Fresh Starts, Folded Right: Inside the Harrington Family's Everything Clean
Some businesses start with a plan. Brian Harrington's started with a construction job that turned into part ownership of a laundromat — and from there, a mission took shape.
Before any of that, Brian spent 22 years in the United States Army, enlisting in 1984 and rising to Drill Instructor and eventually First Sergeant. That kind of career doesn't just end when the uniform comes off. The leadership, discipline, and accountability he built in the service became the foundation for everything he'd build next.
That foundation led him to co-found Happy Life Laundry in Rockford, Illinois, in 2015. After growing and selling that business in 2020, Brian launched Everything Clean in Elgin the very same year — and it's been growing steadily ever since.
Today, Everything Clean offers full-service laundry pickup and delivery, same-day laundry pickup, wash and fold, and dry cleaning pickup and delivery for both residential and commercial customers across the Fox Valley. Every load runs through a clean, safe, and welcoming space — with eco-friendly laundry options for customers who want convenience without the environmental trade-off.
It's still very much a family operation. Brian's wife, Donna, runs day-to-day operations and keeps things seamless behind the scenes. Their daughter Brionna, who also owns Briezay Dance Academy, and their daughter Nicole, who manages the evening shift, both play key roles. Their son Christopher has built a partnership alongside Brian through CNB Construction Consultants, Inc. and GCB Metal Building Systems LLC.
The Harringtons' reach goes beyond wash cycles. Donna leads a life skills class for special needs students, and the business regularly donates lost-and-found items to local charities — partnerships that have grown through trusted relationships with school districts including U-46, Burlington, and Hampshire.
The growth speaks for itself: Everything Clean now welcomes an average of 25 new customers a week, with plans to expand delivery service further and, eventually, franchise into a nationally recognized brand.
Brian's advice for anyone dreaming of starting a business? Build a real financial plan, invest in what you're building, and never underestimate location. But above all, he comes back to something simpler: treat people with respect, take pride in your work, and build something that lasts.
Everything Clean Laundromat
145 South Randall Road, Elgin
brian.everythingclean@gmail.com | (847) 697-0577
FAQ: Laundry Pickup & Delivery in the Fox Valley
Does Everything Clean offer same-day laundry pickup?
Yes. Everything Clean offers same-day laundry pickup for customers who need a fast turnaround, along with standard residential and commercial pickup and delivery scheduling across the Fox Valley area.
Is dry cleaning included in their pickup and delivery service?
Yes. In addition to wash, dry, and fold service, Everything Clean offers dry cleaning pickup and delivery, so customers can handle everyday laundry and specialty garments in a single stop.
Does Everything Clean serve businesses, not just households?
Yes. Everything Clean provides commercial laundry pickup and delivery for local businesses in addition to residential service, making it a practical option for offices, gyms, and other Fox Valley organizations.
