Metairie Cleaners - Our History

Our current location 123 Focis Street

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We have been serving our community for three generations since 1940

Founder Dewey F. Blades with 3rd generation owner Peggy Blades

The original Blades Cleaners was located on St. Roch Avenue in New Orleans.  It was owned by three brothers, Dewey, Bill and Carl Blades. In 1940, my grandfather, Dewey F Blades left the family business to venture out to what his brothers teasingly call “That farmland called Metairie.”  He purchased Metairie Cleaners which was located on Metairie Road at Dahlia Street.  He soon moved to our present location at 123 Focis street. 

After WW2, Camp Plauche offered barracks buildings for free to anyone who could come get them. My Grandfather did just that and put that building on top to be their home. That is where my grandparents lived when I was a child.  

In 1972, Dewey retired and moved to Abita Springs.  His son, my uncle, Tommy Blades took over the business and successfully operated it until his passing in 1979.  My father, Richard Blades bought the business from Tommy’s two sons. I came to work here while attending UNO.

In 1983, I began to work here full time. Old Metairie began to grow during that time and so did we.  We earned the reputation of being “The Prestige Cleaners" in the Metropolitan area.  My parents and I worked very hard to be a professional business giving outstanding customer service and quality care.  

My father passed away in 2008 and my mother, Barbara Blades in 2018.  Brenda Delaune joined our business in 1991 and became one of the family.  Today, Brenda and I continue our passion to give our customers Great Quality with a warm and welcoming smile.

We thank you for being with us for all these years.

Peggy Blades, Owner

Peggy Blades 1983

Peggy 2019

Some of the crew -1983

Polly the Parrot
1983 -2012