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Thursday, June 4, 2026 · Vol. 66 · Issue 8 · May 2026
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Serving the dry cleaning & laundry industry since 1960

Wakefield Publishing Co. and Cleaner & Launderer…

March 2026 - Sixty-six years on. Having been published monthly from October 1960 to date, there have been just two publishers of...

Wakefield Publishing Co. and Cleaner & Launderer… Photo · Imported from cleaner-and-launderer.com

Wakefield Publishing Co. and Cleaner & Launderer…

Uncategorized March 1, 2026March 1, 2026 Cleaner and Launderer

New Ownership as of March 1, 2026

March 2026 – Sixty-six years on. Having been published monthly from October 1960 to date, there have been just two publishers of Cleaner & Launderer. Mr. Wally Urquhart of La Canada, California as the first. The mid eighties began a new era when, in honor to their parents Frank and Gladys Wakefield, from Leicester, England… Wakefield Publishing Company was born.

"Having been published monthly from October 1960 to date, there have been just two publishers of Cleaner & Launderer."

Mrs. Joan Reid and her sister Mrs. Dorothy Ballard began their venture bringing the industry the latest news. Since 1990 publisher Albane Wente, along with husband Randy Wente, and later son Justin Wente have been delivering Cleaner & Launderer monthly.

As of March 2026 Wakefield Publishing Co. is under new ownership. Mr. Ryan West is taking the reins and is the new Publisher of Cleaner & Launderer. His ownership of the company has actually brought us full circle. Ryan is the grandson of founding publisher Wally Urquhart!

Cleaner & Launderer former publisher Albane Wente pictured here with the new owner and publisher Ryan West.

We welcome Ryan knowing he will bring a new perspective with his knowledge of the industry. Ryan West may be contacted via email: ryan@wakefieldpublishingco.com or phone office (800)

793-2911; or cell (310) 200-2313.

Key Takeaways

  • Wakefield Publishing Co. and Cleaner & Launderer… matters for readers making practical decisions.
  • New Ownership as of March 1, 2026
  • Having been published monthly from October 1960 to date, there have been just two publishers of Cleaner & Launderer.

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