in for a not so promising removal.

Have you thought about what you want to do with your dress after your wedding day? You could use a wedding dress preservation service like Pilgrim Cleaners provides in order to keep your dress as a keepsake for generations to come, or you can plan to use a professional wedding dress cleaning service in order to resell your dress after your big day. Whatever you plan to do with your dress after your wedding day is over, we can help!

We also have professional tailoring & alteration available if you need any last minute adjustments made on your wedding gown. We can even help the groom with any suit jacket or shirt alterations as well!

We hope your wedding day goes off without a hitch this Summer. Share photos of your wedding with us on our Facebook Page & after-care photos of your wedding dress being cleaned or preserved at Pilgrim Cleaners for your chance to win a $25 store credit!

Pilgrim Dry Cleaners Awards 4 Of Our Employees With Scholarships For College!

Wed, 08 Jun 2016 16:54:00 GMT

Every year Pilgrim Cleaners asks employees who are going off to college to write in for their chance to win a scholarship. This year we asked two questions: “How was your experience at Pilgrim Cleaners beneficial for preparing you for your future?” & “Do you have any suggestions for our company?” We had extremely touching responses from our candidates who participated, so we doubled the awards and chose two first place winners for $1000 scholarships: Rileigh & Teresa. We also chose two second place winners who received $500 scholarships: Mary & Cameron. Congratulations to our winners! We hope that your experience with our company has helped you.

If you or someone you know may be interested in growing your future with our company, please fill out an application on our website to be considered for employment: http://www.pilgrimdrycleaners.com/emplo…/online-application/

New Wash-Dry-Fold Garment Bags For Your Convenience!

Thu, 26 May 2016 16:01:00 GMT

We now have Wash-Dry-Fold garment bags for your convenience! If you are interested in trying our wash-dry-fold laundry service, or if you already use our convenient service & you would like to receive a FREE wash-dry-fold garment bag, please visit your local Pilgrim Cleaners location. Find out more info about our wash-dry-fold laundry service by clicking HERE

10 Ways To Stop Wasting Time On Dry Cleaning & Laundry

Wed, 18 May 2016 15:39:00 GMT

Here Are 10 Ways To Stop Wasting Time:

1) How You Waste Time: Waiting Days For Your Dry Cleaning To Be Ready For Pick Up.
How To Stop Wasting Time: Free Same Day Service At Pilgrim Cleaners Locations.
Who has time to wait days, or even a week to get their dry cleaning items back from the cleaners? We know that you have a hectic lifestyle, which is why we offer FREE same day dry cleaning & laundered shirt service at all of our 25 twin cities locations at no additional charge!
2) How You Waste Time: Driving To & From The Dry Cleaner To Pick Up Your Order.
How To Stop Wasting Time: Free Pick Up & Delivery For Your Dry Cleaning & Laundry At Your Home Or Office.
Don’t have time to make a trip to the cleaners? Pilgrim Dry Cleaners will pick up & deliver your dry cleaning and laundry to your home or office at no additional cost! Just leave your clothing in your express bag at your front door and we will stop by twice per week on your scheduled delivery days to pick up & deliver your clothing! Call 612-554-8285 to get signed up.
3) How You Waste Time: Not Knowing When Your Dry Cleaning & Laundry Is Ready For Pick Up.
How To Stop Wasting Time: We Email You When Your Order Is Ready For Pick Up.
Never spend time guessing if your dry cleaning is done, we will send you an email notification as soon as your clothing is clean & ready for pick up!
4) How You Waste Time: Having To Go To Multiple Places For Your Clothing Needs.
How To Stop Wasting Time: All Of Your Clothing Care In One Place.
Pilgrim Cleaners locations save you time by offering all of the services you need for clothing care in one place! Our services include: professional tailoring, dry cleaning, laundered shirt service, button repair for no additional cost, wedding dress preservation, & more! Whatever your clothing needs are, we have you covered!
5) How You Waste Time: Spending 23 Days Per Year Doing Your Laundry.
How To Stop Wasting Time: Let Pilgrim Cleaners Do Your Laundry For You!
Want those 23 days of your life back every year? We offer an affordable wash-dry-fold laundry service! We wash, dry & fold your clothing just like you would at home! We beautifully package your clothing with a blue ribbon, so it is ready to be put away! Combine this laundry service with our free home or office pick up & delivery service to save even more time!
6) How You Waste Time: Having To Go Inside Of A Store To Pick Up Your Dry Cleaning & Laundry.
How To Stop Wasting Time: Pilgrim Cleaners Curbside Service & Drive-Thru Service.
When you’re in a hurry to pick up your dry cleaning order at Pilgrim Cleaners, our select locations will be your savior offering curbside service & drive-thru pick up. You don’t even need to get out of your car to pick up your dry cleaning! Now that is top-notch service!
7) How You Waste Time: Looking For Coupons To Save Money On Dry Cleaning.
How To Stop Wasting Time: Pilgrim Cleaner’s Express Bag Service.
Do you like saving money, but hate spending time cutting coupons? Use our express bag service and every time you bring in your order in your express bag you will receive 10% off dry cleaning & laundered shirts!
8) How You Waste Time: Needing To Be At The Cleaners Before They Close.
How To Stop Wasting Time: Pilgrim Cleaners 24 Hour Drop Box Service.
Don’t have time to make it to the cleaners before they close? Take advantage of our secure 24 hour drop box service available at select locations. You will receive a key to be able to drop off your orders 24 hours a day, whenever it is convenient for you!
9) How You Waste Time: Driving To A Location Not Conveniently Located To You.
How To Stop Wasting Time: Visit One Of Pilgrim Cleaners 25 Convenient Locations Near You!
With 25 Minnesota locations, finding a Pilgrim Cleaners near you is easy! If we don’t have a store near you, take advantage of our free home or office pick up & delivery service!

