This handy checklist and questionnaire can help you find out! Uniform Quality and Cleanliness There are a few questions you can ask yourself to assess the quality of the uniforms you are getting. Here are some of them: Is the quality of the uniforms you are getting up to your standards? Any indication of quality decline – unaddressed damages, poor ...

Uniform service in 2021 for your business must leave problems of previous years behind. 2021 is the time for your uniform service to be everything you need it to be. The start of the year is always a ...

How do you get your dental service needs taken care of? At CLS, we provide high quality products, clean laundry service, and exceptional customer care. All in the same reliable package! CLS is in the business of making sure that everything your dental office needs is delivered safely and accurately. Hygiene + Efficient Services Some dental office l...

Professional laundering for the linens, uniforms, and materials for your business is vital for customer and employee safety and health. With viruses lasting on surfaces for days, even months at a time...

How important are linens and uniforms to you and your business? No matter what business you’re in, linens and uniforms likely have a presence in it. Depending on how these materials play in your opera...

Winter illness prevention is necessary for businesses to keep their employees healthy, and keep customers safe. As much as we love the real-life snow globe that Michigan transforms into in wintertime, we can't deny that it is one of the harshest seasons. It makes employees sick, reduces productivity, and affects overall business operations. Fortuna...

Without business protection in winter, every business is taking a risk. You might need a little extra hand, or two, to winter-proof your business. CLS has a range of services designed to boost your brand through the cold months: CLS Helps Keep Your Facility Cleaner and Safer Disease is one of the worst but often understated risks that comes with th...

Business floor protection can take many forms. The most effective and least costly business floor protection is a quality mat rental service. A high-quality mat service protects your business from more than mud and dirt, but from bad impressions, slip and fall accidents, and high costs as well. Here's how: Mat Service Protects Against Bad Impressio...

Does your industry need uniform services? If uniforms are part of your everyday operations, as they are for most restaurants, healthcare facilities, and industrial workspaces, there are many benefits to be had. Here's how your industry benefits from a uniform service:  Restaurant Uniform Service   In the wake of the new casual what u...

Looking for an upgrade for your business's uniforms? Are you tired of wasting money on disappointingly low-quality apparel for your business? You've come to the right place! CLS has the right uniforms for you. CLS offers a new, specialized selection of industrial uniforms that meet your needs on wearer comfort, durability, quality, and soundness of...

Nobody gets a second chance to make a first impression – and certainly no one gets it right with neglected, dirty, smelly restrooms. They are one of the most common reasons businesses lose customers. Restrooms with no toilet paper, or ones that they can smell from a mile away, screams neglect, poor management, and a lack of care. In this day and ag...

Stay Home, Stay Safe – we're doing that, now it is time to "Go to Work and Stay Safe" using facts and data. The economic reactivation in Michigan requires increased attention from all industries to maintain public health and a Pure Michigan. As restaurants open, they need to have practices for ensuring the safety and confidence of patrons. The Text...

As many dental practices and medical offices prepare to head back to work, they'll need to make major changes to their workflow in order to protect their team members, customers and patients.  Using a professional industrial laundry service like CLS can help them adhere to their new guidelines. The American Dental Association recentl...

There are many reasons why you shouldn't bring your uniforms home. Be it medical, dental, restaurant, or industrial apparel, no uniforms should leave the premises unless taken by an industrial laundry professional. From managing public exposure of pathogens to keeping the public at ease, leaving uniforms in the hands of a professional laundry servi...

It's a new world out there. One where we are hyper-aware of germs and the danger of bacteria and viruses that could be lurking on surfaces. At CLS, we have a number of products that can help make sure your business has the tools to disinfect. Microfiber cleaning towels and mop pads are some of the best defense against bacteria.  Microfibe...

May 28, 2020 UPDATE:CLS has a comprehensive COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Plan. To request a copy of it, please call 800-875-4636.March 23,2020 UPDATE:  Today the Governor of Michigan declared non-essential business closures as part of a new Stay at Home order. Continental Linen Service is considered an "essential business"...

