Crystal Cleaning Center in San Mateo’s Crystal Springs Village Shopping Center enjoyed celebrating their 50th anniversary on July 12th. Lynnette Watterson and staff used this occasion to fondly take a look back at the long history of Crystal Cleaning Center, still in the same location. Founded by her mother, Violet Janks, in 1963 the business remains one of the most specialized and successful dry cleaners in the San Francisco bay area.
Violet Janks background was in textiles and sewing, so when the family emigrated here from South Africa it seemed natural to begin a profession in the dry cleaning business. Lynnette spent many hours in the business as a child, and after completing a career in another field returned to the business as a mother-daughter team, up to Janks retirement from day-to-day operations in 1994. Violet Janks, an industry icon, passed in 1995, but her legacy lives on in the business to this day.
Not just a traditional dry cleaner, they also specialize in wedding gown preservation and vintage clothing restoration. Family heirlooms are the most treasured possessions one can own. They are not only of great value but are also priceless in terms of the history and memories However, after being passed from generation to generation and from family member to family member, these items may very well require the use of an expert to restore them to their former glory, especially in the case of clothing. As a vintage clothing restoration expert, Crystal Cleaning Center understands this and continues to offer respect and care while restoring precious garments.
They not only value their customers and have many families as customers who are third-generation, but employees as well with many long-time employees.
Lynnette Watterson is also involved with the California Cleaners Association, currently as the Division 3 Director and Membership chair. She has held many positions with CCA including Division Director, Membership Committee and Public Relations Committee member, chaired the Membership Committee, Treasurer, Vice President and Past-President.
In addition, Crystal Cleaning Center has been recognized as the Dry Cleaner of the Year by CCA in 2010, and was also named the International Dry Cleaner of the Year in 2010 by IDC. Recently, Crystal Cleaning Center received the Drycleaning and Laundry Institute’s Seal of Approval Award of Excellence.