#NationalNursingHomeWeek Seniors Receive 20% Off Every Wednesday!

Wed, 11 May 2016 07:42:00 GMT

This week is National Nursing Home Week and we honor our seniors today and every day by offering 20% off for seniors every Wednesday at our 25 convenient Pilgrim Cleaners locations! Find a location near you by visiting: http://bit.ly/pilgrimlocations

Enter To Win Concert Tickets In Our Slay Giveaway!

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 20:43:00 GMT

We are giving away 2 sets of tickets to see Queen Bey live in concert at the TCF Bank Stadium on Monday, May 23rd in Minneapolis!

2 Ways To Win:

1) One set of tickets will be given away by visiting one of our 25 convenient Pilgrim Cleaners locations & filling out an entry form to enter to win! Bring in your Spring cleaning & enter to receive a free set of tickets! We will randomly select a winner from a drawing on Monday, May 16th. Find a location near you by clicking HERE .

2) The other set of tickets will be given away to one of our followers on our Facebook Page ! “Like” our page to be eligible to win by clicking HERE ! You have until Monday, May 16th to “like” & “comment” on the Slay Giveaway post to enter to win. One person will be randomly selected as the winner and will have until Wednesday, May 18th to respond & claim their prize.

You can enter both ways for double chances to win! We hope you slay, good luck!

Happy Earth Day! Here Are 5 Eco-Friendly Facts About Pilgrim Cleaners

Fri, 22 Apr 2016 15:57:00 GMT

5 Eco-Friendly Facts About Pilgrim Cleaners:

1) Pilgrim Cleaners Uses The Safest Cleaning Methods Available For You & Your Clothes: Pilgrim Cleaners offers hydro carbon solvent dry cleaning, as well as Wet Cleaning methods; which are the safest methods available in the industry! Wet Cleaning is NOT the same as doing your own laundry at home. The process is gentler than hand washing and is safe for fabrics such as: silk, cashmere, woolens, & fine delicate’s. Wet cleaning is a water-based, non-toxic, & energy-efficient! It is an environmentally friendly dry cleaning alternative that produces brighter whites and more vibrant colors without fading. This cleaning method is also more effective at removing water-based stains. Best of all, your skin is not coming in contact with any harsh chemicals and there is no chemical odor left on your clothes.
2) The Cleaning Solvents That We Use Are Safe For The Environment: In wet cleaning, there are no chemicals used which avoids: air pollution, water pollution, & soil contamination. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “wet cleaning is the most environmentally sensitive professional method of garment cleaning. It does not use hazardous chemicals, it does not generate hazardous waste, nor does the process create air pollution and it reduces the potential for water and soil contamination. The specialized detergents and conditioner used in the wet clean process are milder than home laundry products. All of the products are disposed of down the drain and easily handled by the local waste water treatment facility.”
3) Our Cleaning Methods Are Safer For Our Employees: The cleaning wet methods that we use satisfy all legal, environmental & work place regulations. We are not putting our employees at risk by being exposed to harsh chemicals.
4) The Machines We Use Are Energy Efficient: The machines that we use in our cleaning process have a lower energy expenditure, which conserves precious energy resources for our environment.
5) Our Cleaning Methods Are Sustainable For The Environment: All of the cleaning solvents used by Pilgrim Cleaners are biodegradable, which is eco-friendly and sustainable for the environment.

Switch to a safer cleaner! Our Earth is worth saving. Find a Minnesota Pilgrim Dry Cleaners Location near you today!

Prom Dress Cleaning & Tailoring Tips

Tue, 12 Apr 2016 16:28:00 GMT

The Perfect Night: The biggest mistake you can make with prom is spending too much money on your dress and not having any money left over to enjoy the night. Keep in mind that you will probably only wear your dress once and the night will go by fast. Don’t disappoint yourself by spending all of your funds on an expensive dress. You will want to have money to make the entire night special. Here are just a few fun things you can do if you save on your dress: rent a limo, eat out at a nice restaurant, purchase new shoes, accessorize, and get your hair & make up professionally done. If you want to save money on your dress there are many options now for finding a dress second hand. You can look online for dresses on sites like: Craigslist, eBay, Prom Again, Poshmark, & Tradesy to name a few. You can also check local thrift stores such as: Goodwill, Salvation Army, Unique Thrift Store, Savers, Arc Value Village, Buffalo Exchange, & Plato’s Closet. Once you find the perfect dress for a steal, you can bring it in to one of our 25 convenient twin cities Pilgrim Cleaners locations to be dry cleaned. Dry cleaning your dress will make sure it looks and smells like new and no one will even know it’s the dresses second debut!

The Perfect Fit: Whether you find your dress at a thrift store, in stores, or buy it online; the dress you find may not fit you perfectly. If you find a dress that is almost perfect, but needs a few adjustments we can help! It is important for a dress to fit well for you to look your best. Pilgrim Cleaners has select locations with Professional Tailors that can hem a dress that is too long, take in a waist or bust, or adjust the length of your straps. Our tailors have fast turnaround, but be sure to allow at least a week for dress fitting and alterations.

