Dry Cleaning Business Startup FAQs: Permits and Costs

Permits, Equipment, and Costs to Plan Before Launch

Before you chase equipment or a location, pause and ask two questions: Is owning a business right for you, and is a dry cleaning business right for you?

If you feel unsure, start with these business start-up considerations. They help you think clearly before you spend money.

Passion matters here. A dry cleaner deals with detailed work, customer expectations, and strict rules around chemicals and waste. Real passion supports persistence when problems show up.

Now the motivation check. Ask yourself: “Are you moving toward something or running away from something?” If you’re starting only to escape a job or financial stress, you can end up choosing the wrong business model or rushing a lease.

Reality check: income can be uncertain, hours can be long, and some tasks will be hard and repetitive. You may have fewer vacations early on, and the responsibility sits with you. You’ll need family support, the right skills, and enough funding to start and operate until sales stabilize.

A dry cleaning business is commonly a storefront that accepts garments and household textiles for cleaning, pressing, and finishing. Some owners run an on-site plant. Others run a “drop store” (an agency) that sends work to a partner plant.

In the United States, the NAICS definition for dry cleaning and laundry services includes laundering, dry cleaning, and pressing apparel and linens, and can include pick-up and delivery stations and specialty items like fur garments. Linen and uniform supply is classified separately.

Talk to owners before you commit, but only talk to owners you will not be competing against. Look outside your immediate area so you don’t create a conflict.

Ask a few direct questions:

“What surprised you most during setup and inspection?”
“What would you do differently before signing your lease?”
“What compliance issue caused the most delays, if any?”

How Does a Dry Cleaning Business Generate Revenue

Most revenue comes from charging per item for cleaning and finishing. Many shops also add related services that fit the same customer visit.

You can keep revenue simple at first and expand after you are stable.

Per-item dry cleaning (suits, dresses, coats, uniforms)
Laundry and pressing (shirts, workwear, linens)
Household items (comforters, curtains, table linens) when your setup supports it
Alterations and repairs (in-house or through a partner)
Pick-up and delivery fees (route-based or on-demand)
Business accounts (restaurants, offices, salons, medical and service uniforms)

Products and Services to Offer

Your early service menu should match your equipment, your space, and your local demand. Start with what you can deliver consistently.

Many new owners keep the first menu tight and add specialty items later, once quality is locked in.

Garment dry cleaning and finishing
Laundered shirts and pressing
Stain treatment and spotting
Household textiles (blankets, comforters, drapes) if you can process them safely
Alterations and repairs (partnered or in-house)
Seasonal storage services (for example, specialty garment storage) if allowed and practical

Customer Types to Plan For

Dry cleaning is usually a repeat-visit service. That’s helpful, but it also means customers notice quality and timing fast.

Plan your launch around the customers you can serve best, not every customer in town.

Local individuals and households
Professionals with workwear needs (office staff, sales, hospitality)
Event customers (formalwear, uniforms)
Small business accounts (restaurants, salons, offices, service companies)
Property managers and short-term rental operators (linens and turnover needs) if your model supports it

Pros and Cons to Weigh

It’s tough when a business looks simple from the outside but has real complexity behind the counter. Dry cleaning can be steady, but only if setup is done correctly.

Use this list as a decision tool before you sign anything.

Pros: Repeat customer behavior, local service demand, potential for business accounts, and clear service pricing per item.
Cons: Equipment and build-out can be costly, solvent and wastewater rules can be strict, and quality control is detail-heavy.
Pros: Multiple business models (plant, drop store, pick-up and delivery) let you scale in stages.
Cons: Some solvents have federal restrictions, and poor compliance planning can delay opening.

Is This the Right Fit for You?

This business can fit you if you like structured work, you care about consistency, and you can stay calm when customers are stressed about a garment.

It may not fit if you want a low-compliance business or you dislike hands-on problem-solving.

Good fit: Detail-oriented, customer-focused, comfortable following procedures, willing to learn textile care.
Not a fit: You want a hands-off business from day one, or you avoid regulated chemicals and recordkeeping.
Quick self-check: Can you handle complaints politely, keep records clean, and stay consistent even on busy days?

If you want a clearer picture of how owners think and what they watch, use the business inside look approach as part of your pre-launch learning.

Skills You Need and How to Close Gaps

You don’t need every skill on day one, but you do need a plan for each one. You can learn, outsource, or bring in a trained employee where it matters.

What matters most is that nothing critical is ignored during setup.

Textile knowledge (fabric types, care labels, shrink risk, colorfastness)
Spotting and stain treatment basics
Machine and finishing workflow understanding (cleaning, drying, pressing, packaging)
Customer service and claim ticket handling
Basic bookkeeping and cash control
Compliance basics for chemical safety and waste handling
Vendor management (chemicals, parts, maintenance service)

If you need help, build a small support bench early. This guide on building a team of professional advisors can help you decide who to involve before opening.

