Our Story
The Early Years
Beacon Cleaners and Laundry has proudly served the Spokane area since 1945, when we opened our first drive-thru dry cleaning facility on Northwest Blvd. With a commitment to quality dry cleaning services and customer satisfaction, Beacon Cleaners quickly became a trusted name in the community, providing reliable and convenient services that set the standard for excellence in Spokane dry cleaning. Over time, we continued to grow and evolve, always with the goal of meeting and exceeding the expectations of our customers who trust us for their dry cleaning needs.
Embracing Change
A new chapter began when Hi Bum Kim purchased the company, bringing a fresh perspective and a deep concern for the environmental impact of traditional dry cleaning methods. Mr. Kim recognized the need for change, particularly regarding the use of petroleum-based chemicals like "Perc," a standard liquid solvent in the industry that is highly regulated due to its environmentally harmful properties.
Driven by his commitment to the environment, Mr. Kim conducted extensive research to find a safer, more eco-friendly dry cleaning solution. This led to the adoption of DF-2000, a synthetically produced hydrocarbon with a lower vapor pressure and a higher flash point than traditional petroleum solvents, making it less flammable and more environmentally friendly. In addition to changing the cleaning solvent, Beacon Cleaners also upgraded our dry-cleaning machines to ones that are nearly odorless and more energy-efficient. We not only saved energy but also reduced the amount of solvent needed to effectively clean garments. These significant changes also improved indoor air quality, a development Mr. Kim was particularly proud of for the health and safety of both employees and customers.
Beacon Cleaners' dedication to eco-friendly dry cleaning practices did not go unnoticed. In 2012, we were honored with a Clean Air Award for our efforts in becoming the first and only dry cleaner in Spokane to be a Certified Enviro certified recipient. This recognition highlights our commitment to leading the industry in environmentally responsible dry cleaning and reinforces our dedication to sustainability. In 2013, Mr. Hi Bum Kim received the Environmental Stewardship Award for his dedication to eco-friendly practices. By adopting safer cleaning methods and energy-efficient equipment, he reduced the environmental impact of dry cleaning. Beacon Cleaners continues his vision of offering eco-friendly dry cleaning with top-quality care. In 2014, Beacon Cleaners was proud to receive the PNWIS Achievement Award from the Pacific Northwest International Section for our commitment to eco-friendly dry cleaning. This award recognized our efforts to reduce our environmental impact through sustainable practices like using the K-4 dry cleaning system. We are honored to be recognized for our leadership in protecting the environment while providing high-quality service
Sustaining Excellence
Our commitment to sustainability continues to be a core value at Beacon Cleaners. All of our locations offer reusable laundry bags, and our Cleaning Facility is equipped with the most up-to-date, eco-friendly machines. We strive to reduce our environmental impact while providing exceptional dry cleaning and laundry services to our customers, ensuring that we uphold the highest standards of quality and care.
Mr. Hi Bum Kim's forward-thinking approach laid the foundation for the outstanding services that Beacon Cleaners offers today. His dedication to eco-friendly practices and quality dry cleaning service has earned the trust of Northwest families for decades, and we continue to build on that legacy with every garment we handle.
What is EnviroCertified?
Beacon Cleaners is proud to be EnviroCertified, which means we are recognized for reducing our environmental impact through sustainable practices. This certification shows our commitment to using eco-friendly cleaning methods, cutting down on pollution, and saving resources. As an EnviroCertified business, we follow clear guidelines to reduce waste, use less energy, and choose environmentally safe products for all our dry cleaning and laundry services. At Beacon Cleaners, we’re dedicated to taking great care of your clothes while protecting the environment, making us a trusted leader in sustainability in the Spokane area.
The K-4 Method
At Beacon Cleaners, offer only the best eco-friendly dry cleaning services, which is why we use the K-4 method. This cutting-edge process utilizes SOLVONK4, a biodegradable and non-toxic solvent, where your garments are cleaned effectively without the use of harsh chemicals like traditional solvents. The K-4 method is not only safe for the environment but also gentle on your clothes, making it ideal for delicate fabrics and tough stains.
By using the K-4 dry cleaning system, Beacon Cleaners ensures your clothes come back fresh, clean, and odor-free, while reducing our environmental footprint. It's part of our ongoing commitment to providing the highest quality care for your garments while protecting the planet.
Leave Your Laundry To The Professionals
We invite you to experience the difference at Beacon Cleaners. With eight convenient locations throughout Spokane and surrounding areas, we're always nearby to serve you. Whether you need dry cleaning, laundry services, or specialized care for delicate items, you can trust Beacon Cleaners to handle it with expertise and care.
As we continue to uphold our legacy of excellence and environmental responsibility, we remain dedicated to serving our community with the highest level of care. Visit any of our locations today and discover why Beacon Cleaners has been Spokane's trusted dry cleaning service provider since 1945.