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Varsity Cleaners

About us

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Our story

Our Beginnings: A Neighborhood Shop with a Clear Promise

Varsity Cleaners began as a small neighborhood garment care shop in 1930, long before it became the trusted name it is today. The Sailor family opened the business with a simple promise: provide dependable cleaning and alterations for local families who needed service on which they could depend. 

When Margaret and Alvin Schmidt purchased the shop in 1955, they continued that promise, strengthening its reputation for quality work, integrity, and personal care.
As the Cedar Valley grew, so did Varsity Cleaners. By the 1960s, Varsity Cleaners had become the area’s leading cleaner, known for craftsmanship that stood out and service that felt personal.
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Growth, Leadership, and a Continued Commitment to Community

In 1970, the Schmidt family expanded the business into formalwear by acquiring Milroy’s Tuxedos, which now serves customers in Waterloo, Dubuque, and Ames. Every step forward stayed rooted in the same mission: remain local, remain accessible, and serve our community well.

Today, Varsity Cleaners is led by President and CEO Dennis Schmidt, a U.S. Army veteran who first worked here as a high school student. As a third-generation, locally-owned business, we continue to invest in modern equipment, Earth-friendly cleaning practices, and the convenience of FREE Pickup and Delivery Service throughout the region. With over 90 years of experience and as the only dry cleaner left in our area, we remain committed to being the Cedar Valley’s trusted partner in fabric care for generations to come.

Supporting Our Community Through Project Coats

Community involvement has always been a core part of who we are at Varsity Cleaners. One of the ways we extend that commitment is through Project Coats, a program that helps distribute more than 600 coats each year to individuals and families in need. By ensuring our neighbors stay warm during the harsh Iowa winters, we’re able to support the wellbeing of the community that has supported us for generations.

Our dedication doesn’t stop there. Varsity Cleaners also contributes to local charities and actively sponsors sports teams throughout the Cedar Valley, from youth soccer programs to adult volleyball leagues. These efforts allow us to uplift the organizations and activities that bring people together, build connections, and enrich the place we proudly call home.
A single-story Varsity Cleaners storefront with large front windows, a red and white sign, and a sidewalk leading to the entrance.
A white Varsity Cleaners van is parked on a suburban street in front of houses with green lawns and trees.

Our Mission

At Varsity Cleaners, our mission is to serve the Cedar Valley with dependable, high-quality fabric care as the area’s only dry cleaner, upholding the civic responsibility we’ve carried for three generations. We are committed to providing convenient, local service through modern, up-to-date equipment, Earth-friendly cleaning practices, and free pickup and delivery for our customers. Every day, we aim to honor our long-standing community ties by delivering workmanship people can trust and supporting the neighborhoods we proudly serve.
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Logo with the word "Varsity" in large red cursive letters and "CLEANERS" in smaller black capital letters underneath.
We Bring Three Generations of Expertise to Every Detail

A Level of Care Refined Over 90 Years of Local Service

Experience matters in textile care, and our family has spent generations building a standard of quality on which our community relies. 

As the only dry cleaner in the Cedar Valley, we take that responsibility seriously and continue to invest in modern equipment, dependable processes, and hands-on care you can feel.

Here’s how we deliver unmatched service:
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Generations of trusted expertise

With over 90 years of experience and three generations of hands-on leadership, we bring consistent skill, quality, and accountability to every item.
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Modern equipment for superior results

We invest in up-to-date technology that enhances cleaning quality, fabric safety, and overall efficiency.
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Earth-friendly cleaning methods

Our environmentally conscious products and processes are safer for your fabrics, your home, and the Cedar Valley community.
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Free pickup and delivery

Seamless convenience and expert care delivered to your doorstep at no additional cost.
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Voices of Our Community

Quality Through the Eyes of Our Clients

See why our customers keep coming back. These stories showcase our dedication to detail and the personal touch we bring to every piece of clothing we handle. Each review is a testament to our promise of care and consistency.
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Our Promise to You!

Every time you walk through our doors, we want you to feel the care our family puts into this business. You can count on the same friendly welcome, the same careful handling of your garments and home linens, and the same dependable results on which we’ve built our reputation. We promise consistency, honesty, and the kind of service that makes you feel confident coming back again and again.
A Varsity Cleaners and Milroy’s Tuxedos sign stands in front of a brick building with a parking lot on a cloudy day.
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Complete Care Solutions

All-in-one Care for Your Wardrobe and Home Fabrics

Every item you bring to us receives careful handling and professional treatment from start to finish. Our comprehensive cleaning and textile care solutions provide the best possible care for clothing and household textiles.

Explore the services we offer to make caring for your items effortless.
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Dry Cleaning

We professionally clean your garments using safe, effective methods that protect every fabric.

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Shirt Laundry

We wash and press your shirts to deliver a crisp, polished finish every time.

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Starch Shirts and Jeans

We apply your preferred starch level to give shirts and jeans a structured, refined look.

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Alterations

We tailor, hem, and repair garments to improve comfort, fit, and longevity.

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Wedding Dresses

We offer press only, full cleaning and pressing, and preservation boxes for wedding dresses with expert handling and long-term protection.

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Wash and Fold

We sort, wash, dry, and neatly fold your everyday laundry for hassle-free convenience.

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Comforters

We deep clean comforters, including down-filled items, to restore freshness and warmth.

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Drapes and Curtains

We clean drapes and curtains to remove dust, odors, and buildup that collect over time.

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Feather Pillows

We clean and rejuvenate feather pillows to bring back their softness and support.

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Rugs and Stuffed Animals

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Leather, Fur Coats, and Shoe Cleaning

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Free Pickup and Delivery

We pick up your items and deliver them back to you at no extra charge.

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Expert Guidance for Exceptional Garment Care

Master the Art of Fabric Maintenance with Our Professional Guides

Unlock the secrets to a longer-lasting wardrobe. Our blog features curated advice, seasonal strategies, and deep-dive insights directly from our garment care specialists. Explore our latest posts to master the art of clothing preservation.
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