What the Day-to-Day Work Looks Like

Even if you plan to hire later, assume you will do many tasks yourself early on. It’s tough when you realize the counter and the back room both need attention at the same time.

Knowing the daily flow now helps you choose the right business model and staffing plan.

Receive garments, inspect condition, document issues, and create claim tickets
Sort by cleaning method and fabric risk
Spot and pre-treat stains
Run cleaning or laundering cycles and handle drying steps
Press, steam, finish, and package items
Stage orders for pickup or delivery
Maintain basic logs and handle required chemical safety information

A Day in the Life of an Owner

A typical day often starts with opening tasks and checking what must be processed first. Then you bounce between the counter, the production flow, and vendor needs.

In the afternoon, you usually shift toward finishing work and staging orders, then end with closeout tasks and prep for tomorrow.

Step 1: Choose Your Business Model and Scale

Start by choosing how the work will be cleaned. This decision shapes your location, your equipment, your compliance needs, and your startup budget.

A drop store (agency) can be started with fewer machines, while an on-site plant is a bigger build-out with more moving parts.

Pick a model: on-site plant, drop store (send-out), pick-up and delivery with a partner plant, or a hybrid
Decide if you will offer laundry and pressing from day one or add later
Choose staffing approach: owner-run at launch vs staffed counter and production
Decide if you need partners or investors based on the build-out scale

Step 2: Validate Demand and Profit Potential

Don’t assume demand. Verify it locally. Your goal is to confirm steady volume at prices that cover expenses and allow you to pay yourself.

You can use a basic supply and demand check to keep this grounded.

List your target customer groups (households, professionals, business accounts)
Visit competitors and document their service mix, posted pricing, and turnaround promises
Estimate weekly order volume needed to cover fixed expenses plus owner pay
Test interest: talk to nearby offices, restaurants, and property managers about needs and pickup habits

Step 3: Decide on Location and Site Type

Location matters more for a walk-in counter model than for a route-focused pickup and delivery model. Your site choice must also fit zoning and building requirements.

If you need help thinking through site tradeoffs, review these business location considerations.

Choose site type: retail storefront with plant, storefront drop store, or low-visibility space for route-based service
Check parking and safe customer access
Confirm space supports equipment needs (utilities, ventilation, and layout)
Plan for deliveries, waste pickup, and service access without blocking neighbors

Step 4: Define Your Service Menu and Quality Standards

Your service menu should match what you can process safely and consistently at launch. Specialty items can be added after you stabilize.

Set clear standards for inspection, documentation, and customer communication before you open.

Choose launch services (garments, shirts, household items as appropriate)
Decide whether to partner for alterations, specialty cleaning, or overflow capacity
Set simple policies for stain risk, damaged items, and customer approvals

Step 5: List Startup Essentials and Build a Budget

This is where many first-time owners get overwhelmed. It’s tough when you realize the “machines” are only one part of the bill.

Use a structured approach like estimating startup costs to capture everything that must be paid before opening.

Lease and build-out (deposit, improvements, inspections, utility connections)
Equipment purchase, delivery, installation, and commissioning
Ventilation and safety needs tied to your cleaning method
Permits, licensing fees, and professional help (legal, accounting, design)
Initial supplies (chemicals, packaging, hangers, tags)
Software and payment processing setup
Brand basics (signage, website, printed materials)

Scale drives cost. A drop store can be lower equipment spend, while an on-site plant often requires major utilities and specialized installation.

Step 6: Fill Skill Gaps Before You Sign a Lease

Dry cleaning is technical. If you haven’t worked in a plant, plan training or bring in experience early.

Small win: even a few weeks of hands-on learning can prevent expensive setup errors.

Get hands-on exposure in a non-competing market if possible
Identify which work you will do vs what you will outsource
Line up a maintenance service option for launch support

Step 7: Write a Business Plan Even If You’re Self-Funding

A business plan is a planning tool, not a bank document. It forces you to connect volume, pricing, costs, and staffing into one realistic model.

If you need a guide, use how to write a business plan as your framework.

Define your model (plant vs drop store) and service menu
Set sales assumptions (items per day, average ticket size, business accounts)
List fixed expenses and what must be paid before opening
Plan staffing at launch and the first hire trigger

Step 8: Choose a Legal Structure and Register the Business

Many owners start as a sole proprietorship because it is simple, then form a limited liability company as the business grows. The right choice depends on risk, financing, and your long-term plan.

Use how to register a business to walk through the practical steps, then verify requirements with your state’s Secretary of State.

