Why Choose Us: The Best Baltimore Dry Cleaners—and So Much More

We're Not Your Typical Dry Cleaners, and That Makes All The Difference

How many Baltimore dry cleaners can say they conduct the majority of their services in house, are a family-owned and -operated business, and have been around since 1921? Glyndon Lord Baltimore Cleaners can. Customers in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, and Howard County will tell you that we’re the cleaners you can trust to treat your everyday and special-occasion apparel, as well as your household items and area rugs with the utmost care—and return it to you in mint condition.

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At Glyndon Lord Baltimore Cleaners, We're proud to:

Be a family-owned and -operated business that began in 1921.

Conduct the majority of our services in house in our main plant in Glyndon.

Specialize in the cleaning and care of vintage, high-end and industry-specific apparel and textiles.

Have a team of hardworking, experienced wardrobe and home textile specialists, as well as a fleet of friendly, efficient pick-up and delivery drivers.

Provide complimentary pick-up and delivery service to our customers in select areas.

Offer special promotions each month as a 'thank you' to our loyal customers.

Be a member of leading industry organizations such as the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists and the Association of Rug Care Specialists, and be selected as one of America’s Best Cleaners.

Utilize the latest, high-quality technology and products to clean and care for your belongings, while prioritizing eco-friendly processes.

Be active members in our community—dedicating our time, talent, and resources to local organizations in the areas we serve.

1920's era phot shows cars parked in front of Glynmore Lord Baltimore Cleaners

Our History

The early 1920s not only gave rise to national icons such as Wonder Bread, Chanel No. 5, and Sears Roebuck, but it was the beginning of a new era in the Baltimore area for high-quality laundry care.

Mr. and Mrs. Merrick opened Glyndon Cleaners in 1921 with service, quality, and convenience as hallmarks of their enterprise. They employed over 50 people and ran a fleet of trucks out of the charming community of Glyndon, MD, 21 miles from Baltimore City Hall. They also operated a community pool next to Glyndon Cleaners; filling it with the artisan well water on the property.

In the late 1940s, the Merricks sold Glyndon Cleaners to Robert Mathias, granddad to Mike and John Garman—who would one day continue the family business. Robert shared the same philosophies as the Merricks. He continued Glyndon Laundry’s legacy of exceptional cleaning and care while providing the Baltimore area with outstanding customer service and convenience through its fleet of pick-up and delivery trucks.

1950's era wedding photo - bride & groom

He also purchased the pool sometime in the late 1940s. This proved to be very intuitive, because his daughter, Di, met her future husband, Otts, at the Glyndon Pool in the summer of 1951 when she was lifeguarding. And as they say…the rest is history!

Otts ran Glyndon Laundry for over 50 years. He cared about the community, his employees, and the business intensely. He also adored his wife and seven children, two of whom are Mike and John—the third generation of our family to carry on the legacy of Glyndon Cleaners.

In the late 1990s, Glyndon Cleaners merged with another fine, local family dry cleaning and laundry business that began in the early 1920s, Lord Baltimore Cleaners. Today, Mike and his wife, Janet, proudly own and operate the business—and carry on the traditions of both families as Glyndon Lord Baltimore Cleaners while maintaining the trust that generations of Baltimore area customers have placed in us.

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Our Service Areas

Proudly serving Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County and Howard County

This map serves as a general guideline and is not inclusive of our entire service area. Some areas are serviced solely for larger household items such as area rugs, curtains, and drapes. Please contact us for more details or any questions. We strive to keep as much of the Baltimore area and beyond looking its very best!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Questions Regarding Our Area Rug Cleaning and Repair Services

How much is the cost of area rug cleaning?

Price is determined by the square footage of an area rug. We take exact measurements to determine the cost. Our price for cleaning is $3.29 per square foot and includes complimentary pick-up and delivery.

How long will it take to get my area rugs back?

It usually takes 10 business days, depending on the cleaning being done. For your convenience, we will be happy to schedule a delivery date and time when we pick up your area rug.

Do I need to remove furniture off my area rugs prior to arrival?

We will move most furniture pieces to safely retrieve your rug and replace them when the rug is delivered for a nominal furniture moving fee.

Can you store my area rug after its cleaned?

Yes! Please contact us to arrange for this special service.

I am moving. Can you deliver my area rug to a new address?

Yes. We can deliver to your new address as long as it is in our service area. Out of service area deliveries may have an additional charge.

Do you have insurance for my area rugs when they are picked up and stored in your facility?

Yes. Our insurance covers your property when it is entrusted to us for service and storage.

Can I deliver my area rug to your location?

Of course! Our Glyndon Square and Hunt Valley locations are open M-F 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. If you need assistance with a rug, please call our office at 410-833-5200 in advance and we'll arrange for one of our area rug specialists to be available to assist you at our Main Plant. Main Plant hours are 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Monday-Friday).

