How to Start a Dry Cleaning Business in 13 Steps

Here are the most important things to consider when starting your dry cleaning business:

1. Location — Choose a location that is convenient and accessible for your target customers. High-traffic areas near residential neighborhoods or business districts can be ideal. 
2. Equipment — Invest in high-quality dry cleaning and pressing equipment. Modern eco-friendly technologies can also be a selling point for environmentally conscious customers.
3. Franchise — You can choose one of the franchises to get started such as Martinizing Dry Cleaning, Tide Cleaners, or Lapels Dry Cleaning. 
4. Licenses and permits — You will need a health department permit, and possibly a hazardous waste permit, depending on the chemicals used in your cleaning processes.
5. Register your business — A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple. Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the best LLC services on the market.
6. Legal business aspects — Register for taxes, open a business bank account, and get an EIN.
7. Online presence — Take your business online and get listed on Google Business, Yelp, and local directories and encourage positive reviews from your customers.
8. Software — Implement software systems for better inventory management, order tracking, and customer communication. 

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

Before you launch a business, you should ensure it’s a good fit for you and your lifestyle. For instance, dry cleaning businesses offer a steady flow of income, but leave little scope for creativity.

Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of starting your own dry cleaning business:

Pros and cons

Dry cleaning industry trends

Due to the sharp increase in working at home and the sharp decrease in going out, Covid-19 hit dry cleaning hard, forcing many businesses to close their doors. But now it’s begun to bounce back as consumers are likely to re-embrace dry cleaning services.

Industry size and growth

• Industry size and past growth – Research firm IBISWorld values the US dry cleaners market at more than $6 billion.((https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/dry-cleaners-united-states/))  
• Growth forecast – IBISWorld expects the industry to grow modestly at 1% in 2022. 
• Number of businesses – The US is home to more than 14,000 dry cleaners.((https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/dry-cleaners-united-states/)) 
• Number of people employed – The industry employs almost 94,000 people.((https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/employment/dry-cleaners-united-states/))

Trends and challenges

Trends shaping the dry cleaning industry include:

• Increasing use of self-serve washers and dryers
• Use of mobile apps for scheduling and delivery
• Preference for organic and environment-friendly cleaning solutions

Challenges in the dry cleaning industry include:

• Delayed B2B payments
• High attrition rate
• High level of competition

What kind of people work in dry cleaning?

• Gender – 61% of all dry cleaners are female, while 39% are male.((https://www.zippia.com/dry-cleaner-jobs/demographics/#gender-statistics))
• Average level of education – 48% are high school graduates while 20% hold a bachelor’s degree.((https://www.zippia.com/dry-cleaner-jobs/education/))
• Average age – The average age of an employed dry cleaner is 49 years old.((https://www.zippia.com/dry-cleaner-jobs/demographics/#age-statistics))

How much does it cost to start a dry cleaning business?

If you start out as a solopreneur, run your business from home, and use your personal vehicle for deliveries, it’s possible to start a dry cleaning business for as little as $8,000. At the other end of the scale, starting a full-service dry cleaning storefront could cost $50,000 or more. On average, it costs $30,500 to start a dry cleaning business.

You’ll need a handful of items to successfully launch your dry cleaning business. Here’s a list to get you started:

• Dry cleaning machine/s
• Presses and sorting bins
• Hangers and garment coverings
• Racks and tags
• Furniture and fixtures
• Point-of-sale (POS) technology
• Chemical solvents and stain removers

The major costs are procuring dry cleaning equipment, a delivery van, and marketing and advertising.

Start-up Costs	Ballpark Range	Average
Licenses and permits	$200 - $800	$500
Insurance	$200 - $400	$300
Branding, marketing, and advertising	$1,500 - $5,000	$3,250
Website	$200 - $1,000	$600
Hiring	$0 - $300	$150
Machines and equipment	$5,000 - $30,000	$17,500
Shop decor and furnishing	$0 - $3,000	$1,500
Delivery vehicle	$0 - $7,500	$3,750
Software	$100 - $200	$150
Cleaning chemicals/supplies	$1,000 - $2,000	$1,500
Miscellaneous	$800 - $1,800	$1,300
Total	$9,000 - $52,000	$30,500

How much can you earn from a dry cleaning business?

The average annual revenue for a US dry cleaner is about $250,000, but those starting out on their own should probably expect to bring in about a third of that total. With $84,000 in annual revenue and an 80% profit margin while operating from home, you can expect a profit of around $67,000.