Choose structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, corporation)
Register with the state if your structure requires formation filings
File an assumed name or doing business as name if you will operate under a trade name (varies by jurisdiction)

Step 9: Set Up Tax Accounts and Business Banking

Get your tax basics in place early so you don’t delay hiring or opening. An Employer Identification Number is commonly used to open business accounts and for tax filings.

Open a dedicated business account at a financial institution and keep business activity separate from personal spending.

Apply for an Employer Identification Number if needed
Register for state tax accounts that apply to your sales and payroll situation
Set up a system to track revenue, expenses, and deposits from day one

If you expect to borrow, review how to get a business loan so you know what documents lenders usually require before you apply.

Step 10: Plan Environmental, Safety, and Building Compliance Early

This step is critical for dry cleaning. Your cleaning method affects federal rules and local approvals. If you plan it early, you avoid delays later.

The Environmental Protection Agency has rules that restrict newly acquired perchloroethylene dry cleaning machines, and federal air standards apply to perchloroethylene dry cleaning facilities. Your local sewer authority may also require pretreatment approvals for wastewater discharges.

Choose your cleaning method with federal restrictions in mind (especially if considering perchloroethylene)
Plan how you will store chemicals and handle waste streams safely
Set up a hazard communication program approach for chemicals, labels, safety data sheets, and training
Identify wastewater and contact water sources and ask your sewer authority what approvals apply
Confirm building requirements tied to your equipment and ventilation before build-out

Step 11: Do a “Varies by Jurisdiction” Verification Pass

Keep this simple. Your job is to confirm what applies where you live, and who enforces it. Ask direct questions and write down names and dates.

Use this checklist to verify locally. When you see “Varies by jurisdiction,” confirm on your city, county, or state portal.

Entity formation: What to consider: filing requirements for your structure. When it applies: before opening accounts and signing vendor contracts. How to verify locally: [State Secretary of State] -> search “business entity search” and “form an LLC.”
Employer Identification Number: What to consider: whether you need one for banking, hiring, and tax filings. When it applies: before payroll setup or opening certain accounts. How to verify: [IRS] -> search “Get an employer identification number.”
State tax registration: What to consider: sales and use tax and employer withholding rules. When it applies: before you accept payment and before hiring. How to verify locally: [State Department of Revenue or Taxation] -> search “register for sales tax” and “withholding account.”
General business license: What to consider: city or county licensing rules. When it applies: before opening to the public. How to verify locally: [City/County business licensing portal] -> search “business license” and “dry cleaning.” Varies by jurisdiction.
Zoning and home-occupation rules: What to consider: whether your site use is allowed. When it applies: before signing a lease or buying equipment. How to verify locally: [City/County planning and zoning] -> search “zoning code” + “dry cleaning” + “laundry.” Varies by jurisdiction.
Certificate of Occupancy: What to consider: whether the space can legally be used for your business after build-out. When it applies: before opening. How to verify locally: [City/County building department] -> search “Certificate of Occupancy” and “change of use.” Varies by jurisdiction.
Fire and building safety review: What to consider: chemical storage, ventilation, and equipment placement. When it applies: during build-out planning. How to verify locally: [Fire marshal or fire department prevention division] -> search “chemical storage permit” and “flammable liquids.” Varies by jurisdiction.
Wastewater and pretreatment: What to consider: approvals for nondomestic discharges to a sewer system. When it applies: before plumbing and drain connections are finalized. How to verify locally: [Local sewer authority/Publicly Owned Treatment Works] -> search “pretreatment program” + your city name. Varies by jurisdiction.

Owner questions to decide what applies:

Will you operate an on-site plant, or will you be a drop store sending work out?
Will you hire employees in the first 90 days?
Will you use pickup and delivery vehicles, and will you store chemicals on-site?

Step 12: Secure the Site and Plan the Physical Setup

Once you know your model and compliance needs, choose a site that can support your build-out. Dry cleaning equipment can require specialized utilities and ventilation planning.

Get written confirmation from the landlord on what changes are allowed before you sign the final lease terms.

Confirm electrical, plumbing, venting, and floor load needs for your equipment
Plan a clean flow: receiving area, processing area, finishing, and staging for pickup
Plan secure storage for chemicals and customer items
Plan customer-facing basics: counter, racks, and clear signage

Step 13: Choose and Source Essential Equipment

Your equipment list depends on whether you run an on-site plant or a drop store. If you run a plant, plan equipment as a system, not as separate purchases.

Below is a startup-focused equipment checklist. Remove items that do not apply to your model.

