Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services

The 14,248 Dry cleaners in the US provide services to clean and maintain clothing and home furnishings, such as drapes and bedspreads. Services are provided to both individual consumers and commercial accounts and include cleaning, alterations, and repairs. Most firms are independently owned, but may operate as franchisees of national chains.

Changing Regulations

Industry regulation of Perc (perchloroethylene) is continuing to become more stringent.

Green Cleaners as Market Opportunity

Some dry cleaners are using growing opposition to Perc as an opportunity to operate in a more environmentally-friendly way, and advertise their “green” status.

Jul 21, 2026 - RTO Trends Offer Dry Cleaning Opportunity

• California's expanded return-to-office mandate could provide a modest demand boost for the US dry cleaning industry by increasing the number of employees commuting and wearing office attire more frequently, according to a Facilities Dive report. Beginning July 1, about 109,000 California state employees are required to work in the office four days a week, up from two, potentially increasing demand for garment care services in affected markets. While the policy applies only to California state workers, it reflects a broader trend of employers requiring more in-office time, which could support higher dry cleaning volumes if adopted more widely. However, the mandate has faced union opposition and questions about workplace readiness, suggesting any industry benefit may be gradual and uneven rather than immediate or nationwide. Demand for dry cleaning services may increase as more workers return to their offices, and more professional clothes are needed.
• The Other Services industry, which includes dry cleaning, pet care, personal care, and repair services, remained in expansion in June alongside the broader US services sector, as the ISM Services PMI registered 54.0, marking the 24th consecutive month of growth despite a slight slowdown from May, according to June's 2026 ISM Services PMI report. Other Services was among the industries reporting higher business activity, new orders, and order backlogs, indicating steady demand for businesses. However, the industry continued to face higher input costs and slower supplier deliveries, while hiring lagged the broader services sector, whose Employment Index returned to expansion at 51.2.
• Despite increasing adoption of automation and digital tools, US dry cleaners continue to rely heavily on traditional service practices that differentiate them from other service providers, according to an American Drycleaner survey. The survey found that 95% of operators still hand-finish certain garments and 90% greet regular customers by name, underscoring the industry's emphasis on quality and personalized service. Many operators view personal customer relationships, hands-on training, and owner involvement as competitive advantages that should not be lost as the industry modernizes. However, respondents identified multigenerational ownership and traditional apprenticeship-style training as practices most at risk of disappearing. For the US dry cleaning industry, the findings suggest that while technology can improve efficiency, maintaining high-touch customer service and specialized garment care remains critical for customer retention, differentiation, and long-term business success.
• The US dry cleaning and laundry services industry is increasingly balancing automation investments with personalized customer service as operators adapt to changing customer preferences and shifting garment demand, according to an American DryCleaner report. Cleaners interviewed in the report said technologies such as kiosks, customer apps, and upgraded POS systems are improving efficiency, but excessive automation can risk weakening customer trust and service quality. The industry’s customer mix is also evolving: operators reported declining baby boomer business volume but rising demand for wash-and-fold services, comforters, household goods, alterations, and high-end casual apparel. One cleaner noted that expensive jeans and polos are now being brought in for professional care more frequently since workplace attire became more casual after the pandemic. The report suggests successful operators are differentiating themselves through service quality, packaging, communication, and customer loyalty rather than competing on automation alone.

Industry size & Structure

An average dry cleaner has 6 employees and generates $550,744 in annual revenue.

• The US has about 14,248 firms with about $7.8 billion in annual revenue.

• The average establishment has over $100,000 worth of equipment, and spends around $7,000 a year on advertising.

• Dry cleaning establishments may be independently owned or operate as a franchise of a national chain.

• Segments include cleaning services for individuals and businesses, reselling, and alterations.

• Large companies include DryClean USA, Tide Cleaners, Comet Cleaners, and Martinizing Dry Cleaners.