Are your uniforms working for you? The one thing many industrial workplaces frequently get wrong about uniforms is performance. They are content with the bare minimum of industrial work uniforms – the ones that simply meet safety standards and not much more. You can do better than that. CLS's specialty uniform line, dubbed Next Generation Work Unif...

CLS takes environmental sustainability seriously. Since 2014 we have been working on ways to cut down on our utility usage and to execute ways to recycle or repurpose our products. We are always looking for opportunities to partner with our vendors to find innovative ways of being green. The Textile Rental Services Association (TRSA) has awarded CL...

Modern, sleek, and elegant bathroom products are not a fantasy. If you're looking to modernize your business's bathroom, CLS's line of Epik bathroom dispensers has just what you need. Our Epik line of paper, soap, and air care dispensers are sure to upgrade your bathroom's look while impressing your customers. Here are some of the benefits of using...

CLS Direct Access is your web portal to manage your uniform and linen rentals 24/7. And signing up is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Direct Access now features more tools than ever before. Here's a step by step guide to put you in control of your uniform or linen programs. To find our web-based app you have 2 choices: You can go to our home pag...

In Downtown Bay City sits a new restaurant with big plans to show off the tastes of Michigan.  MI Table, pronounced "my table," takes up a space that used to be an old bank. The old vault remains and is now used for special chef's table events. Everything else in the space has been transformed to show off our state. "Come have a seat...

 Touch-free systems for your business's bathroom have many advantages. From customer comfort to bathroom cleanliness, there's many reasons to go "touch free" in your restroom. Read on to learn why! Touch Free Systems Make Customers Comfortable Does anybody enjoy touching any part of an unfamiliar business's bathroom? Don't you feel relieved wh...

When you choose a vendor to provide your uniforms or linen, you expect them to make your job easier. And that's what CLS strives to do. After more than 120 years in business, CLS has learned how to avoid common issues in our industry.  First-- we take the work out of managing your uniform program. "What we find in our industry is it could...

Confusing invoices, unexplained billing and prices that change without notice. Do any of these sound familiar? At CLS we work to avoid those common complaints by being honest and helping our customers understand our billing process. "So we work really hard at CLS to have upfront pricing, bottom line pricing. When I give you a quote that's exactly h...

Having a comprehensive first aid program for your Michigan business is a smart way to manage any injuries. Your place of work needs a first aid program for wounds, burns, and cuts you might be liable for. If you're trying to make your business a safer place, a first aid kit is a good step in the right direction. The problem with first aid kits, tho...

Keeping your team looking great is hard work. But CLS is up to the task and we can take the work out of managing your work's uniform program. That includes replacing uniform pieces that no longer deliver the proper image. "What differentiates us at CLS is just within the last 2 years is we put up a whole new garment department, so it...

Are frequent shortages of items and garments a problem you see with your current linen or uniform supplier? At CLS, we work to make sure problems like that won't affect your business. It's one of the CLS Solutions you'll find to common industry problems. "Shortages are a very big thing in our industry," said Senior Sales Consultant, Jared Caron.&nb...

When your business has a problem, you need answers quickly. At CLS, we know the way we respond to issues and communicate with our customers can make or break our relationships.   "We're a locally family owned company. We're Michigan's largest independent and we handle communication differently than some of our competition," said...

 The CLS Team had a wonderful time at the annual Kalamazoo Holiday Parade over the weekend. The Kalamazoo Parade has been a community event for the past 57 years featuring a variety of floats, balloons, marching bands and a wide variety of businesses and organizations, including CLS!  Thanks to everyone who came out to help us kick off th...

Are your restaurant's employees protected against on-the-job injuries? There are fast-moving bodies, hot food, fire, greasy floors, and an abundance of knives and breakables – all in one room. It does not take much research to find that restaurant jobs can be some of the most dangerous. While little burns and cuts are unavoidable, wounds, impalemen...

