Lake Highlands Cleaners

About this location

A few stories people tell about this place

1. One morning, a delivery driver pulled up to Lake Highlands Cleaners and noticed something odd. The usual hum of the dryer was replaced by a low, rhythmic thrumming sound, like an old record playing in reverse. Curious, he peered inside and saw nothing but rows of empty machines. Then, from behind one of them, emerged an elderly gentleman wearing overalls and holding a dustpan. ‘Ah,’ said the cleaner with a smile, ‘just checking if everything’s running smoothly.’ The delivery driver blinked a few times before realizing it must be an early-morning cleaning ritual. From then on, whenever someone heard that peculiar sound, they’d just wave and say, ‘Morning, Mr. Clean!’

2. A neighbor was watering her garden one afternoon when she noticed something strange happening inside Lake Highlands Cleaners. The windows were fogging up from laughter, and occasional cheers could be heard through the open door. Curious, she peered inside and saw a regular customer joyfully dancing around while folding his clothes to the rhythm of an unheard song. A delivery driver was laughing so hard he spilled soda on himself trying not to miss a beat. The neighbor shook her head, smiled, and decided that maybe sometimes clean clothes really do bring happiness.

3. A little girl walked into Lake Highlands Cleaners one day and pointed excitedly at the ceiling. Her mother looked up curiously but saw nothing unusual—until she realized that the girl was staring at a tiny bird trapped inside the vent. The cleaner, a gruff old man, peered up and growled, ‘Another feathered pest.’ But then he smiled and said softly, ‘Don’t worry, honey, I’ve got this.’ Moments later, the little girl clapped happily as the bird flew free through an open window. From that day on, whenever someone mentioned Lake Highlands Cleaners, they’d whisper, ‘That’s where they let birds out!’

4. One morning, an elderly gentleman entered Lake Highlands Cleaners and asked the attendant, 'Do you know why my shirts always come back with tiny bubbles on them?' The attendant smiled and replied, ‘Ah, Mr. Smith, it’s because our delivery driver likes to shake your shirts like a maraca!’ The old man laughed heartily, realizing that his clean clothes were given just a little extra pep in their step.