Despite the explosive growth of the Shaw neighborhood, family-owned Tower Cleaners at 702 O Street NW has stood the test of time. For 33 years, Nick Min’s family has owned and operated the dry cleaners. Min’s father Bongki Min handles alterations, while his mother Sukcha Min specializes in hand pressing.
The shop is decorated with photographs of DC in all seasons taken by Min’s father, a serious amateur photographer.
Since the shop is small, less than 1,000 square feet, the Mins utilize European pressing machines. While all of the cleaning services were originally handled onsite, the storefront now functions as a pick-up and drop-off location.
While the pandemic permanently limited same-day services, expedited clearing is still routine. Next day services are available on Mondays and Thursdays. Two- and three-day turnarounds are the norm on other days.
After more than 30 years, the store has served generations of District families. That is something of which Min and his family are very proud. Neighbors still stop in to say hello. “They’re always looking for ‘that young man who used to work here’ and it’s me, I got older,” Min chuckled.
Min has watched children of customers grow into customers with their own kids. “We used to clean their clothes when they were babies. And now, we clean their wedding dresses,” Min said.
Tower Cleaners is open on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. They can be reached at 202-483-2466.
Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com.