If you run a business where image and safety matter, uniforms are essential for the job. But managing your uniform program can be a headache-inducing frustration.  This is where CLS can help. No matter the industry, our sales and service teams can help find the best uniforms to deliver your image, protect your employees, and help you stan...

October 29, 2019 Family-Owned Michigan Business Opens New Cadillac Branch Open House and Ribbon Cutting Event: Where: 1539 Plett Road, Haring Township When: Thursday, November 7th Open house: 4:30 to 6 p.m. Ribbon Cutting will happen at 5 p.m. Cadillac, Mich. -- Kalamazoo based Continental Linen Services (CLS) is hosting a ribbon cutting for their ...

At CLS, building relationships with our customers is one of the most important things we can do. From the moment you meet one of our sales consultants you'll spot the difference in our approach. Our Senior Sales Consultant, Jared Caron takes his role as guide for his customers seriously and whether he gets them to sign up for service...

Ever wonder what happens to the laundry we pick up from our customers from all over the state each week? CLS is in the middle of a seven-million dollar project to transform how we deliver the image of our customers. Phase one is now complete and it's already making a huge difference. The process starts with the customer storage bags that come ...

A mat rental service for your office, medical facility, or hospitality business will improve many things. By hiring a company with a mat management service like CLS, you'll improve the safety of your customers, comfort of your employees, and cleanliness of your business. Here's how: A Mat Rental Service Makes Customers Safer The last thing you want...

This past weekend, two dozen CLS team members weathered the bad weather to support Gryphon Place Suicide Prevention Walk. Team CLS played a part in helping them raise $76,000 for the cause!  Members of our team also volunteered to help set up before the walk, in addition to taking part in the 5K to raise awareness about suicide. Thank you...

The donations have been counted and CLS would like to thank all those involved in this year's TVM Memorial Golf Classic for making it a great event for an even better cause. "We would like to present the American Cancer Society with a check for $48,000 for our 2019 TVM Memorial Golf Classic. Pretty excited about this. This is good stuff and we ...

Members of the CLS team took part in the Kalamazoo 9/11 Memorial Stairclimb at Wings Event Center on Wednesday, September 11th. Along with local firefighters and community members, they climbed 110 floors to honor the 343 New York Firefighters who selflessly gave their lives 18 years ago. Pictured are CLS Senior Vice President and Owner S...

Floor maintenance is not simply a matter of cleanliness and satisfaction. While that is, without a doubt, one of the most important reasons to put effort into your floor's maintenance, there are many other reasons to give your facility's floors the proper love and care. For one, it is as much a matter of safety as it is cleanliness. For another, it...

Laundry and image are our business at CLS, but we know it's about so much more than that. "We're kind of that unknown industry that everybody's using our products," said Kurt Vander Meer, President and Owner of CLS. We know it's our sales and service teams that keep our customers coming back. "It's all about relationships. Our route guys, we k...

Thank you to the CLS team members and their families who gave up their time to make craft kits for Michigan kids who are in the hospital. We were able to drop off a number of boxes filled with fun activities for those at the Children's Hospital at Bronson Methodist Hospital.

A big shout out to our CLS team members who took part in the Ark In The Dark 5K & Auction. Together they helped The Ark Services for Youth raise more than $10,000 to aid in the fight to end youth homelessness and human trafficking. They say it was a lot of fun and felt great to be part of the event!

For 7 years, CLS has been raising money to support the American Cancer Society. The TVM Memorial Golf Classic began as a way to honor former CLS owner Ted Vander Meer and now supports so many others battling the disease and CLS team members who have been affected by cancer.  "It's been a very long journey. And I think a lot times people d...

The countdown is on! This month, CLS Team members, customer partners and community members will come together in honor of former CLS owner, Ted Vander Meer. This will be the 7th year for the Ted Vander Meer Memorial Golf Classic. Ted's sons, Ron and Kurt, who took over the family business from their father, put together the...