Keep It Clean: After your prom is over, it is important to dry clean your dress before you put it into storage. Dancing the night away can leave your dress less than pristine. Body odor, sweat, deodorant, and make up stains can ruin a dress if left untreated. Our cleaning tips can offer more insight. Even if you can’t see the stain, it is better to get it cleaned after you wear your dress than to allow the dress to be put away soiled. Not all stains are visible and if you put away your dress soiled it could ruin it. The sooner you bring your dress into the cleaners, the longer the life of the dress will be. Making sure you take care of your dress means that your dress can be preserved for your next special occasion such as a wedding, or formal event.

Prom Suits: A good options for guys to save money on a tux rental is to borrow a suit from a friend or family member. Sometimes dad may need to dig his old duds out of the attic, so make sure to bring the suit in for a dry cleaning before the big night so you aren’t smelling less than desirable. If you need to make a few adjustments to the fit, you can bring it in to our stores for tailoring & alteration .

Beautifully Borrowed: Many girls attend prom multiple years of high school and sometimes even go to prom at multiple schools. Check with a friend to see if she has a dress from a past prom that might fit you. It is an inexpensive option to buy a new dress one year and trade your dress with a friend the next year. Make sure you bring your dress in to Pilgrim Cleaners before you wear it for a fresh smell and to get out the wrinkles. You will also want to make sure that you get the dress cleaned again before returning it, as a thank you to your friend for letting you swap!

Preserving Prom: Now that prom is over and you have brought your suit and dress to Pilgrim Cleaners to be cleaned, be sure to remove the plastic bag from your garment before you put it into storage. If you store your dress or suit in the plastic bag it will trap the moisture, which is not good for the material. You should also store your dress or suit in a cool and dry area. You should avoid storing your garments in any direct sunlight, which may cause discoloration. Make sure that you hang your garment with enough space underneath so it doesn’t hit the ground. You also want to use the hanging straps sometimes sewn into the garment to take stress off the straps and shoulders. For a perfect preservation of your prom dress you can bring it into a Pilgrim location for our professional preservation box service .

Beading & Sequins: If you purchase a dress with beading or sequins it will need special care. Pilgrim Cleaners is your expert in all care labels and can evaluate the best method for cleaning your special garment. We have an option to spot clean your dress, which is done by hand. We can also wet clean the dress, which is a gentle process used to remove excess stains and soil. You can rest assured that we will keep your garment safe & beautifully cleaned.

Prom For A Purpose: Not only is Pilgrim Cleaners your best place to go for all of your prom cleaning & alteration needs, but we are also known in the local Minnesota community for giving back to those in need this prom season! This year Pilgrim Cleaners is sponsoring a local Minnesota event called “A Night To Remember Prom,” which honors students with special needs ages 15-24 years old. The event is Sunday, May 1 ^st and Pilgrim Cleaners is dry cleaning all of the donated dresses! As your expert in all prom related items, we are providing our services for a cause! Find out more about the event at: http://www.anighttorememberprom.org/

Win Baseball Dugout Box Seat Tickets!

Tue, 22 Mar 2016 17:28:00 GMT

We are kicking off Spring with a ticket giveaway! Like us on Facebook by clicking HERE for your chance to win tickets for the April 16th baseball game. These are awesome dugout box seats! You have until midnight on March 22nd to “like” our post on Facebook to win. A winner will be announced on March 23rd and will have until March 24th to claim your tickets. Good luck!

Spring Cleaning Tips

Tue, 15 Mar 2016 16:38:00 GMT

5 Tips For Spring Cleaning

1) Start With A Plan. Many Apps are available to aid you in your planning process for Spring cleaning. Spring Cleaning Checklist is a great Free app to try to get started with your list. Allocate how you check off items on your to do list according to time. Conquer a few of your smaller items throughout the work week and save your larger tasks for the weekends.
2) Declutter. Start with your closet. I like to put all of my winter clothes in plastic bins to free up space in my closet. I usually keep the bins on the top shelf of my closet, so they are out of the way. Be sure you get your Winter sweaters & pants dry cleaned at your local Pilgrim Cleaners location before storing them away. Take your Spring/Summer clothes out of hiding and bring them in for a fresh cleaning as well. Be sure to get rid of any items that no longer fit, or bring them to our professional tailors for a quick alteration. Get rid of the items in your closet that you no longer wear (if you didn’t wear them all season it’s a safe bet you can get rid of them.) Sort these clothes in to two piles, one for donation & one for resale. Poshmark is a great app to use for selling your unwanted items. You can also bring them into your local Buffalo Exchange or Turn Style .
Once you have everything back in your closet that you want to keep, I like to sort out the items by type. I have half of my closet (the right side) designated to work clothes (sorted out by skirts, pants, blazers, tops) and the other half of my closet (the left side) designated for my lounging & going out clothes. I also have this portion sorted out by item type (skirts, pants, workout clothes, dresses, leggings, tshirts, sweaters, cardigans, etc.) After your closet is reorganized & decluttered, move on to the rest of your house. Recycle old bills, papers, donate unused electronics, books, dvd’s, furniture, decorations, pet supplies, shoes, handbags, accessories, etc. The more you get rid of, the less you have to clean! C raigslist free postings is also a great way to get rid of unwanted items quickly, without having to leave your house!
3) Deep Clean. Start with your kitchen. The most unsanitary place is usually the fridge. Check expiration dates and throw out any expired items. A neat way to keep track of the items in your fridge is The Fridge app . This app will help you reduce food waste and save money. After you have removed everything from the fridge, clean the shelves with a mixture of salt and soda water. The bubbles in the soda water combines with the exfoliation action of the salt to make a great cleaner. Next move on to the kitchen sink. The best way to get rid of lime buildup around the sink it is to lay paper towels over the fixture, soak it with vinegar and let it set for an hour. The deposits will soften and become easier to remove. Last but not least, make sure to clean your stove. Remove the oven racks and drip pans, and clean them with a damp paper towel. Wipe down all surfaces inside your oven. Some ovens have a self cleaning mode you can use, which makes it simple, but if not; remove build up with a nonabrasive scrubber. Use a scrub brush to clean the racks, dry, and put back in. Give the oven window a good scrub with vinegar and water. Next, continue your scrubbing into the bathroom. Be sure to thoroughly clean the tub & toilets. The living room & bedrooms should be thoroughly vacuumed, or mopped, and the walls should be wiped down. If the drapes are looking drab, take them down and run them through the air-fluff cycle in the dryer along with a wet towel (to draw off the dust) for 15 minutes. Hang them back in the windows immediately. If their are stains that are on the drapes, bring them into a local Pilgrim Cleaners for a cleaning. While you’re at it, be sure to bring in your blankets, comforters & rugs for a cleaning as well! Don’t forget to finish off your cleaning with a thorough dusting & window washing.
4) Freshen Up. Once your house is clean, I like to open the windows to air out the place. Fresh air always brings in a nice smell. I also light candles or incense, Febreze the furniture, wash the pet’s bed, etc. Adding a fresh touch is also a great way to make your house feel new again. Try a new throw pillow, wall accent, or a new rug! A plant is also a great way to make a space feel fresh and add better air quality. If you don’t have a green thumb, try these house plants that thrive on neglect and are basically impossible to kill.
5) Reap The Rewards. Now that you have accomplished your Spring cleaning, sit back and enjoy! Drink a glass of wine in your fresh new space, read a book, or take yourself out for a night on the town.