Customer-Facing and Order Control: point-of-sale system, receipt and ticket printer, garment tags, tag gun or tag method, order staging racks, hangers and packaging supplies, counter workspace, customer storage racks
Dry Cleaning Core (On-Site Plant): dry cleaning machine compatible with your chosen solvent, solvent storage and handling setup as required by manufacturer, still and filtration components that are part of the system, lint and button trap components as designed
Laundry and Wet Cleaning (If Offered): commercial washers, commercial dryers, detergent dispensing system, wet-cleaning finishing tools as needed
Finishing and Pressing: utility press, pants topper, shirt unit, steam iron and vacuum board, steam generator or boiler (if required for your setup), garment steamer, finishing forms as needed
Spotting and Stain Treatment: spotting board, spotting gun set, vacuum source for spotting table as required, spotting chemicals (based on training and supplier guidance), stain identification tools as needed
Air and Utilities Support: air compressor (if required by finishing equipment), water heater (if needed), water filtration/softener (if needed), ventilation components required for your equipment and space
Material Handling and Storage: rolling racks, shelves for supplies, secure chemical storage cabinets or rooms as required, labeled waste containers as required, carts and bins for sorting and movement
Quality Control and Safety: personal protective equipment appropriate to chemicals used, eyewash station if required by your chemical safety plan, spill control supplies, labels and safety data sheet access system
Optional Add-Ons for Certain Models: delivery vehicle (if offering pickup and delivery), route bins and garment covers, barcode labeling system, conveyor system (larger plant), customer notification system (text or email) tied to your point-of-sale

Before purchasing anything major, confirm installation requirements, training availability, and maintenance support. For perchloroethylene systems, verify federal restrictions on newly acquired machines before you commit.

Step 14: Set Up Suppliers and Service Partners

Suppliers are part of your launch system. You need reliable chemical supply, packaging supply, and repair support before opening day.

If you operate as a drop store, your most important supplier is your partner plant agreement.

Choose a chemical supplier with training support and clear safety documentation
Set up packaging, hangers, tags, and garment cover suppliers
Line up equipment service and maintenance support
If sending work out, confirm turnaround times, quality standards, and responsibility for customer claims

Step 15: Build Pricing and Your Customer Paperwork

Pricing has to cover direct costs and fixed expenses, and still leave room for owner pay. Keep pricing simple at launch so your team can execute consistently.

Use pricing your products and services to structure how you calculate and present prices.

Create a core price list for your top services and items
Set add-on pricing rules (rush service, heavy stain work, specialty items)
Draft claim ticket terms in plain language (documentation, pickup timeframes, approvals)
Set up card processing so you can accept payment consistently

Step 16: Insurance and Risk Setup

Insurance is part of launch readiness, especially if you have a lease, equipment financing, employees, or delivery vehicles. Requirements often come from landlords and lenders, and workers’ compensation rules commonly apply once you hire employees.

Use business insurance guidance as a starting point, then confirm requirements with your insurer and local rules.

General liability coverage planning
Property coverage for equipment and inventory
Workers’ compensation planning if you will hire employees (varies by jurisdiction)
Commercial auto planning if you will run pickups and deliveries

Step 17: Name, Brand Identity, and Digital Footprint

Your name and online presence are part of being findable. Lock in a business name, domain name, and social handles early so you don’t get blocked later.

This guide to selecting a business name can help you think through naming clearly.

Choose a name and confirm it is usable in your state and online
Register your domain and claim key social profiles
Build a basic website plan using an overview of developing a business website
Create essential brand items: logo, business cards, and signage

If you want structured brand basics, review corporate identity package considerations, then decide what you truly need for opening day.

For printed items, keep it practical. Use what to know about business cards and business sign considerations to avoid ordering the wrong materials too early.

Step 18: Hiring Plan and Launch Staffing

Even if you start solo, plan when you will add help. Dry cleaning can require coverage at the counter while production work continues.

If you want a simple framework, use how and when to hire to decide what role comes first.

Decide what must be staffed at opening (counter coverage, pressing, spotting)
Write simple job duties and minimum training requirements
Plan your first 90-day schedule and coverage plan

If you want a quick warning list before you commit to staffing too early, review common startup mistakes to avoid and apply the ideas to hiring and spending decisions.

Step 19: Pre-Launch Marketing Plan and Opening Plan

Your marketing plan should answer one question: how will local customers find you and trust you enough to try you?

If you are opening a storefront, use how to get customers through the door as a planning guide.

List your launch channels (local search, signage, nearby business outreach)
Create simple offers that don’t complicate production (for example, a first-visit discount on core services)
Plan outreach to business accounts and property managers
If doing an event, use grand opening ideas and keep it manageable

Step 20: Pre-Opening Checklist and Final Readiness Test

This is your last checkpoint before you open the doors. Keep it calm and structured. Small win: a clean final checklist prevents first-week chaos.

Do one final compliance pass, then do a test run of your workflow.