As a manager or business owner, you pride yourself on your company's image. From the uniforms your employees wear to the cleanliness of your facility, there are many ways to promote your brand and draw in new customers. But why is maintaining a positive company image so important? According to Forbes, brand image makes an impression, creates recogn...

At CLS, many of our team members have been with us for decades. And we know it's because of them that our customers stick with us for just as long. This month, Route Sales Professional Derek Anderson is celebrating 34 years with CLS. He started before we even had a branch in Cadillac and was a major force in the new building project curre...

Merrill's Service Center has been a staple in the Cadillac area since 1960. The full service car center helps customers both fix and maintain their vehicles. "Merrill's Service Center, we do all automotive repairs-- from tires, breaks, shocks, oil changes, engine diagnostics, transmissions, engines, tune ups, alignments, air conditioning, mufflers,...

 After months of hard work by our team members and contractors we are excited to announce that phase one of our Soil Transformation Project is complete. The investment will continue our family-owned company's mission of annually increasing production capacity in Kalamazoo and at the same time will reduce waste and the use of uti...

Does your company need a uniform program? We think so!  Work uniforms provide a cohesive look for your team, help customers identify your team members and promote your business image. CLS can take the work out of your work uniforms by not only providing all the items for you, but also washing and maintaining them too. Before those garments go ...

 Here at CLS, we've been a family-owned business since 1899. With over a century of experience, we've seen our community change and grow throughout the years. We are proud to be a part of the lower peninsula of Michigan. Our number one goal is to provide the best uniforms, linens, mats, and facility services possible to our customers. We know ...

Does Your Company Need Promotional Products?  If you're like many businesses, you likely have to work to make your marketing dollars stretch. Brand awareness is key, so how do you get your brand and logo out there without breaking the bank? Promotional products. The Rule of 7   Did you know that it takes multiple exposures to a brand...

In less than seven weeks, CLS Team members, customer partners and community members will come together in honor of former CLS owner, Ted Vander Meer. This will be the 7th year for the TVM Memorial Golf Classic. Ted's sons, Ron and Kurt, who took over the family business from their father, put together the golf tournament in his memor...

Getting fit and improving company morale, it's a mission team members at CLS set off on this January. They're led by Inventory Coordinator/ Wellness Coordinator Angela Castellanos-Vargas. Four days a week, she trades her forklift for her fitness class, taking CLS team members on a path to better health. "It's been a nice blessing for me to com...

For CLS Route Sales Professional, Perry Shepard, the days start well before the sun comes up. Each morning, he loads up his truck, ready to face between 20 and 40 customers. But for him, and many of the other CLS Route Sales Professionals, they've become so much more.  "A lot of these aren't really customers any more, they've go...

Located on 327 acres in the beautiful Northern Michigan countryside, Evergreen Resort is home to two award-winning golf courses, various nature trails, 117 cozy guest rooms, two restaurants and much more. Evergreen Resort has been part of the Cadillac community since 1949, slowing expanding to its current state. With miles of trails for hiking, bik...

First impressions are everything, and one of the first things a customer will see are your employees. People decide within a tenth of a second if they can trust someone. You have to earn their trust, and fast! Will customers trust your employees to get the job done if their uniforms are run-down, torn, faded, or unprofessional? Probably not. That's...

When it comes to industrial uniforms, not all are created equal. Not only do you want the correct uniform for the job, but you want your employees to be as safe and protected as possible. There were nearly 3 million non-fatal injuries and almost 5,000 fatal workplace incidents in 2015 alone. One of the best ways to prevent injury is to invest in th...

Updated May 20, 2019 Multi-million Dollar Upgrades Underway at CLS KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Kalamazoo based Continental Linen Services (CLS) is announcing the near completion of phase one of a 7-million-dollar upgrade project. The investment will continue the family-owned company's mission of annually increasing production capacity in Kalamazoo and...