We Are Giving Away Hockey Tickets! Like Us On Facebook To Win!

Mon, 07 Mar 2016 21:36:00 GMT

We are spreading some Monday cheer with a ticket giveaway!
Simply “Like” us on Facebook by clicking HERE. Then “Like” our giveaway post for your chance to win hockey tickets for the March 29th game!
You have until midnight on March 8th to “Like” this post to win. A winner will be announced on March 9th and will have until March 10th to claim your tickets. Good luck!

Help Pilgrim Cleaners Select Two Charities To Donate To For #RandomActsOfKindnessDay

Wed, 17 Feb 2016 22:02:00 GMT

Comment on this post with the name of your favorite charity. Pilgrim Cleaners will be selecting two charities from your suggestions to donate to in honor of ‪#‎RandomActsOfKindnessDay‬. You have until Thursday, February 18th to comment. The charities will be selected on Friday, February 19th.

Pilgrim Cleaners Is Hiring!

Wed, 10 Feb 2016 15:58:00 GMT

Do you know of a high school or college student looking for a part-time job? Are you looking for a full-time management in training position?We have immediate openings available!

Visit: OUR EMPLOYMENT PAGE for more information, or apply online today by clicking HERE .

We have immediate openings for counter staff & management trainee’s at the following Pilgrim Cleaners locations:

-Apple Valley
-Brooklyn Park
-Chanhassen
-Coon Rapids
-Golden Valley
-Long Lake
-Ridgedale
-Minnetonka
-Robbinsdale
-North Oaks

Valentine’s Day Tie Sets Available At Pilgrim Cleaners!

Tue, 09 Feb 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Valentine’s Day is this weekend! Need something for the special man in your life? Pilgrim Cleaners has beautiful tie sets available! Just $39.95 for the whole set, which includes: a tie, matching pocket square & matching cuff links. Call 612-750-5729 to place an order.

Take 50% Off Red Clothing On 2/5/16 For #GoRedWearRed Heart Disease & Stroke Awareness

Thu, 04 Feb 2016 15:47:00 GMT

Tomorrow Only (Friday, February 5th, 2016) Take 50% off dry cleaning on all red clothing items brought into one of our 25 convenient Pilgrim Dry Cleaners locations. Just mention this promotion to receive the discount.
This promotion is in honor of ‪#‎nationalwearredday‬ tomorrow Friday, February 5th for ‪#‎goredwearred‬ to raise awareness for heart disease & stroke which cause 1 in 3 deaths among women each year. Go Red For Women inspires women to make lifestyle changes, mobilize communities, and shape policies to save lives.
Tips from the Go Red For Women Website to control your risk for heart disease:
1) Get Active: 30 minutes of moderate physical activity 5x per week can lower your risk for heart disease, stroke & diabetes.
2) Control Cholesterol: Lower your cholesterol by eating whole & multi-grain foods such as bran & oats. Eat fatty fish, such as salmon & tuna, antioxidant rich foods, foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as avocados, flax seed & olive oil. Also, eat foods rich in plant sterols, such as nuts like walnuts & almonds. Avoid animal products high in saturated fat (beef, lamb, pork, dairy, egg yolk), fried foods, high-fat processed meats (hot dogs & sausages), simple sugars (soda, candy, cake) & saturated oils.
3) Eat Better: Track what you eat, eat more fruits & veggies, eat whole-grain foods, eat fish twice per week, cut back on added sugars saturated fats.
4) Manage Blood Pressure: Reduce sodium, get regular physical activity, maintain a healthy weight, manage stress & avoid alcohol & tobacco smoke.
5) Lose Weight
6) Reduce Blood Sugar: Reduce consumption of simple sugars found in soda, candy & sugary desserts. Get regular physical activity, take medications & insulin if it is prescribed to you.
7) Stop Smoking
Read The Full Article Here: https://www.goredforwomen.org/live-healthy/first-steps-to-prevent-heart-disease-and-be-heart-healthy/lifes-simple-7/

Is Your Winter Coat Missing A Button?

