Before dry cleaning, clothing was washed by dressing up a phalanx of backyard laundry scarecrows just before thunderstorms. Today's Groupon lets you do away with sopping straw men and clean your clothes the new-fashioned way—with science: for $10, you get $20 worth of laundry and dry-cleaning services at Ed Robinson Laundry & Dry Cleaning, with four locations throughout Columbia and Irmo.
Since 1919, Ed Robinson Laundry & Dry Cleaning has cleansed and cared for the fabrics and frocks of the Columbia community with its expert laundering services. Gentlemen can drop off suits ($13.41) sullied from last night's pudding spackling, and ladies can bequeath grimy blouses ($6.62 each) to capable, clean hands. Each article of clothing or judiciary evidence receives a scrutinizing, desullying eye, with custom cleaning solutions applied based on fabric type.
At no extra cost, laundered shirts ($2.44) are sharply machine pressed and wobbly buttons are replaced and tightened so customers can stay fashionably fastened. Ed Robinson also offers free pick-up and delivery services, and those dropping off their dirty duds by 10:00 a.m. (11:00 a.m. at the Forest Drive location) on weekdays can take advantage of the cleanery's same-day service, which is great for getting gowns back in time to nab a chiseled prince before midnight.
Ed Robinson Cleaners
When Redic Earl Robinson started making house calls in 1919, he visited his customers by bicycle. Each family knew him as "Mister Ed," and they bundled their laundry for him to take back to the shop on Gervais Street. Meanwhile, Myrtle Beckham Robinson, Mister Ed's wife, warmed an iron with a coal-fire stove as she awaited the shipment. Together, they soaked the garments in buckets and worked stains out on scrub boards.
Today, Redic Earl Robinson Jr. carries on the family tradition with modern equipment. Twice weekly, his team travels by motorized horse to pick up laundry and make deliveries. They utilize custom cleaning solutions for specific fabrics and offer specialty services for leather, suede, quilts, and comforters. In addition to stain removal, Ed Robinson Cleaners offers alteration services at its 2551 Forest Dr. location.