Congratulations to Kalamazoo's Gryphon Place for raising more than $35,000 last week at their annual Eat Drink Give fundraiser. CLS was a proud sponsor of the gala.  Gryphon Place connects people and organizations to resolve conflict and crisis, foster volunteerism, and meet community needs. We are happy to help them in their effort ...

There are many different types of commercial floor mats available for you – but do you know which ones suit your business' needs best? Not all floor mats are made equal, and the choice you make when it comes to your commercial floor mats can make all the difference between effectiveness and an outright waste of time and money – and possibly a lawsu...

We hear a lot of talk about different companies “going green,” but we rarely hear about the specific policies they’re putting into place to make it a reality. Here at CLS, we believe it’s not enough t...

In your search for the perfect industrial uniforms for your employees, you may have come across brands that offer clothing made of moisture-wicking fabric, but what does moisture-wicking mean exactly?...

CLS is proud to sponsor Eat Drink Give, a fundraising gala that benefits Gryphon Place. Gryphon Place connects people and organizations to resolve conflict and crisis, foster volunteerism, and meet co...

When it comes to running a successful business - of any kind - the key is to make things as simple as possible. In order for your business to grow, you have to let go of overseeing and managing every ...

Is your business space winter-ready? Winter means a lot of things – the holidays and the merrymaking, the picturesque view of snow blanketing the landscape – but it is not so much a winter wonderland ...

Our CLS team loves being involved in our community and what better way to celebrate that than joining in the parade? Our "Welcome to Whoville" float was featured in the Kalamazoo Holiday Parade on Nov...

Restrooms are some of the most difficult-to-clean areas of any commercial space. Your commercial restrooms need constant attention to make sure that the floors are dry, the toilets and sinks are clean...

CLS was a proud sponsor of The Upside Down Banquet hosted by Bethany Christian Services on Thursday, November 8th, 2018. The event was held at the WMU Fetzer Center in Kalamazoo, MI. Several of our CL...

In every business, the restroom can be a frustrating project to take on. This is because commercial restroom cleaning is, in no way, related to business activity, yet it can make or break whether or n...

Some floor mats are designed for protection against dirt and debris from the outdoors. Others are designed to keep floors dry. There are also mats that are designed for boosted leg and feet comfort. A...

On Monday, August 20th, 2018 CLS hosted the 6th annual TVM Memorial Golf Classic. Due to our community’s overwhelming interest in showing support for the American Cancer Society, the event was expande...

On August 18th, 2018 Ark In The Dark of Kalamazoo hosted a Firefly 5K to end youth homelessness and trafficking. CLS were proud sponsors of the event and our team had a blast running with their glow i...

Every summer just before the big TVM Golf Classic, CLS takes a little break from work for a company picnic with one main focus – raising money and awareness for the American Cancer Society. Team membe...

We hate to break it to you, but one-size-fits-all is a lie. There’s no one shirt or pair of pants that will fit all of your employees perfectly, and there shouldn’t be. All of your employees are diffe...

If you haven’t worked with a corporate apparel rental service before, then finding your footing can be confusing. Let’s get back to basics! At CLS, our goal is to make everything as simple as possible...

When choosing industrial uniforms, you have to consider more than just what looks good. Depending on the business, industrial uniforms can be a barrier between your employees and a dangerous work envi...

Even if you don’t have heavy traffic in and out of your establishment, wet weather season tracks in 12 times more dirt, not to mention water. Vacuuming only removes 10-40% of dirt and dust. Not only i...

Recently featured on the WoodTV eightWest station, take a minute to watch our interview! http://woodtv.com/2017/08/11/fighting-the-fight-cls-golf-classic-to-benefit-american-cancer-society/

If someone asked a CLS member how cutting edge, modern, or cool our company or industry is, what would we say? We all know that the news is full of stories regarding carbon footprints and the cool com...

You’re going about your day and suddenly you get a whiff of something that brings back memories. Memories of that one vacation, or the flowers in that field you played in as a kid… or that nasty restr...