Wed, 20 Jan 2016 19:44:00 GMT

Is your Winter coat missing a button? Try our professional tailoring & alterations! Our professional tailors specialize in all types of tailoring and alterations for casual wear, formal wear, wedding gowns, costumes & more.

Tired of your present wardrobe? Our tailors can also update your clothes! We can shorten that skirt, or make your pants narrower. You will be amazed!

Drop off your clothing at one of our 7 convenient locations offering tailoring services:

Hate Doing Laundry?

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 21:14:00 GMT

If you’re anything like me, your least favorite chore is doing laundry. You have to sort the clothes, bring them to your machine, wait for the wash cycle to complete, change the load, remember to take the clothes out of the dryer before they wrinkle, sort the clothes again, then fold everything and put it away. Sometimes doing laundry even requires a trip to the scary basement, or worse yet, the dreaded Laundromat. Most of the time I hate it so much that I procrastinate doing laundry and a huge pile builds up in my hamper and all over my bedroom floor. Yuck!

The laundry isn’t going to clean itself, but Pilgrim Cleaners will! Let Pilgrim Cleaners be your laundry fairy and have everything taken care of before you get home from work at night! Your laundry will be folded, beautifully packaged & ready to be put away. Pilgrim Cleaners can even pick it up from your house and deliver it to your door with our free home/office pick-up and delivery service ! $10 for the first 4 pounds and $2.60 for each additional pound. Call 612-554-8285 today to arrange your laundry pickup, or simply drop off your laundry at any of our 25 convenient locations !

Coats and Costumes for Kids!

Fri, 30 Oct 2015 18:14:00 GMT

We have just wrapped up two of our community drives and what a success they were! First was our 30th annual “Coats for Kids” drive that ran through Oct 9th. Thanks to your donations, we collected and cleaned nearly 6,000 coats! That’s 6,000 kids that you helped keep warm this Minnesota winter! We then conducted our “Costumes for Kids” drive which just finished Oct 23rd. We had one of our best drives ever as we collected and cleaned almost 800 costumes! WOW! Halloween will be a lot more fun for a lot of kids this year!

Our community was so generous with their donations! We were able to help a lot of children in need this year! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and kindness and for making this years community drives a huge success!

A legacy of Giving Back – Coats for Kids

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 13:06:00 GMT

For 30 years, Pilgrim Dry Cleaners has been on a mission to ensure every local child is equipped with a warm coat for Minnesota’s brutal winters. With a goal of collecting 10,000 donated winter coats, the 2015 Coats for Kids Drive is in full swing and goes through Friday, Oct. 9.

The program got its start in 1986 after a woman who couldn’t afford to buy her child a winter coat stopped by Pilgrim and asked company founder Don Rosen if any had been left behind. After giving the woman a coat, Don realized he had found a way to make a difference in the community. Three decades and 384,000 winter coats later, thousands of Minnesotan kids have been warmed by Don’s efforts.

This year’s Coats for Kids Drive has a special significance, as Don passed away on Sept. 17 at the age of 94. Honor Don’s legacy of giving and help our kids stay warm by dropping off your gently-used children’s and adult-sized coats at any of the 25 Pilgrim Dry Cleaners locations throughout the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro. Pilgrim customers can also give their coats to their home and office delivery driver. Those who donate their coats will receive a dry cleaning coupon. Many local schools also take part in the Coats for Kids Drive, with Subway throwing a party for the school that collects the most coats.

As cold as Minnesota winters are, every child should have the opportunity to frolic in the snow and wait at the bus stop with a warm coat. So donate today and let’s get this goal of 10,000 coats all zipped up!

Coats For Kids!

Thu, 27 Aug 2015 19:31:00 GMT

Get ready, get set, donate! Our 30th annual Coats for Kids drive is about to get under way and we need your help! To date we have collected and cleaned 384,000 coats, and this year we are hoping to collect and clean 10,000 coats for needy children in the Twin Cites area.

Starting September 14th, donate your coats at any Pilgrim Cleaners location, and when you do, you will receive a coupon good for 25% off the cleaning of your own coat!

All the coats we collect will be cleaned and then they will be given to charities for distribution to kids throughout the area.

Schools, churches, synagogues, businesses, or any other organizations are encouraged to participate! For more information on how you can participate, please call us at 763-425-7524, ext 226, between the hours of 10 am-2 pm, M-F.

Thank you for 400 Scout Uniforms

Thu, 13 Aug 2015 15:03:00 GMT

We would like to thank everyone who donated a scout uniform during our July 2015 Scouting for Uniforms drive. We collected and cleaned 400 scout uniforms! That is 400 scouts who will be able to wear a uniform that otherwise could not afford one. Thank you again for your generosity.

We would also like to thank our partners, Northern Star Council, KARE 11, and Sun Newspapers for their help with the drive. Together, we had another successful Scouting for Uniforms drive.

New Store in North Oaks!

Mon, 20 Jul 2015 14:32:00 GMT

We are proud to announce the opening of our newest store in North Oaks! The store opened on July 20th, 2015.

This store will offer FREE same day service on dry cleaning and laundry (In by 8:30 am, M-F). It will also offer all of our other services, including tailoring, wash dry fold. wedding dress preservation, leather, suede, and household items.