Confirm all permits, approvals, and inspections required for your location are complete
Confirm equipment installation and training are complete
Confirm chemical safety documents are accessible and labels are in place
Run test orders end-to-end: drop-off, processing, finishing, packaging, pickup
Turn on marketing: local search profile, signage, and outreach plan

Red Flags to Watch For Before You Commit

Red flags are warning signs that can delay opening or create compliance issues. Catch them early, and you save real time and money.

Use this list before signing a lease, buying equipment, or taking over an existing location.

Equipment offered without clear installation requirements, training, and service support
Plans to start with perchloroethylene equipment without confirming federal restrictions on newly acquired machines and related requirements
No clear plan for chemical storage, spill response, and waste handling
Assuming wastewater discharges are “just like a home drain” without confirming pretreatment requirements with the local sewer authority
Lease language that blocks ventilation upgrades, utility upgrades, or required inspections
Buying an existing shop with weak records on compliance, equipment maintenance, or customer claim documentation
Launching too many specialty services before basic quality and finishing are stable

101 Field-Tested Tips for Your Dry Cleaning Business

These tips pull together practical ideas for planning, running, and improving a dry cleaning business.

Use what fits your business and skip what does not.

Bookmark this page so you can come back when you are ready for the next upgrade.

For steady progress, pick one tip, put it in place, and then return for another.

What to Do Before Starting

1. Choose your model first: full-service plant, drop store that sends work out, pickup and delivery, or a mix. Your model decides your costs, staffing, and compliance needs.

2. Visit competitors at peak hours and note what customers complain about, not just prices. Build your opening plan around the gaps you see.

3. Validate demand by counting nearby offices, apartments, and service businesses within a short drive. Then ask a handful what they clean most and how often.

4. Estimate the weekly volume you need to cover rent, utilities, labor, and owner pay. If the math is tight, adjust your model before you sign anything.

5. Decide whether you will use perchloroethylene or choose another method such as professional wet cleaning. This single choice changes your regulatory workload and equipment options.

6. If you plan to use perchloroethylene, confirm the federal restrictions on newly acquired machines before shopping. Do not assume “used” or “refurbished” avoids the rule.

7. Shortlist locations only after confirming zoning allows your use. Ask the planning department what the location is zoned for and whether dry cleaning is permitted there.

8. Ask the building department if a certificate of occupancy is required for your specific use and build-out. Do this before you negotiate tenant improvements.

9. Check utility capacity early: electrical service, gas service, water supply, sewer connection, and ventilation potential. A great lease is useless if the building cannot support your equipment.

10. If you are buying an existing shop, request prior inspection records and environmental compliance history. If the seller cannot provide documentation, treat that as a serious risk.

11. Get the equipment list from the start, then confirm installation requirements with qualified installers. Moving heavy equipment and tying into utilities is a specialized job.

12. Build your startup budget in categories: lease and build-out, equipment and installation, permits and inspections, opening supplies, marketing, and working capital. Add a cushion for delays and repairs.

13. Decide your opening service menu based on what you can deliver consistently. It is better to do fewer services well than to launch with a long menu you cannot support.

14. Define what you will not accept at launch, such as certain specialty items, until you have training and the right tools. Clear limits protect your reputation.

15. Set your hours based on customer habits in your area, not your personal preference. Then build staffing around those hours.

16. If you will offer pickup and delivery, plan routes before launch and price the convenience. Logistics can quietly erase profits if you wing it.

17. Choose your business structure based on risk, financing needs, and how you will run the business. Many owners start as a sole proprietorship for simplicity and form a limited liability company later as the business grows.

18. Get an Employer Identification Number if you need it for banking, hiring, or tax filings. Apply directly through the Internal Revenue Service to avoid paid middle sites.

19. Confirm state tax registration needs for your services and any retail add-ons. Taxability of services can vary by state, so verify before you open.

20. Build a basic business plan even if you are not seeking a loan. It forces you to connect volume, pricing, staffing, and costs into one realistic picture.

21. Open business banking at a financial institution and separate business spending from personal spending from day one. Clean records reduce stress and help with financing later.

22. Secure business insurance early, especially if you have a lease, equipment financing, employees, or vehicles. Ask your landlord and lender what coverage they require before you bind a policy.

What Successful Dry Cleaning Business Owners Do

23. They make quality a system, not a mood. They standardize check-in notes, stain notes, finishing steps, and final inspection.

24. They document garment condition at drop-off for anything high value or delicate. This prevents arguments and protects trust.

25. They keep chemical safety information organized and accessible. Staff should know where safety data sheets are and what to do during a spill.

26. They train one skill at a time and verify it with a simple test. A short training checklist beats vague “watch and learn.”

27. They treat equipment installation like a project with deadlines, inspections, and proof of completion. Rushed installs create long-term problems.