Do you sell area rugs?

No.

Do you sell rug pads?

Yes, please see our full list of Rug Pad services.

Can you wrap my area rug for storage?

Yes. Please call us for the price of this service.

Is the pad that you sell used on hard surfaces as well as carpet?

Yes. We sell pads for both hard surfaces as well as carpet. It protects and stabilizes the rug and prevents slippage as well as providing some degree of sound absorption.

Questions Regarding Our Rug Cleaning Process

Do you guarantee pet odor removal?

Yes. But, with all types of pet accidents that occur on area rugs, please allow our trained service providers to first inspect the condition of the rug.

Do you guarantee stain removal?

If a stain has not affected the fibers permanently, we have a much higher chance of removing it. Please call us as soon as you notice the stain since taking care of it as early as possible increases our chance of success.

The tag on my rug says dry clean only… Is your method safe?

Being a dry cleaner as well, we can certainly make sure the safest method is used to clean your rug. There are many factors to consider when professionally cleaning an Oriental rug. We inspect your rug carefully to determine what method is safest to use. Our area rug cleaning technicians are trained, experienced, and certified to handle your investment properly.

What process do you use to clean my area rug?

We use a ten-step process that we have perfected to make sure we fit the cleaning method to the fibers, dyes, and other specificities of your rug.

I had a potted plant sitting on my Oriental rug. When I moved it, there was a black stain. Can you remove this stain?

Possibly. It really depends on the extent of the damage. Another concern would be with the water and dampness from the leaky pot potentially causing the foundation of the rug to become brittle. Please give us a call so we can evaluate your rug.

Do you bleach my fringe?

We do not bleach the fringe because chlorine-based bleaches damage the fiber by weakening it. However, we do have specialty non-chlorine products that we can use to make fringes whiter.

My Oriental rug has been in a fire. Can you remove the soot and odor?

We have been successful in removing soot and fire odor in most cases. However, we can not guarantee that we can do it 100% of the time.

Questions Regarding the Types of Rugs We Service

View a full list of all the rugs we work with on our Area Rug Care page.

Do you clean hooked rugs?

Yes. These are colorful yarn rugs hooked by hand with cotton or jute cloth backing.

Do you clean flokati rugs?

Yes. Flokati rugs are wonderfully thick, shaggy, and fluffy traditional Greek wool rugs.

Do you clean tribal rugs?

Yes. Tribal rugs were made by tribal communities or villages, sharing common patterns, structure, designs, and dyes.

Do you clean Navajo rugs?

Yes. These durable flatwoven rugs and textiles are beautiful pieces of art created by the Navajo people. They usually have no fringes and the dyes are often made from vegetables or local plants.

Do you clean sisal rugs?

Yes. These are sturdy rugs, made from the rope-like fibers of the agave plant. These rugs are natural and environmentally friendly.

Do you clean silk rugs?

Yes. Silk rugs are lovely tightly woven and elaborately detailed works of art.

Do you clean Edward Fields rugs?

Yes. Edward Fields is the manufacturer of luxurious tufted rugs.

Do you clean Karastan rugs?

Yes. Karastan is the manufacturer of beautiful, high-quality, machine-made Oriental design rugs.

General Questions About Professional Rug Cleaning

How often should I clean my area rug?

The time frame for cleaning a rug depends on how much traffic it gets. We recommend professional rug cleaning be performed every 1-3 years. If pets, smokers, or people with respiratory illnesses are in your home, area rug cleaning should be performed more often.

How do I determine when it is time to clean my area rug?

To determine if it’s time to clean your rug, try one of these simple tests:

Rub your palm on the rug for a few seconds. If your hand becomes dirty, it is time for cleaning.
Kneel down on the rug and smell it. If you detect a foul odor, it is time to have it cleaned.
Lift a rug corner and vigorously shake it up and down several times. If you see a dust cloud forming, it is definitely time for a cleaning.
With the rug facing up, fold a corner of the rug back, away from the pile, to expose the base of the fibers. Have the rug professionally cleaned if there is dirt deep in the pile.

Is my rug even worth cleaning?

That is a personal decision depending on your emotional attachment, if any, to the rug and the replacement value of the rug. Many people design a whole room around their Oriental rug and replacing it could require refurnishing the entire room. It may be cheaper to clean the rug. We will be happy to give you a professional estimate for cleaning to help you make an informed decision.

What can I do if I have a flood or water damage on my area rug?

If the rug is not dried properly and completely, the cotton foundation may become weak and rot as a result. Mold and bacteria may also thrive in such a damp environment. It is best to have the area rug professionally cleaned and dried.

What is moth repellant?

It is a colorless, odorless protective coating on the area rug that moth and their larvae do not like to eat. It is 100% child and pet safe.

Questions Regarding Rug Pads

How can rug pads protect my floor?

