Ironing: compare quotes and prices

Ironing only or a laundry service?

Clarify whether laundry is already washed. Stain treatment and dry cleaning are not automatically included. Items unsuitable for ironing should not be treated indiscriminately.

Describe a clear amount

For mixed laundry, start with a short list and approximate item counts, separating shirts and duvet covers. An unspecified basket is not a clear quantity. Household size does not replace laundry volume.

An enquiry might read: “Every two weeks, we would like 8 shirts, 2 pairs of trousers without a pressed crease, 2 duvet covers measuring 140 × 200 cm and 4 pillowcases measuring 65 × 100 cm ironed. The laundry is already washed and dry. Please return the shirts on hangers and everything else folded. We can drop it off on Monday and need it back by Thursday. Please quote for ironing only, with collection and return delivery priced separately.” This gives each provider the same brief without having to estimate the weight.

At home or off site

For home ironing, agree workspace, equipment and access. For an off-site service, clarify drop-off, collection and return. At home, also agree who provides the iron and ironing board, and whether setting them up counts towards the billed time.

If you regularly need other household tasks alongside ironing, domestic help may be suitable. List the tasks and their priority so that the laundry volume is taken into account within the agreed time.

Care instructions and special items

The care label determines permitted treatment. Do not infer heat and steam solely from an assumed fabric. Flag delicate items and missing labels before treatment.

Agree return and timing

Shirts may be returned on hangers or folded. Specify the finish and who supplies hangers or packaging. For an event, the deadline means finished return, not just collection.

For a recurring service, a fixed handover day helps. Agree how to report changes in volume or skip a visit while you are away. Collection every two weeks does not automatically mean the same price or turnaround for every load.

On return, check the item counts first and identify anything left untreated. For shirts, also look at collars, cuffs and button plackets; for trousers, check that the agreed crease is present or deliberately absent. Check the requested folding and packaging. Point out unwanted remaining creases, new shiny patches or damage on the specific item, and agree how it will be inspected or reworked.

Compare item and time pricing

Compare totals for the same volume and services. Time pricing needs an understandable effort estimate; item pricing needs the right categories. A washing package excluding ironing is not equivalent.

A price per kilo can only be compared once you know which textiles are included and whether shirts or large items are charged separately. For hourly pricing, ask for an estimated total and agree what happens if more time is needed. Minimum charges, hangers or packaging, any surcharges and VAT should be as clear as the two transport journeys.

Prepare a simple handover

Separate items with special requirements and count the pieces together when you hand them over. Agree whom to contact with queries and how to approve extra work. A short description of the laundry and quantities is enough for the initial enquiry.