A medium-sized dry cleaning shop with a good location can expect to hit the industry average of $250,000 in annual revenue. But with higher operating costs, particularly rent, your margin will fall to 60%. Still, that leaves a healthy profit of more than $150,000.

One of the benefits of the dry cleaning industry is that it lends itself to scaling up. Once your flagship store is established, you might look to open branches in other prime locations. Within a few years, you could have five branches bringing in a total of more than $500,000. Assuming a 50% margin due to increased operating expenses, your pre-tax profit would be a cool quarter of a million dollars.

What barriers to entry are there?

The dry cleaning industry has few barriers to entry.

As a business dependent upon expendable income, the dry cleaning market shrinks when times are tough. Also, entrenched dry cleaning franchises like Martinizing.com tend to enjoy high client loyalty, so establishing your own reputation and drawing customers can be a significant hurdle.

Step 2: Hone Your Idea

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

To give your new dry cleaning business the best possible chance of success, before you launch you should conduct in-depth market research in your area.

Identify all competitors within a five-mile radius and examine their service offerings, price points, and online customer reviews. Which services sell well in your area, and what might this market be missing? Consider how you might capitalize on your competitors’ weaknesses or beat them on their strengths.

One trend you might take advantage of is that customers are increasingly preferring “green” dry cleaners that embrace eco-friendly methods instead of harmful chemicals. The Eco Laundry Company is one example of a company that has successfully made this a selling point.

Once you’ve compiled your research on competitors and customers, look for the best way to position your company in the local market.

What? Determine your services

The main service offered by a dry cleaner is, as the name suggests, washing clothes without water. Instead, water-free chemical fluids are used to strip away the dirt without harming delicate fabrics. But you could also offer supplementary services to boost revenue, such as alterations, steaming and ironing, and storage.

How much should you charge for dry cleaning?

Prices vary based on fabrics and location, but a reasonable average is $5 for a shirt up to $30 for a comforter. Blouses, pants, skirts, sweaters, blazers and jackets are often $10 each, while dresses and suits cost $20. Overall, dry cleaning should average about $10 per item.

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

For most dry cleaning businesses, your main customers will be locals who regularly wear high-end clothes for work and events. Take the time to understand the demographics of your area, and how many customers you might have. You could also boost revenue by working with area businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and fast food outlets.

Where? Choose your dry cleaning location

Choosing the right location for your dry cleaning business is essential for attracting customers and ensuring its success. Look for a spot in a high-traffic area with good visibility, such as a busy shopping district or a popular downtown area.

Consider accessibility and convenience, ensuring that the location is easily reachable by public transportation and has ample parking.

By strategically choosing the right location, you can establish a profitable and successful dry cleaning business that caters to a wide range of customers and stands out in the competitive cleaning industry.

You can find commercial space to rent in your area on sites such as Craigslist, Crexi, and Instant Offices.

Step 3: Brainstorm a Dry Cleaning Business Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• The name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “dry cleaning” or “cleaners”, boosts SEO
• Choose a name that allows for expansion: “Fresh Dry Cleaners” over “Bridal Gown Care” or “Vintage Garment Care”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity.

Step 4: Create a Dry Cleaning Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive Summary: A concise summary outlining the fundamental aspects of the dry cleaning business, including its mission, key objectives, and anticipated success.
• Business Overview: A brief overview detailing the nature of the dry cleaning business, its location, and any unique features or advantages it possesses.
• Product and Services: Clearly define the specific dry cleaning services offered, including garment types, special treatments, and any additional services such as alterations or delivery options.
• Market Analysis: Provide a thorough analysis of the dry cleaning market, identifying target demographics, market trends, and potential growth opportunities.
• Competitive Analysis: Evaluate competitors in the dry cleaning industry, highlighting strengths and weaknesses, and showcasing strategies to gain a competitive edge.
• Sales and Marketing: Outline the sales and marketing strategies, encompassing pricing models, promotional activities, and customer acquisition tactics to attract and retain clients.
• Management Team: Introduce the key members of the management team, emphasizing their relevant skills and experience in the dry cleaning industry.
• Operations Plan: Detail the day-to-day operations of the dry cleaning business, covering aspects such as equipment, suppliers, staffing, and quality control measures.
• Financial Plan: Present a comprehensive financial plan, including startup costs, revenue projections, profit margins, and a break-even analysis, demonstrating the financial viability of the business.
• Appendix: Include any supplementary information, such as detailed financial projections, market research data, or legal documents, that supports and enhances the dry cleaning business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to dry cleaning. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your dry cleaning business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC, which just need to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization, and answer any questions you might have.