Area rug pads do much more than protect flooring from scratches and scuffs. The proper rug pad is a vital component in ensuring that a rug’s fibers are protected from the crushing impact of constant foot traffic. Rug pads absorb most of this pressure and increase the longevity of fine area rugs. Area rug pads also ensure reduced slipping and make area rugs feel even more luxurious.

What is Pet Urine Barrier?

PET URINE BARRIER rug pads protect your expensive hardwood, luxury vinyl tile, stone, concrete and other hard surfaces by keeping liquid spills from penetrating rugs and causing permanent damage to your flooring.

How can I get my rugs to stay in place?

Rug padding is an excellent way to keep your rugs in place. Pads resolve the issue of area rugs moving, curling up, and more.

How do I know what rug pad I need?

We offer 3 rug pad options to suit all rug types and situations. Eco Supreme is a thick, plush product for areas where you desire extra cushioning. Eco Premium is a mid-weight pad with extra cushioning for flatter rugs and runners. Eco by Design is an excellent light weight, thin pad for areas needing clearance, such as foyers, mud rooms, or hallways. Each of these products is Eco friendly, non-allergenic and sustainable.

What rug pad is good for people with allergies?

All of Glyndon Lord Baltimore Cleaners rug pads are non-allergenic, non-toxic, and have no odors or off gassing.

How long will a rug pad last?

Our Eco rug pads are warrantied for the life of the rug!

Can I wash rug pads?

Our rug pads can be professionally cleaned.

Will the rug pad bunch up under carpet?

No, our rug pads are designed to grip the floor and the rug.

Do the rug pads smell funny like a new rug or carpet?

That’s called off-gassing and occurs when chemicals are added. Our pads have no chemicals added during processing and are free of odors and off-gassing. Our rug pads are non-allergenic, non-toxic, Eco friendly, recyclable, and sustainable.

Do I need a different type of rug pad based on the size of my rug?

No, any rug pad you chose can be used with any size rug. It simply depends on the feel you want when walking on the pad and whether or not you need clearance for doors.

Are rug pads environmentally safe?

Yes, the ones we offer have been tested and Green Label Plus certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute. Our rug pads are non-allergenic, non-toxic, Eco friendly, recyclable, and sustainable. They have no odor or off-gassing and are the safest rug pads on the market. They are manufactured in the USA using recycled yarn waste.

Do these rug pads stick to the floor and deteriorate?

No, absolutely not. That is a problem caused by clay fillers added to the rubber in inexpensive rug pads.

How do I measure what size I need?

Measure the size of your area rug. Once you know the dimensions, a rug pad is usually cut 1 1⁄2” shorter on all sides to allow the rug to lay down on the edges.

Does Glyndon Lord Baltimore Cleaners custom cut rug padding?

Absolutely! The best time to have a rug pad cut is when we have your area rug in for cleaning because it allows us to customize the pad specifically to your area rug.

If I don’t need my area rug cleaned, but need a rug pad, can I just get a rug pad?

Yes! Please let us know the size rug pad you need, and we will be happy to customize one for you and deliver it within our service area.

Are rug pads safe for older people who may shuffle their feet?

That is one of the best reasons to purchase rug padding. A rug should drape over the side of the pad and protect the rug from sliding.

Questions Regarding Free Pick-Up and Delivery

Is there any extra cost or membership fee?

No. You pay our regular in-store prices. There are no additional fees.

Where are my clothes picked up and delivered?

At your front door, your office, or another suitable weather-protected location that you specify.

How do I let you know that I have an order to pick up?

Call 410-833-5200
Respond YES to the automated text asking if you have a pick-up
Leave a message in the customer portal

Is there a minimum order?

Whether it’s 2 shirts or 20 comforters, any size order is fine. Wash, Dry, Fold orders
have a 10 lb. minimum.

What do I put my clothes in?

For your initial order, items can be placed in any bag (shopping bag, trash bag, etc.)
clearly labeled on the front for Glyndon Lord Baltimore Cleaners (GLBC). For all future
orders, we will provide you with a complimentary, customized, reusable Glyndon Lord
Baltimore Dry Cleaning Garment bag. Your bag will be returned with each order.

Do I need to be there when the pick up and delivery is made?

No. Your Glyndon Lord Baltimore Cleaners driver will provide service to your pre-determined location.

When will my clothes be picked up?

Your pick-up and delivery service days will be provided once you have signed up for
service.

What about holidays?

We will inform you about schedule changes for pickup and delivery during holiday weeks.

What do I do with all my extra hangers?

If you would like to recycle your hangers, please leave them with your order and your driver will pick them up.

What do I do about a special request?

Attach a detailed note to the specific item along with your special instructions. We will
contact you if there are any questions.

What do I do if I have a problem when I get my clothes back?

