Apthorp Cleaners Inc

I do not often write positive reviews unless the service I received was truly outstanding. Apthorp cleaners is an example of a business who deserves praise.

I brought a very expensive and intricate gown in, which needed to be tailored quickly for a wedding out of town. I was fitted and the tailor took the time to understand exactly how I wanted the dress hemmed, along with my concerns. Not only was I fitted once, but they basted the dress and asked me to come back in the evening to double check the job. Debra even offered to hold my shoes for the day since I was on my way to work in the morning.

The final job was magnificent. The dress was beautiful and expertly tailored. It even was presented on a hand-made tissue bust attached to the hanger so the dress stayed true to form. I was very impressed at the work, and in such a short time.
After the wedding, I brought the dress back to be cleaned. They made sure it was safe to use the chemicals by testing it, and when I received the dress back, it was good as new, any trace of dirt/stains were gone.

I have long sought a tailor/cleaner of this caliber and am so happy to have found Apthorp. I will be coming back for as long as I am around the UWS. Debra and Joe are super friendly and accommodating. I can even email Debra to check on store/tailor hours. Joe talks baseball to my husband when I am being fitted. And Jimmy's tailoring skills are fantastic, he's very friendly as well.

A NEIGHBORHOOD GEM! A+++

Pros: friendly, expert tailor, meticulous work, decor, reliable

Cons: pricey, but you get what you pay for

Posted 11/12/09

I've used Apthorp Cleaners for over twenty years, and have never been less than 100% satisfied with their work.
First class all the way...Love to drop off my stufff at their shop when I have time because the chat is always fun, uniquely warm and personal, and a great way to start my day on the way to work.
The new shop is gorgeous, also!

Pros: Best service on the West side

Cons: huh?

Posted 10/19/09

These people can clean up just about anything, any spot on any material. And if they cannot, they call you and let you know what is happening.
They have good alteration services as well.
They know their customers by name. And when they say they will have it ready by 2pm Tuesday, the will.
Have taken flimsy and sequined articles of clothing and they come back in perfect condition.

Pros: Knowledgeable, professional, gorgeous work

Cons: You pay for it.

Posted 10/07/09

A real community business in the best sense: great personal service and professional down to the last detail.
Apthorp has old fashioned values of treating the customer with friendly respect and going the extra mile to please.

I wish more upper west side businesses were run this way.

Pros: very personal, very professional

Posted 10/04/09

We tried many cleaners, but will forever use and refer Debra and Joel's Apthorp cleaners. They are the best!!!!
And we deserve the best!!!!. As NYers, we buy the best!!!
Those poor reviewers have already left town, two years ago.
If you're looking for the Goodwill look, go to Detroit. If the vintage and designer look is your style, go to Apthorp.
Not for naught, Debra is the president of the National Cleaners Association! Go Debra!

Pros: Professional, personal, and eco-friendly services

Cons: They won't accept your insurance!

Posted 10/04/09

Debra and her team care for my clothes as if they were museum pieces, or at least it seems that way. Cashmere sweaters come back looking brand new, dresses are hung with tremendous care, shirt collars are pristine -- the list goes on. The extra cost not only is justified but is largely offset by the long wear I get out of clothes that stay looking new.

Pros: Personal, top quality service

Cons: Pricey (worth every cent)

Posted 10/01/09

They really know how to clean everything from down to delicate lace and ties, courteous, carefull and nice people!

Pros: Know everything about fabrics

Cons: None

Posted 10/01/09

I thought I would have to get rid of a 70's Halston ultrasuede jacket when I couldn't find anyone to fix a tear on the back of the left sleeve -- a tear that wasn't on a seam. I went everywhere -- to reweavers and other experts -- and no one was willing to give it a shot, Well, thank goodness I took it to Debra at Apthorp Cleaners -- which has moved, by the way, to Amsterdam Avenue -- who figured out immediately what to do. The jacket looks terrific. You would never know there was a tear, and the price was incredibly fair. I just wish I thought to go to Debra immediately!

Pros: vintage experts!

Posted 09/03/09

I've lived all over the world and grew up here in Manhattan and have never had such great drycleaners! Debra actually arranged for me to get a credit for my designer raincoat that was attracting dirt too easily! Amazing.
No pins on your clothes. Take your sweaters off their hangers and unfold and there are no wrinkles. Worth the price. Really on a different level of professionalism than any other dry cleaner, here, London, Paris, etc.!!

Exceptional.

Pros: quality cleaning, outstanding customer service, reliable

Posted 06/29/09

I sent in some beloved and well-wron cashmere sweaters with great hesitation and a bit of enbarassment--pilled, and full of lint. I did not think that they could be resuscitated and tha I would have to learn to live with them as the condition worsened (Who knows quality today?) Well they came back as brand new sweaters. I almost called to say that they delivered the wrong items. Their Delint/De-Pill process is amazing, and reflects the care, knowledge of fabrics, and hand work that Apthorp puts into all of its cleaning. Kudos! You won't regret parting with your favorite garments.

Pros: Hand finishing with superb results

Cons: None

Posted 04/05/09

I have been going to Apthorp Cleaners for over twenty years. They are wonderful!! The owners know me by name and always ask about my son and his progress in life.

The cleaning, tailoring and repairs are fantastic. In fact, the owner will go out of her way to find the perfect replacement buttons, etc. This is just one example of the tremendous level of detail that is given even to the most simple of dry cleaning. I highly recommend them.

Posted 01/23/09

I went there once a few years ago and I couldn't believe the nasty behavior they exhibited. I don't know how people can stay in business with such bad attitudes. They're also overpriced. Dry cleaners are so plentiful there's no reason to be treated with such disdain.

Pros: At least they didn't ruin my blouse.

Cons: Overpriced and nothing special for the money.

Posted 11/16/08

I dropped off a blazer to be dry-cleaned and when I went to pick it up, the unfriendly clerk "couldn't find it." He had to look up my ticket because I had lost my receipt and told me to come back. When I came back, I saw the store had CLOSED FOR VACATION FOR THREE WEEKS!!! Now, I have no blazer to take on my summer vacation :( I wish someone had called me to let me know they were closing or that they had found my ticket so I could come pick it up before their store closed. The lack of customer service left a really bad taste in my mouth.

Posted 07/26/07

They charged me $60 to dry clean a dress and a shawl! The dress wasn't even long, it was short and did not have much fabric. They are unbelievably overpriced. The gentleman that works there is the biggest unfriendly grump. Do not go there unless you want to waste your money. Since when can dry cleaners get away with charging $60 for two pieces?

Pros: None

Cons: OVERPRICED AND UNFRIENDLY

Posted 05/20/07