Upper West Cleaners

About this location

A few stories people tell about this place

1. It was an unusually warm January morning when Upper West Cleaners opened its doors. As the neighborhood woke up, a delivery driver noticed something odd hanging outside—a pair of pants that seemed to wave hello every time someone walked past. Curious neighbors started stopping to admire the moving trousers, snapping photos and sharing them online. Soon enough, Upper West Cleaners became famous for their dancing pants. Even though no one could explain why they moved, everyone agreed it brought joy to the usually quiet street.

2. A neighborhood cat had taken up residence on the Upper West Cleaners’ porch, leaving behind mysterious packages wrapped in newspaper. The owner shrugged it off as just another quirky local oddity until one day, a neatly folded note appeared alongside the bundle: ‘Please clean with care.’ Soon enough, more notes started appearing—each accompanied by an intricately folded outfit. Word spread quickly through the neighborhood, and soon everyone was dropping off their clothes for ‘special treatment.’ One day, a delivery driver arrived with a package labeled ‘most delicate,’ only to discover inside a small basket filled with freshly baked cookies. Since then, Upper West Cleaners has become known not just for its impeccable service but also for its secretive—and sugary—clientele.

3. A delivery driver arrived early one foggy afternoon with a large box under his arm. As he unlocked the door, he noticed something odd—an old newspaper clipping taped inside the glass door. Curious, he picked it up and read aloud: ‘Missing poodle found in Upper East Side laundromat.’ He laughed, thinking it was a funny coincidence. Later that evening, while hanging clothes, an elderly lady approached him. Smiling warmly, she said, “That’s my dog! I thought he’d run off forever.” The driver grinned sheepishly and handed over the clipping, ending their week with a hearty laugh.

4. At dawn, before anyone else stirred, Upper West Cleaners' door creaked open. From inside came a soft humming sound—a tune no one could quite place but everyone in the neighborhood began whistling. One morning, a delivery driver noticed an old hat hanging on the line. Curious, he picked it up—only to discover it was his own! The owner emerged from the shop, smiling: 'Morning, Joe. Just taking your head out for some fresh air.' Everyone laughed, and soon after, someone saw a cat lazily walking out with a shirt under its arm.