Local Alternative for Laundry House

When I first came to Shanghai, the two biggest hassles I encountered were meals and laundry. Although I adapted to the life in this metropolitan city, I could not find a restaurant which serves a decent salad at a reasonable price and I did not know where to have my laundry done.

My Ayi, a Chinese lady, bless her heart, helped me out with most housework, as long as I am willing to put up with her non-stop chatter. Only problem was, I cannot tolerate her local ways of doing my laundry, especially after she soaked my 5,000 USD Armani evening dress in dishwashing suds.

I then took my favorite gown to a local laundry, and it was damaged by their over-used of strong chemicals. Then, a friend of mine referred me to ClotheSPA. I was skeptical to say the least, feeling despair and having all the doubts and distrust, but that was until I personally visited ClotheSPA’s shop on KangDing Rd. They claimed on their website to provide free laundry pickup and delivery service, but after all I had been through, I wanted to see who I was entrusting my clothes to.

I have to admit that I was impressed even as I was approaching the shop, the only shop with an international style façade along the street. The logo is not big, but it is clean, simple and attractive.

An English-speaking young lady greeted me with a delightful grin and patiently explained all their services in details. She told me that at ClotheSPA, each garment is individually examined to identify stains and sorted to ensure its correct cleaning method. After it is finished, final inspection is performed by their most experienced quality controller to guarantee the best result possible.

I gave ClotheSPA a try with a couple of my husband’s shirts that he had worn for over a year. When the shirts were delivered back to my house that first time, I was surprised to find that the shirts were all packed neatly in a protective wrapping, folded per my request, the right amount of starch applied, with collar clips and stays, and even wrapped with tissues just like new ones from the store. Even the old stains around the collar and sleeves were gone. They also re-sewn a loose button on one of the shirts. And much to my surprise, there was no extra charge for all this amazing care.

I do not doubt ClotheSPA anymore - they are able to handle re-stitching, re-hemming, reweaving, and even restoring faded colors in clothes. They have renewed and virtually saved several of my favorite dresses. It is like getting a new wardrobe without the hassle of shopping!

I was smitten, so I paid RMB 800 in advance and became a VIP. Things have gotten even easier since then. All I need to do now is Monica (my personal service consultant) a call, leave the laundry bags at the concierge, and their little van would come and pick up the clothes, delivering back to me the next day. Besides the regular 30% off discount, my VIP membership gets me lots of coupons, discounts and various privileges from restaurants, clubs and local merchants.

Another surprise. Just last week, I received an email from them, reminding me that since this is the summer traveling season, that I should be sure to request for our shirts to be delivered folded, for the ease of travelling. I have never encountered such a thoughtful business before, anywhere period, let alone in Shanghai; and I have traveled a lot!

Makes me wonder what surprise ClotheSPA will think of next.

ClotheSPA has made my dry cleaning experience a very enjoyable one. If you want to find out more, visit their website: www.myclothespa.com or call phone: 021 6231-7736.

Now that my laundry dilemma is history, only one thing remains for me to research on-that of finding a great restaurant for fresh salads. And if any of you know of some place, somewhere in Shanghai that serves nice bountiful salads at a reasonable price, please let me know!