Overview

The 18,500 dry cleaning firms 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 (percholoroethylene) 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.