Overview of Dry Cleaning Industry
Dry cleaning is part of the other services sector (NAICS 81) and includes laundry services and industrial launderers. It involves cleaning fabrics in a substantially non-aqueous liquid medium, offering an effective and low-cost method for removing soils from different textiles.
Market Perspectives and Strategies for Dry Cleaning Businesses
The dry cleaning industry comprises 30,000 small businesses with low barriers to entry. The average profit margin is around 150 percent, with dry cleaners making $1 or more in profit per garment. Businesses can be categorized as "plants" or "drop shops," and exploring options like home pickup and delivery can improve customer convenience.
Guidelines for Effective Dry Cleaning Process
- Garment Classification for Dry Cleaning
- Check garment labels for the dry clean symbol (a circle) and recommended solvent type.
- Pre-treat stains before placing garments in the dry cleaning machine.
- The machine uses solvents like tetrachloroethylene, water, and drying agents tailored to fabric types.