About Us

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About D.O. Summers Cleaners

Trusted Garment Care in Northeast Ohio Since 1881

D.O. Summers Cleaners has been caring for garments in Northeast Ohio for more than 145 years, making it one of the oldest dry cleaning companies in the United States. Founded in 1881, the business has served generations of Cleveland-area families through changing fashions, technologies, and lifestyles, while maintaining a consistent commitment to quality and trust.

When customers choose D.O. Summers, they are choosing proven experience built over more than a century of continuous service.

Founded in 1881: The Early Years

D.O. Summers Cleaners was founded in 1881 by Donald Oliver Summers in downtown Cleveland. At a time when professional garment care was still developing, the company established itself as a reliable local laundry and dry cleaning operation, serving both individuals and businesses.

As Cleveland grew, so did D.O. Summers. The company expanded alongside the city, adapting to new fabrics, changing wardrobes, and advances in cleaning methods, earning long-term customer loyalty through consistency and craftsmanship.

A New Chapter of Family Ownership

In 1939, the business was purchased by Abraham Goldberg, beginning a family ownership legacy that continues to this day. Under the Goldberg family’s leadership, D.O. Summers entered a period of significant growth and operational expansion.

Throughout the mid-20th century, the company operated dozens of retail locations and service routes throughout Greater Cleveland, becoming a widely recognized and trusted name in professional garment care.

A man holds a blue suit jacket next to a pressing machine in a dry cleaning or tailoring shop.

The Qualities That Define Us

Adapting Through Generations

As the dry cleaning industry evolved, D.O. Summers adapted thoughtfully by prioritizing quality over scale. Rather than pursuing mass production, the company refined its focus on:

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Specialized garment care

In-store processing and quality control

Investment in modern technology

Skilled, experienced staff

For more than 95 years, the Goldberg family has maintained hands-on involvement in the business, ensuring continuity in standards, service, and values across generations.

Schedule Pickup

Real Feedback. Real Convenience.

Trusted by Local Families & Professionals

A Family Business You Can Trust

Unlike large corporate chains, D.O. Summers remains a locally owned, family-run company. Many team members have been with the company for decades, reflecting a culture built on experience, accountability, and pride in workmanship.

This long-term continuity results in consistent quality, fewer errors, and dependable service for customers.

A person uses a steamer to clean or press a navy blue suit jacket sleeve in a laundry or dry cleaning facility.

A dry-cleaned vest in a plastic bag hangs on a conveyor system in a dry cleaning facility; nearby, a white garment with red spots hangs on a rack.

Decades Ahead: The Gold Standard in Eco-Friendly Care

D.O. Summers didn’t just join the green movement; we helped lead it. While others are only now looking for alternatives, we transitioned to GreenEarth® thirty years ago—widely recognized as the most environmentally friendly cleaning process on the planet.

This wasn’t a recent trend for us; it was a defining choice made three decades ago to protect your garments, our people, and the community. By utilizing a process that is as gentle on the earth as it is on your clothes, we provide a deep, odorless clean without the use of harsh, traditional chemicals.

Responsible cleaning isn't a new initiative here—it’s our legacy.

Professional Care for Today’s Lifestyles

Today, D.O. Summers Cleaners combines historic expertise with modern convenience, offering:

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Professional dry cleaning

Shirt laundry

Household item cleaning

Specialty garment care

Convenient home and office pickup and delivery

Same-day service ,in by 10:00 AM out at 5:00 PM!

Convenience features include same-day service at select locations, drive thru, 24-hour express drop boxes, and 24/7 locker pickup locations.

A man receives dry-cleaned clothes from a smiling employee at a dry cleaning counter, with clothing racks and computers in the background.

More Than a Century of Trust and Still Moving Forward

After more than 145 years in business, D.O. Summers Cleaners continues to invest in people, processes, and technology while remaining grounded in family ownership and proven expertise.

While styles and trends change, the foundation of the company remains the same: skilled craftsmanship, accountability, and genuine care for every customer.