28. They build relationships with suppliers before they are desperate. Reliable chemicals, parts, and packaging prevent service interruptions.

29. They track the top reasons for rework and address them at the source. A small fix in process can prevent repeated customer complaints.

30. They keep clear written policies for specialty items and communicate them before accepting the item. Clarity up front prevents conflict later.

31. They price with the full cost in mind: labor time, supplies, risk, and overhead. If a service cannot be profitable, they change it or drop it.

32. They keep the front counter flow calm and consistent. Customers feel safer when the process looks organized.

33. They inspect finished items under good lighting before bagging. Problems are cheaper to fix before the customer sees them.

34. They protect the business with basic controls: restricted chemical storage, clear labeling, and locked areas when needed. Small safeguards reduce big risks.

35. They keep compliance on a schedule, not “when we remember.” A recurring calendar prevents last-minute scrambles.

36. They build business accounts carefully and set expectations in writing. Commercial clients can be great, but they need clear service terms and pickup routines.

37. They use simple dashboards: orders by day, average ticket size, rework count, and customer returns. You do not need complex software to spot trends.

38. They take customer feedback seriously without overreacting. They look for patterns and improve the process, not just the apology.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

39. Create a written standard operating procedure for the drop-off process, including how to note stains, damage, missing buttons, and special requests. Make it easy enough that a new employee can follow it.

40. Use a consistent tagging method that prevents mix-ups during busy hours. The faster you grow, the more this matters.

41. Separate work by cleaning method and risk level, not just by customer. Sorting discipline reduces damage and rework.

42. Set a daily routine for spotting, cleaning, finishing, and assembly so work does not pile up in one area. Bottlenecks are easier to fix when you see them early.

43. Keep a clear chain of custody for high-value garments. Limit who can handle them and where they are stored.

44. Train staff to recognize “stop and ask” items, such as unknown stains, fragile trims, or garments without care labels. A quick pause can prevent a costly claim.

45. Maintain a dedicated area for customer communication tools: claim tickets, approval notes, and contact preferences. Consistency reduces misunderstandings.

46. If you use regulated solvents, keep required recordkeeping current and organized. Treat records like part of production, not paperwork you do later.

47. Store chemicals according to the manufacturer’s label and local fire requirements. When in doubt, ask your fire department prevention division for guidance.

48. Keep spill supplies where chemicals are stored and used. A spill kit that is far away is not helpful when stress hits.

49. If you have employees, implement hazard communication training and refresh it when new chemicals are introduced. Training should match the chemicals actually in the building.

50. Assign one person to manage chemical labels and safety data sheets so the information stays current. “Everyone is responsible” often means “no one is responsible.”

51. Build a preventive maintenance schedule for each machine and assign ownership. A missed maintenance task can cause downtime at the worst time.

52. Keep a simple log of service calls and parts replaced. This helps you spot recurring issues and control repair costs.

53. Standardize finishing quality with a “ready-to-bag” checklist. It prevents rushed work when the counter is busy.

54. Set clear rules for rush orders, including cutoff times and extra fees. Rush service should be controlled, not chaotic.

55. If you offer pickup and delivery, plan route windows and limit stops per run. If routes are always late, customers lose trust fast.

56. Use a confirmation message system for pickup and delivery so customers know what to expect. Fewer surprises means fewer complaints.

57. Keep customer items secured and organized in a way that prevents loss and damage. Physical order is part of customer confidence.

58. If you accept business accounts, use written service terms: pricing, turnaround, pickup cadence, and who approves extra work. Business clients respect clear rules.

59. Cross-train at least two people on every critical task. One absence should not shut down production.

60. Build a first-week checklist for new hires that covers safety, customer communication, and quality standards. Training should be planned, not improvised.

61. Create a simple method to handle customer claims: who investigates, how you document, and how decisions are made. A calm process prevents emotional decisions.

62. Review security basics: cameras, restricted areas, and end-of-day checks for doors and chemical storage. Small controls reduce theft and liability.

63. Run a weekly review with your team: what went wrong, what improved, and what needs a process change. Keep it short and focused on fixes.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

64. Dry cleaning can trigger multiple layers of rules depending on the cleaning method and chemicals you use. Start compliance planning before you purchase equipment.

65. If you use perchloroethylene, learn the federal air standards and what they require for monitoring and recordkeeping. Compliance is not optional once you operate the equipment.

66. Federal rules restrict the use of perchloroethylene in newly acquired dry-cleaning machines after a defined date. Confirm how the rule applies to your planned purchase before you commit.

67. Solvent-related wastes can be regulated as hazardous waste depending on what you generate. You must identify your waste correctly before you store or ship it.

68. Hazardous waste requirements depend on how much you generate each month, not how big your business feels. Track waste quantities and keep documentation.