Stop by for some grand opening specials, including 30% off dry cleaning and laundry services. The grand opening special is good through August 31st, 2015.

The store is located at 117 Village Center Dr, North Oaks, MN, 55127. It is right on Hwy 96, next to Caribou. You can call the store as well at 651-483-6076 for more information.

Scouting For Uniforms

Wed, 10 Jun 2015 13:14:00 GMT

Pilgrim Cleaners will be conducting its annual Scouting For Uniforms drive again this July! Drop off your scout uniforms, no matter the size, condition, or vintage, at any Pilgrim Cleaners throughout the month of July. Pilgrim Cleaners will clean them, and then the Northern Star Council will have them distributed to scouts who can not afford to buy their own uniform. With your help, we can ensure a uniform for every scout,

Click on the link below for a short video about the drive.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45557Mzwv2s

Channel 12 story about 75 years in business

Tue, 12 May 2015 19:35:00 GMT

We have been celebrating 75 years in business throughout all of 2015! Channel 12 heard about our celebration, and did a very nice story about us. Check out their story! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_SQI8ISOrM

Common Sense Rules for Summertime Storage

Tue, 07 Apr 2015 14:42:00 GMT

Now that winter is over, it’s time to store away all those winter clothes until next season. We have visited this topic before, and here are some more simple tips to keep your winter fashions looking good season after season.

* Wash or Dry Clean everything before storage Some stains start out as invisible and darken with age – often becoming impossible to remove. In addition, dirt and food stains are an invitation to insects.

* Make all necessary repairs – sew sagging hemlines, replace missing buttons, and fix split seams – before cleaning and storing for the season.

* Store all items in a cool, well-ventilated area. Hot attics, damp basements, and garages are to be avoided.

* Store away from natural and artificial light. A cool, dark closet is a good location for storage. Store woolens in cedar chests or other airtight containers. Second choice for storage are cloth or canvas bags. Do NOT store in plastic bags. Plastic encourages moisture, which can create mildew.

We hope theses simple tips will help you keep your garments looking great!

75 Years in business!

Wed, 07 Jan 2015 15:26:00 GMT

Pilgrim Cleaners is celebrating 75 years in business throughout 2015! We will be running several promotions, contests, and giveaways throughout the entire year! Like us on Facebook to keep you up to date on all the contests and prizes, and give us your email the next time to drop in to be included in special promotions and specials! Don’t miss out! There will be some great giveaways and deals!

Cirque du Soleil – Varekai!

Mon, 24 Nov 2014 16:15:00 GMT

Pilgrim Cleaners has teamed up with Cirque du Soleil!

Escape into an extraordinary forest where everything is possible! A world where fantastical creatures come to life, a world called Varekai. Don’t miss this chance to see the critically-acclaimed production at an affordable price!

Click the link below for a special offer save up to $20 per ticket for their shows in December 2014!

We will also be giving away tickets throughout the next few weeks for their shows at Target Center in December 2014. Be sure to stop in at any Pilgrim Cleaners (except Richfield) to sign up to win tickets! Check in on our Facebook page and our website for updates!

Ticket giveaways!

Wed, 22 Oct 2014 20:07:00 GMT

Several sports teams are starting up their seasons and Pilgrim Cleaners is your place to win tickets to the action! Like us on Facebook to take part in our weekly giveaways, or stop by any store to sign up for random drawings as well! We will be giving away great seats for basketball, hockey, and Golden Gopher Basketball tickets throughout the year! Good luck to everyone!

Costumes For Kids

Wed, 01 Oct 2014 16:37:00 GMT

We are now running our Costumes for Kids drive along with our Coats for Kids drive! The Costumes for Kids drive is sponsored by FOX 9 and MY29 as we team up to help out children in need in the Twin Cities area. We are asking for donations of new or gently used costumes at any of the Pilgrim Cleaners stores. The costumes are then cleaned and distributed to children whose families could not afford a costume. What a great way to help a child enjoy a fun holiday! Anyone who donates a costume will receive a 10 point Nickelodeon pass to use at the Mall of America! The drive runs now through October 24, 2104.

For more information, please visit our website at http://www.pilgrimdrycleaners.com/community/costumes-kids/

Coats for Kids

Tue, 23 Sep 2014 16:39:00 GMT

Our Coats for Kids drive is now in full swing! You have the opportunity to help keep a child in need warm this winter by donating a coat at any Pilgrim Cleaners. Our goal this year is to collect 10,000 coats, and to date we have collected 377,000 coats! All of the used coats we receive are cleaned, and then distributed to 8 local charities for distribution throughout the area.

The Coats for Kids drive this year is from September 15 to October 10, 2014. You may also participate by sending a cash donation to Coats for Kids, c/o Pilgrim Cleaners, 3217 85th Ave N, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443.

We wish to thank this years sponsors, WCCO radio, KARE 11, The Minnesota Sun Newspapers, and Subway Restaurants. We also wish to thank United Trailer leasing for their generous donation of trailers to use to store the coats.

If you would like more information, please see the Community section of our website. http://www.pilgrimdrycleaners.com/community/coats-kids/

We can save you time and money through our exclusive Express Bag Program!

Wed, 28 May 2014 10:43:00 GMT

When you join, you’ll receive a sturdy nylon bag to put your clothes in — with a personal ID tag displaying your name and cleaning preferences. Just drop the bag off at the counter or into the drop box and we will process your order to be ready the same day!

