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Capitol Cleaners battles against changing work environment

Stay-at-home workers have hurt business
Posted at 1:20 PM, Sep 30, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-30 14:20:53-04

SHOREWOOD — Business is not what it used to be at Capitol Cleaners in Shorewood.

With a lot of people working from home these days because of the pandemic, the business has taken a big hit

"We initially did close down for a few weeks in mid-March," says manager Tom Sturdy. "We opened up once regulations and rules were ironed out. We've been open for reduced hours and even though we do everything on-site, machines have been operating at 50-percent capacity to try and keep our operating cost down."

They estimate that they've lost 50 percent of their business the past six months, but things are starting to pick up with a lot of their customers getting ready for virtual meetings.

"Lots of upper garments, lots of blouses, sweaters, shirts," Sturdy says. "Not as many pants and skirts that we used to have but we definitely want them looking as good as possible, especially during the high def era of video chats."

They do everything on-site here which also includes alterations if you need it. Their process here helps fight the coronavirus.

"Cleanliness is key," Sturdy emphasizes. "We're trying to keep things clean. We know washing and drying and cleaning clothes does kill the virus. The soap and the high heat definitely kills the virus so know that you can bring not only your laundry, but also blankets, and comforters, pillowcases and all sorts of linens as well."

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