69. Wastewater rules can involve your local sewer authority, not just the state. If you discharge process water, ask whether an industrial pretreatment requirement applies.

70. If you have employees working with chemicals, hazard communication rules require labels, safety data sheets, and training. Do not assume a small shop is exempt.

71. Care labels exist for a reason, and they protect both you and the customer. Train staff to locate and follow care instructions or request customer approval when unclear.

72. Specialty items increase risk because materials and finishes vary widely. Price them to reflect time, expertise, and the chance of complications.

73. Seasonality is real in many markets, especially around events, winter coats, and certain holiday periods. Plan staffing and marketing ahead of known spikes.

74. Business accounts can stabilize volume, but they also create service pressure. Ensure you can meet turnaround promises before you accept large contracts.

75. Equipment downtime can stop revenue quickly if you run an on-site plant. Keep a backup plan for critical services, such as a partner plant relationship.

76. Poor ventilation planning can become a costly rebuild. Confirm ventilation requirements with your equipment installer and local inspectors early.

77. If you buy a used machine, confirm its history, installation date, and compatibility with current rules. “Good deal” equipment can become an expensive problem.

78. State and local rules can add requirements beyond federal programs. Always verify with your state environmental agency and local fire and building departments.

79. Your lease can create hidden compliance limits, such as restrictions on venting, plumbing changes, or equipment placement. Review lease terms with a qualified professional before signing.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

80. Claim your major local listings and keep your hours consistent everywhere. Inconsistent hours lead to missed visits and bad reviews.

81. Use simple signage that answers the first customer questions: services, hours, and how fast typical orders are ready. Clarity beats cleverness.

82. Build your opening offer around your easiest-to-deliver service, not your hardest. A smooth first experience wins repeat customers.

83. Partner with nearby businesses that share your customer base, such as hair salons, tailors, or bridal shops. Set clear referral terms that are easy to track.

84. Create a business-account pitch with three parts: what you clean, your turnaround, and how pickups work. Keep it short and specific.

85. Ask satisfied customers for reviews at the moment they pick up a great result. Timing matters more than fancy scripts.

86. Use before-and-after photos only when you have customer permission and the results are truly clear. Focus on outcomes customers care about, like pressing and stain removal.

87. Create a “new mover” outreach plan for apartments and property managers. New residents often need a local cleaner quickly.

88. Track which offers bring repeat customers, not just first visits. If an offer attracts only deal chasers, adjust it.

89. Promote pickup and delivery as a convenience with defined windows, not as “anytime.” Predictability builds trust and protects your schedule.

90. If you sponsor a local event, choose one where your customers already gather. A small, targeted event often beats a big, unfocused one.

Dealing with Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)

91. Teach customers what you need from them: point out stains, mention previous cleaning issues, and share deadlines. Clear communication reduces last-minute stress.

92. For high-value or sentimental items, slow down the drop-off conversation. Confirm expectations in plain language and document approvals when needed.

93. If a garment has visible damage or weak seams, explain the risk before cleaning. Customers accept “known risk” better than “surprise damage.”

94. Use plain terms when customers ask about chemicals or methods. If you cannot explain it simply, you are not ready to answer the question at the counter.

95. Make it easy for customers to report issues quickly and calmly. A clear process often turns a complaint into loyalty.

96. Retain customers with consistency, not constant discounts. A reliable turnaround and predictable quality are your strongest retention tools.

Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback)

97. Put your key policies in writing and keep them visible: turnaround times, rush rules, pickup timeframes, and what happens when items are unclaimed. Policies protect both sides.

98. Create a clear claim policy for lost or damaged items and train staff on how to use it. The worst time to invent a policy is during an argument.

99. Set a realistic promise for rework and communicate it upfront. Customers want a plan more than a perfect first answer.

100. Ask for feedback with one simple question after pickup: “Was everything right today?” Then fix the small problems before they become public reviews.

101. When you make a mistake, own it fast, document what happened, and change the process so it does not repeat. Customers forgive errors more than they forgive excuses.

If you are new to business ownership, focus on the basics first: a clear model, clean records, and consistent quality.

When you are ready for growth, use these tips as a checklist to strengthen one part of the business at a time.

FAQs

Question: Can I start a dry cleaning business without owning cleaning machines?

Answer: Yes, you can open a drop store that accepts items and sends them to a partner plant for cleaning.

Get the agreement in writing and confirm turnaround, quality standards, and responsibility for claims.

Question: How do I choose between perchloroethylene and other cleaning methods?

Answer: Choose based on compliance requirements, equipment availability, building fit, and what your local market expects.

Review federal requirements for perchloroethylene early, because the rules can affect what equipment you are allowed to acquire and use.

Question: Can I buy a perchloroethylene machine and open in 2026?