Expert Garment Care Blog

Wed, 01 Jan 2014 21:23:00 GMT

Expert Garment Care Blog

Pilgrim Dry Cleaners

Decoding Care Labels

Mon, 30 Dec 2013 17:17:00 GMT

Are you at a loss for words when it comes to reading the care label on the inside of your favorite sweater or shirt? A lot of people have this trouble! With so many symbols printed on a small piece of fabric to make sense of, taking the best care of your clothes can be hard.

Our job here at Pilgrim Cleaners is helping you look your best. So, we are lending a hand and decoding these clothing care label symbols for your convenience.

Here is a little care label history for you…

In 1997, the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) required manufacturers and importers to attach care instructions to garments. The FTC came up with symbols that could be used in place of words on labels. The universal symbols were developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and are used by the detergent, textile, apparel, and appliance industries around the world.

Happy Halloween!

Thu, 31 Oct 2013 16:46:00 GMT

Happy Halloween! Pilgrim Cleaners wants to thank everyone who helped in making this years Costumes for Kids drive so successful! We have collected and cleaned 763 costumes this year. That makes 763 children all around the Twin Cities that much happier this season.

Fun Feedback!

Mon, 28 Oct 2013 16:52:00 GMT

Pilgrim Dry Cleaners wants to make the most out of your time. How you ask? Not only do we want to know what YOU want to read on our blog, but if you enter your answer under the question of the week on our Facebook page (posted on October 28 ^th ): “What topics would you like to read more about on our Pilgrim Cleaners blog?? Cleaning tips, articles, behind the scenes, etc…”, you will be automatically entered to win Minnesota Timberwolves Basketball tickets!

Please check out our Facebook page in order to enter and for more information! We are looking forward to all of your great feedback.

LINK to our Facebook page

Back to School!

Thu, 12 Sep 2013 16:40:00 GMT

Eeeek! School is back in session. Time for chilly mornings and busy schedules. Back to school and clothing go hand in hand, so do the stains, tears and missing buttons. Not to worry, Pilgrim Cleaners is here with some household remedies that may ease your stress and save your clothing.

“There is pen ink all over this shirt” – Take a look in your medicine cabinet for some rubbing alcohol. Place a paper towel under the stain to absorb the rubbing alcohol and ink. Then dab at it with a cotton ball that has been dipped in the rubbing alcohol. Repeat until the stain is gone. Make sure to use caution with this technique, alcohol can result in color damage to your fabric.

“A hole developed in the knees of my favorite jeans” – If you want to try an at-home remedy, use a fun piece of durable fabric under the pant and a few decorative hand-sewn stitches to mend the rip and make it look like it was meant to be there.

“Look at all these grass stains from soccer” – Soaking the stain in a mixture of water and detergent can help loosen the stain. Then wash the garment as usual but don’t dry it until you check to see if the stain is all gone. Make sure to read the care label for washable fabric. If the label says the clothing is not washable, the best thing to do is take it straight to the dry cleaners.

Good luck to everyone is who heading back to school! Make sure to stop by our facebook page and check out our upcoming ticket giveaways so you can have a chance at spicing up your weekly routine.

Pilgrim Productions

Thu, 15 Aug 2013 16:37:00 GMT

Check out our new promo video. Now showing at 25 convenient locations! Pilgrim Productions Video

Green Cleaning

Wed, 24 Jul 2013 16:34:00 GMT

By now you have probably heard that Pilgrim is a green cleaner, but you may wonder what that means. Pilgrim has always been committed to the community, and the environment is something that we all share. That is why we have made serious efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and have transitioned into one of the most eco-friendly cleaners in the country. We started by replacing all of our dry cleaning machines with state of the art “green cleaning machines” that use hydrocarbon as an alternative dry cleaning solvent. This is much better for the environment than the harmful chemicals used by most dry cleaners. This new technology also has the added benefit of being gentler on your clothes, making them last longer and look newer

Pilgrim has also committed to recycling many of our materials, including hangers and poly bags, to reduce the waste that we create, and operate more efficiently. Pilgrim Cleaners is committed to providing customers with the highest quality cleaning. Green cleaning is just one of many reasons Pilgrim Cleaners is the Twin Cities’ Favorite Dry Cleaner.

Polo Cleaning Tips

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 16:28:00 GMT

As the summer approaches, many Minnesotans are pulling out their Polo shirts to wear for both work and play. These summer fashion staples are stylish and comfortable, making them a favorite for high temperatures. But it is also important to know how to keep them clean. First and foremost, always follow rule number one of clothing care: read the care label carefully . Depending on the fabric blend of each different Polo, cleaning methods may be different. Because most Polo’s are primarily cotton, there is always the risk of shrinking the shirt, or having the color fade.

To start, it is usually a good idea to turn your Polo inside out when washing. It is also best to wash the shirts in cold water. This will prevent loss of color as well as shrinkage. In general, we do not recommend putting a Polo in the dryer because the heat often causes the shirts to shrink. Laying them flat to dry can avoid this problem. Finally, once the Polo is completely dry, it is best to fold it rather than hang it in your closet. Putting Polo shirts on hangers after wet-washing them can distort the shape resulting in a sloppy fit. You will also likely need to iron your Polo before you wear it to get rid of any wrinkles.

Of course, if all this sounds too burdensome, the best (in our humble opinion) way to treat your beloved Polo is to bring it to the drycleaner to get it professionally cleaned and pressed. You won’t believe how great it will look!

How to Safely Store your Winter Garments

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:20:00 GMT

During the spring and summer months, winter clothes are vulnerable to pests and water damage. Flat winged moths love wool, down and fur, along with mohair, angora and silks. Proper storage is essential to keep clothes intact and fresh year after year.