For prompt assistance, call 410-833-5200
or email us. We will make sure your issue is resolved in a timely manner.

Do you do alterations?

Yes. For alterations, pin the instructions to the garment that needs alterations. Return times can vary depending on the complexity of the alteration.

How do I pay for service?

Your cleaning will be charged directly to your credit card upon delivery. We accept Visa/MC/Amex/Discover.

How do you keep my credit card information safe?

We use the latest encryption and authentication services for all of our web transactions so that your credit card information remains safe.

What if there is inclement weather?

We will inform you via text or email of any schedule changes due to inclement weather.

Questions Regarding Wedding Gown Cleaning and Preservation

How long does it take to clean and preserve my wedding gown?

The length of time depends upon your wedding gown. Some wedding gowns can be cleaned very quickly, and others require more time and attention. We ask for 10 to 12 weeks, but we can discuss options if your wedding gown is needed sooner.

What exactly is gown preservation?

Preserving your gown ensures that the fabric of your gown will not discolor or deteriorate because it is in a stable and protective environment. We use specialized techniques and materials to package and protect your gown from yellowing and permanent creasing. The acid-free, lignin-free wedding chests and tissue that are used in the preservation process are guaranteed to protect your gown for many years. Fabric can have a shelf life of 200 years if stored properly.

How soon after the wedding should I have my gown cleaned?

As soon as possible. Many stains, such as sugar stains from spilled champagne, won’t be visible to the naked eye until weeks after the wedding, but the longer a stain penetrates through the fabric of your gown, the more challenging it is to remove.

How should you store your cleaned and preserved wedding gown?

Avoid extremes of heat and humidity such as attics which are too hot and basements which are too damp. Keep your gown in a climate-controlled environment and avoid placing objects on top of the box. Under a bed or in the closet are good examples of where you may store your preserved gown.

Can you clean and preserve my wedding gown if it is more than twenty years old?

In most instances, yes. We have the expertise to care for your vintage garments if the fabric still retains its integrity and hasn’t dry-rotted.

Should the preservation box have an airtight seal?

No. Textile specialists and conservationists do not recommend sealing garments in airtight environments. The wedding chests we use have a fitted lid that can be removed to view your gown. Our preservation wedding chests also have a zippered, muslin cover as an extra layer of protection from dirt and dust.

Why should I preserve my wedding gown?

Even if you’re not sure if you will ever wear your wedding gown again, preservation can be a great idea for many reasons. Brides today are repurposing their gowns as christening gowns, ring bearer pillows, cocktail gowns, handbags, and drag brunch outfits (one of our brides did this just so she would have the chance to wear her gown again!). At some point, a family member may want to wear your gown as-is, or have it customized while keeping the sentimental connection to you. Some people choose to have their wedding gown preserved for the practical purpose of easier storage. Whatever you decide to do, know that by preserving your wedding gown, you are protecting the fabric’s integrity for decades.

Why should I have Glyndon Lord Baltimore Cleaners preserve my gown vs. sending it to a mail-order preservation company?

This answer is easy! Your gown is being cared for as the unique and special item it is by trained professionals. It does not leave our facility from the moment you drop it off until it is returned to you. There is no risk of your gown being lost in the mail or mishandled. We take the time to thoroughly assess your gown to address stains and missing embellishments, and we will contact you about any repairs that need to be made. We also love to have our brides, and anyone they would like to join them, meet with us to see the gown between cleaning and preservation. Our personalized attention to detail can’t be duplicated. And if you ever move, as members of the Association of Wedding Gown Specialists, we have an international guarantee from our partners in over 500 cities that they will inspect and press your gown at no cost and with the same level of care.

Why do you recommend bust pads be removed from a wedding gown before preserving?

Most bust pads are foam rubber inside a fabric sandwich. As they age, the rubber breaks down, gets hard, and eventually turns into little "pebbles" and "sand." Worse yet, as the rubber breaks down, it emits fumes that yellow the gown.

What is the cost to clean and preserve my wedding gown?

Wedding gown cleaning starts at $355. Cleaning + preservation starts at $475. Various factors play into the cleaning cost including fabric, age of the gown, and gown embellishments. We will provide a final cost after a thorough inspection of the gown.

Can my veil be preserved in the box with my wedding gown?

In most instances, yes! If we don’t have a large enough preservation box for both your veil and your wedding gown, we will preserve your veil in a separate box.

How do I get my gown to you?

There are several options. If you live within our service area, we provide free pick-up and delivery of your wedding gown. We also have two store locations where your gown can be dropped off – 4828 Butler Road, Glyndon, MD 21071, and 11223 York Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030.

Do I need to complete any paperwork?

Yes! There is an intake form that allows you to provide specific details about your gown. If you are having your gown preserved, we also have a monogram form for you to complete. Your initials and wedding date will be monogrammed on the muslin box cover that protect your cherished keepsake.