The great bathroom debate… no, not the one about which way the toilet paper roll faces – the one about the best way to dry your hands. Which method do you think is best? According to the Mayo Clinic, ...

Giving Back In our industry, our partners, vendors, and customers become family. Family inspires us to be better. One of our Family Members, Winona Paper helps put the "hope" in humanity. CLS would li...

CLS has taken on the Mannequin Challenge!

"We are so grateful and blessed to have companies like CLS helping us in the fight against cancer. The dollars we raise in 2016 is the money we spend on patients and progr...

To Our Valued Customers: We at CLS have exciting news! In order to better serve you, our valued customer we recently partnered with a dynamic wholesale janitorial supply company to enhance our product...

CLS helps its customers by eliminating fruit flies and drain flies from their businesses. Gene Kruse, Vice President, states that CLS is always looking for products and services to help customers and ...

CLS announces that it will hold its annual TVM Memorial Golf Classic for the American Cancer Society on August 17, 2015 at the Gull Lake Country Club. Please call 800-878-4357 for all the details.

CLS carries "Michigan Mats" which are designed especially for Michigan's harshest winters. Call 800.878.4357 for details. "Water Dam" border is designed to hold dirt and moistureRaised nubs hold dirt and moisture below foot level and are resistant to crushingStrong ability to absorb liquids makes this mat perfect for indoor or outdoor use100% recyc...

CLS attended the 9-11-14 Spartan Stores Fresh Experience trade show.

CLS is proud to announce that 6 of our Route Service Professionals recently were certified at the SE (Service Excellence) training program held on April 4, 2014. This is a great achievement said Kurt ...

CLS announces that Custom Logo mats will now be manufactured in HD (High Definition). Benefits are: 10 times the printing resolution25% more carpet plush / upscale lookPhoto quality imageThe floor is the first thing people look at when they enter the buildings (advertise where they look) "These are tremendous benefits for our customers to take adva...

CLS now carries the Michigan Mats to help our customers protect their floors. Vice President Gene Kruse says "These mats are a must have for businesses that are concerned about their facility floors a...

November is the month CLS recognizes its team members for all the hard work and dedication they put towards serving our customers. CLS will be holding events around the state of Michigan for all of our team members to say thanks. Kurt Vander Meer President

CLS is proud to announce that the first annual Ted Vander Meer Memorial Golf Classic, raised $20,500 for the American Cancer Society. On behalf of the Vander Meer family, and the CLS team I would like to thank all the sponsors, participants and volunteers for making this event such a great success. Kurt Vander Meer President.

CLS announces its annual Outer wear sales promotion. Save 20% on all outer wear. September 1, 2013 thru November 30, 2013

CLS has achieved the Clean Green Certification of TRSA. TRSA Clean Green Certification recognizes Continental Linen Services (CLS) to demonstrate a responsible leadership role in sustainability and conservation to protect the environment. The program acknowledges Continental Linen Services (CLS) in continuing commitment to improving efficiencies in...

CLS participated in the Spartan Stores "Fresh Experience" trade show on July 18th. It was a successful and well attended event.

We are having a golf outing in memory of our father (Ted Vander Meer) on August 19, 2013 at the Gull Lake Country Club in Richland Michigan. All the proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Please join us for a fun day of raising money for a great charitable cause. If you are interested in playing or sponsorship oppurtunities please...

Having an upcoming company or charity event? CLS now carries a full line of Promotional Products. Items such as name badges, lanyards, pens, cups, coolers etc...Visit our web site www.clsimage.espwebsite.com for all the details.

CLS's Microfiber Mop will revolutionize floor cleaning, saving your business time and money. Microfiber mops effortlessly surpass other floor mop and dust mop options by providing a safe, effective, and affordable way to clean.

CLS is proud to provide the technology that provides your employees & customers a Touch Free restroom experience. Patrons will appreciate a more hygienic washroom, and you'll benefit from an enhan...