About Dry Cleaning Businesses

For busy professionals with soiled suits and shirts, the local dry cleaner can be a life saver. The dry-cleaning industry has grown steadily as many designer garments cannot be tossed is the wash. Those interested in running such businesses should understand the dry-cleaning process, as well as the challenges facing the industry, before investing. The typical dry cleaner must offer additional services and provide impeccable service to stay afloat.

History

The dry-cleaning industry was born in the 1850s when Jean-Baptiste Jolly used kerosene as a solvent to clean heavily soiled clothing and table clothes. Over the last 150 years, the major evolution in the dry-cleaning industry has been the move away from flammable materials. The adoption of a chemical called perc in the 1920s eliminated this problem, while increasing the cleaning power available to dry cleaners. Perc has been replaced in the last two decades by chemicals like Rynex and liquid silicone, which are more environmentally friendly.

Function

Dry cleaners use special machines filled with solvents that pull dirt, grease and other stains away from clothing. Once the cleaning process is complete, clothing is placed through an extensive drying process with heat and forced air, reinforcing the solvent's cleaning action. Dry-cleaning businesses may also offer garment bags, laundry bags and other supplies to generate revenue.

Time Frame

The solvent bath and drying applied to each piece of clothing can take a few hours to complete. While customers may expect their clothing to be completed quickly, dry cleaners take care of multiple customers each day. Some dry cleaners promise availability of clothing and accessories within 24 hours to keep customers coming back. Most dry cleaners can complete jackets, pants and ties within two days of delivery.

Size

The size of a dry-cleaning business depends on extra services provided, daily volume and the geographic reach desired by the owner. Most dry cleaners use small retail spaces for waiting areas, and take advantage of all available counter spaces and cleaning rooms to keep costs low. A dry-cleaning business connected to a laundry may need 2,000 to 3,000 square feet of space. depending on the number of washers and dryers. Dry cleaners who open multiple outlets in their communities may opt for 1,000 to 1,500 square-foot spaces to reduce overhead and save money for dry-cleaning supplies.

Considerations

Dry cleaners must weigh delivery options, service prices and state standards before opening their doors. While most businesses allow customers to pick up clothes at their convenience, a dry cleaner may be able to increase business by delivering finished clothing within a limited service range. Dry cleaners also need to be aware of the prices charged by competitors to find the right balance between making a profit and meeting operational expenses. Before prices and delivery become a consideration, dry cleaners must meet state health and environmental standards by using the right solvents.

Resources

• Martinizing
• Dryclean USA
• Cleaner's Supply