New Ownership as of March 1, 2026
March 2026 – Sixty-six years on. Having been published monthly from October 1960 to date, there have been just two publishers of Cleaner & Launderer. Mr. Wally Urquhart of La Canada, California as the first. The mid eighties began a new era when, in honor to their parents Frank and Gladys Wakefield, from Leicester, England… Wakefield Publishing Company was born.
Mrs. Joan Reid and her sister Mrs. Dorothy Ballard began their venture bringing the industry the latest news. Since 1990 publisher Albane Wente, along with husband Randy Wente, and later son Justin Wente have been delivering Cleaner & Launderer monthly.
As of March 2026 Wakefield Publishing Co. is under new ownership. Mr. Ryan West is taking the reins and is the new Publisher of Cleaner & Launderer. His ownership of the company has actually brought us full circle. Ryan is the grandson of founding publisher Wally Urquhart!
Cleaner & Launderer former publisher Albane Wente pictured here with the new owner and publisher Ryan West.
We welcome Ryan knowing he will bring a new perspective with his knowledge of the industry. Ryan West may be contacted via email: ryan@wakefieldpublishingco.com or phone office (800)
793-2911; or cell (310) 200-2313.