Answer: Federal rules restrict perchloroethylene use in any dry cleaning machine acquired after June 16, 2025.

Confirm how the rule applies to your exact purchase and timeline before you commit to equipment or a lease.

Question: What federal air rules can apply to a dry cleaning plant?

Answer: If you use perchloroethylene, federal air emission standards for perchloroethylene dry cleaners apply under 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 63 Subpart M.

Check whether your state or local air agency adds requirements, because those can vary by location.

Question: What licenses and permits do I need to open a dry cleaning business?

Answer: It varies by location, but commonly includes local business licensing, zoning approval, building permits for build-out, and a Certificate of Occupancy for the use.

Start with your city or county licensing portal, then verify state requirements and any environmental permits tied to your cleaning method.

Question: How do I verify zoning and building approval before I sign a lease?

Answer: Contact the planning and zoning office to confirm the use is allowed at that address.

Then ask the building department what inspections and approvals are required for your build-out and occupancy.

Question: Do I need an Employer Identification Number to start?

Answer: You may need one to open business bank accounts, hire employees, or meet tax filing requirements.

Apply directly through the Internal Revenue Service if you need one.

Question: Should I start as a sole proprietorship or form a limited liability company right away?

Answer: Many owners start as a sole proprietorship for simplicity and form a limited liability company later as the business grows.

Confirm your state’s rules and consider professional help if you have partners, financing, or higher risk exposure.

Question: What insurance should I plan for before opening?

Answer: Landlords and lenders often require general liability and property coverage for equipment and build-out.

If you hire employees or run delivery vehicles, workers’ compensation and commercial auto coverage may be required by law or contract.

Question: What equipment do I need for a basic on-site dry cleaning plant?

Answer: At minimum, plan for the cleaning system, finishing and pressing equipment, spotting tools, garment handling and storage, and required ventilation and utility support.

Confirm the full installation requirements with the equipment provider and your local inspectors before purchase.

Question: How do I select suppliers for solvents, spotting agents, and packaging?

Answer: Use established suppliers that provide Safety Data Sheets and can explain safe handling and storage.

Line up equipment service support at the same time, because downtime can stop your revenue fast.

Question: Do dry cleaning wastes count as hazardous waste?

Answer: Some wastes can be regulated as hazardous waste depending on the chemicals you use and what you generate.

Determine your generator category based on how much hazardous waste you generate per month and verify requirements with your state hazardous waste program.

Question: Can I discharge contact water or process water into the sewer?

Answer: Do not assume it is allowed, because local sewer authorities may require industrial pretreatment approvals.

Contact your local sewer authority before you connect drains or finalize your build-out.

Question: What worker safety rules should I plan for if I have employees?

Answer: If hazardous chemicals are present, the hazard communication standard requires labels, Safety Data Sheets, and employee training.

Set this up before opening so training and documentation are ready on day one.

Question: How do I set prices as a new owner without guessing?

Answer: Build prices from labor time, supplies, overhead, and risk, then compare against local market expectations.

Keep pricing simple at launch so staff can apply it consistently at the counter.

Question: How much money do I need to start a dry cleaning business?

Answer: Startup cost depends heavily on your model, with an on-site plant typically requiring more equipment, installation, and build-out than a drop store.

Budget by category and include working capital for the first months, because revenue can ramp up slowly.

Question: What should my daily workflow look like so orders do not get mixed up?

Answer: Use a consistent chain from check-in and tagging to sorting, processing, finishing, assembly, and final inspection before bagging.

Set a designated staging area by due date so the team can see priorities at a glance.

Question: How many people do I need to open?

Answer: A drop store can sometimes open with an owner and limited counter help, while an on-site plant often needs coverage for both customer-facing work and production.

Staff to your hours and promised turnaround, not just to keep payroll low.

Question: What numbers should I track weekly to know if I am doing well?

Answer: Track orders by day, average ticket size, rework count, labor hours, and cash on hand.

If you have business accounts, track accounts receivable so slow payers do not squeeze your cash flow.

Question: What are common mistakes new dry cleaning owners make?

Answer: Common issues include signing a lease before zoning and occupancy approval, buying equipment without confirming compliance, and underestimating installation and build-out needs.

Another common issue is skipping chemical safety training and documentation until after opening.

Question: How do I market a new dry cleaning business without wasting money?

Answer: Start with local listings accuracy, clear storefront signage, and simple offers tied to services you can deliver reliably.

Then build relationships with nearby employers and service businesses that can refer repeat customers.

Question: How do I manage cash flow if I take business accounts that pay later?

Answer: Set payment terms in writing and invoice immediately so you are not waiting weeks to get paid.

Keep a cash reserve and track receivables every week so one slow payer does not disrupt payroll or rent.