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number, or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans: This is the most common method, but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans: The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan.
• Government grants: A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Venture capital: Offer potential investors an ownership stake in exchange for funds, keeping in mind that you would be sacrificing some control over your business.
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best options, other than friends and family, for funding a dry cleaning business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept.

Step 8: Apply for Licenses/Permits

Starting a dry cleaning business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package. They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account.

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your dry cleaning business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of any of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.  

You could use dry cleaning management software, such as CleanCloud, SMRT Systems, Geelus, and Enlite POS, to streamline your operations and bookkeeping.

Accounting

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks, Freshbooks, and Xero. 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial. 

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using website builders. This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Marketing

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Professional Branding — Ensure your branding embodies cleanliness, efficiency, and trustworthiness, visible in your logo, signage, staff uniforms, and facility presentation.
• Local SEO — Optimize your website for local search terms related to dry cleaning and laundry services, making it easier for potential customers to find you. Regularly update your Google My Business and Yelp profiles to strengthen your local search presence.
• Business Partnerships — Form connections with local businesses, hotels, and corporations to offer your services, expanding your customer base.
• Social Media Engagement — Utilize platforms like Facebook and Instagram to share garment care tips, promotions, and behind-the-scenes content.
• Content Marketing — Maintain a blog to provide valuable information on clothing maintenance, fabric care, and the advantages of professional dry cleaning.
• Email Marketing — Send newsletters featuring special offers, seasonal garment care tips, and updates about your services.
• Educational Workshops — Offer workshops on clothing care, stain removal, and understanding garment labels to engage with the community and educate potential customers.
• Collaborations with Local Boutiques — Partner with boutiques, wedding planners, and corporate offices to offer tailored services and packages.
• Loyalty Programs — Develop a loyalty program that rewards repeat customers with discounts or free services after a certain number of visits or spending amount.
• Targeted Advertising and Promotions — Use local media and online advertising platforms like Google Ads to reach potential customers, and offer seasonal promotions tailored to customer needs, such as winter coat cleaning or spring wedding preparations.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your dry cleaning service meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your dry cleaning business could be:

• We use only eco-friendly cleaning solvents and renewable energy!
• Pick-up, cleaning, and return delivery in 24 hours guaranteed
• Emergency cleaning service, on call 24/7

Networking

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a dry cleaning business, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in dry cleaning for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in dry cleaning. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. Online businesses might also consider affiliate marketing as a way to build relationships with potential partners and boost business.

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from home, you may not need any employees right away. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a dry cleaner include:

• Cleaning Staff
• Marketing Lead
• General Manager
• Accountant

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed, Glassdoor, or ZipRecruiter. Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Dry Cleaning Business – Start Making Money!

So, you’re entering into a highly competitive industry. You can still succeed and capture a share of the market. You can do this by serving a particular niche or offering something new. It could be a service backed by the latest technology, or a solution in response to the increasing demand for organic and environment-friendly cleaning products. 

Whatever is more convenient for the consumers is sure to get the market’s attention. For example, you can introduce a mobile app that will make it more convenient to contract your services. With proper research, you should be able to make money in no time!

Quick Answers

How profitable is a dry cleaning business?

Dry cleaning business can be an extremely profitable business venture. Small company’s  profit before corporate taxes may begin from $67,500 per annum and grow to $500,000 or beyond with additional branches and investment.

Is it worth starting a drycleaning cleaning business?

Yes. The advantages of starting a dry cleaning business outweighs its cons, hence making it a suitable business to launch.

How is dry cleaning done?

Dry cleaning is similar to laundering with the main difference being the use of water. Laundry uses water and other detergents while dry cleaning does not use water and removes stains and dirts through chemical solvents.

How do I get clients for my dry cleaning business?

To get clients for your dry cleaning business, advertise in local media, maintain an active online presence, and encourage customer referrals. Target specific markets like hotels and restaurants, and build partnerships with local businesses to expand your reach.

What liquid is used in dry cleaning?

The liquid commonly used in dry cleaning is perchloroethylene (perc), although the industry is shifting towards more environmentally friendly alternatives like hydrocarbon-based solvents or liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) systems.

What materials are not suitable for dry cleaning?

Delicate fabrics like silk or lace, clothing with embellishments or beading, and items with leather or fur trims are not suitable for dry cleaning.