Catch and dispose of any moths you see flying in your home, but remember, the real threat comes from the invisible eggs they lay.
Launder or dry-clean all of your winter clothes prior to storage. This will eliminate larvae, as well as any skin, hair and stain residues that could nourish future deposits. This will also prevent stains from setting in and becoming impossible to get out next fall.
Place folded or rolled garments in plastic air tight containers. Cardboard boxes and shopping bags offer moths too many entry points, and are too porous to prevent water damage.
Include cedar chips or lavender and rosemary sachets instead of moth balls. Moth balls can be too harsh for many garments and are apt to make your clothes smell less than fragrant.
Hang winter coats and suits on cedar or plastic hangers, then store them in breathable garment bags or no bag. The bags from dry cleaners are not intended for permanent storage. Do not lay garments on carpet, as it may contain pesky carpet beetles.

Facebook and Twitter

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 16:17:00 GMT

Pilgrim Cleaners is now on Facebook and Twitter! Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to receive special offers!

We are Pilgrim Cleaners on Facebook , and our username on Twitter is PilgrimCleaners .

Women’s Business Minnesota: Feb, 2005

Sat, 06 Sep 2008 15:59:00 GMT

PASSING ON THE TORCH

Bonnie Engler took over her father’s business, Brooklyn Park-based Pilgrim Cleaners, in January, 2004. However, she took a different career path before joining her father.

Engler, 50, grew up in the dry-cleaning business working behind the counter on evenings and weekends, but never thought about it as a career option. It never occurred to her that she could one day be the successor.

“At that time, it wouldn’t have been a traditional role for a woman,” Engler says. “Women weren’t owning businesses back then. My father came from a generation where men owned and operated businesses.”

Engler became a registered nurse and worked in adult mental health for eight years. She also earned a BA in psychology. In the mid-1980s, however, she was looking for a career change and talked to her father, Don Rosen, about coming to work with him. At 30, she joined Pilgrim with the intention of learning the ropes and taking over when he was ready to step down. However, she had her work cut out for her.

“When I started, my father never even thought that there was a possibility of me taking over the business,” she explains. “There were very few women in the industry and in business in general then. I had to prove to him I was as capable as any man and could some day run the business for him. It was a long progression.”

The two worked together for two decades, and Engler worked from the ground up learning the business.

“My father worked very hard to become sole owner of Pilgrim and that’s what I worked for,” says Engler, who was named president 10 years ago. “He also gave me the freedom to try new things. For a daughter, the best compliment you can receive is when your father allows you to start doing things on your own.”

Engler had wanted to buy the business for the past few years, but her father wasn’t ready to sell. She wanted to make sure he was comfortable with the transition. Eight-three-year-old Rosen, who has been in the dry-cleaning business for more than 60 years, decided the time was right and sold Engler the business in early 2004. He still comes in periodically as Engler’s advisor.

FAMILY DYNAMICS PLAY A ROLE

Family business owners realize succession issues can be tricky. In Pilgrim’s case, Engler’s brother Larry Rosen works at the company in production and is also in charge of environmental compliance issues and oversees maintenance. One of their sisters also previously worked at the company.

“For any family business, there’s a certain amount of stress and tension in determining family members’ strengths,” Engler says. “Years ago, we brought in a consultant to help us recognize strengths and who would be best in succession. I think it helped my dad to reinforce what he saw. It helped to have an outsider spell things out.”

Rosen says naming his daughter as the successor was based solely on ability. “I was looking for someone I could rely on,” he says. “I look at Bonnie and she’s so bright. She is college-educated and a registered nurse and has a beautiful business sense. I had a feeling that she was very adept at working with people, and we needed someone to work wtih employees and customers. I am so confident in her. I have no misgivings. She’s doing a wonderful job. Sales in fact are improving at at time when our industry is suffering.”

Rosen says his son is content in his role in the business and wasn’t looking to take on additional responsibilities.

Rosen and Engler hired outside experts to help with the transition of ownership and ensure all family members were happy. “We have a close family and that was important,” Engler says, adding that it probably would have been easier to sell the business to an outsider. “It would have been less emotional,” she says. “There are so many considerations in a family business. But what’s most satisfying to me is being able to keep the business in the family. I think that was always in the back of my father’s mind.”

Engler has three sons, and the oldest, 17-year-old Derek, now works part-time behind the counter for PIlgrim. “A third generation is working here,” she says proudly.

Since taking over, Engler is putting her signature on the company by rebranding. The stores and trucks, for example, the stores and trucks have new logos and stores are being renovated. She added drive-thru windows to some locations and launched a new convenience program. Pilgrim has five plants and 25 locations in Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs and employs 200.

State-of-the-Art Shirt Equipment

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:45:00 GMT

We pay attention to the details, and — with our new state-of-the-art shirt equipment — we’ve enhanced the quality of your pressed shirts.

The precision it brings to your sleeves, pleats, and vents is clearly unsurpassed. You’ll never see a clamp mark if your shirt is pressed at Pilgrim Cleaners.

Free Sporting Event Tickets!

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 15:27:00 GMT

We’re partnering again with the Minnesota Gopher Mens basketball team. We’ll be giving away tickets throughout the 2012-2013 season!
Sign up now at any Pilgrim Cleaners to win Gopher Mens Basketball tickets, or a basketball signed by Tubby Smith!

Also, we’re giving away some Timberwolves tickets! Check out our Facebook page for contests!