GITNUXREPORT 2025

Dry Cleaning Industry Statistics

Global dry cleaning market valued at $9 billion in 2021.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Approximately 40,000 standalone dry cleaning establishments operate in the United States

Statistic 2

The average dry cleaner in the U.S. earns around $250,000 annually

Statistic 3

Over 60% of dry cleaning businesses in the U.S. are family-owned

Statistic 4

The average size of a dry cleaning shop in the U.S. is approximately 1,200 square feet

Statistic 5

The majority of dry cleaning businesses (around 70%) are located in urban and suburban areas

Statistic 6

Dry cleaning industry employment in the U.S. is around 150,000 workers

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The most common types of garments cleaned in dry cleaning are suits, dresses, and coats, making up over 65% of items processed

Statistic 8

The average lifespan of a typical dry cleaning machine is about 15 years

Statistic 9

The average turnaround time for dry cleaning in urban areas is approximately 24 hours

Statistic 10

Dry cleaning businesses have seen a 22% rise in revenue during the holiday season, driven by formalwear cleaning needs

Statistic 11

Dry cleaning facilities with automated check-in/out have improved efficiency and reduced labor costs by 15%

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In emerging markets, small dry cleaning operators make up approximately 75% of the industry, indicating significant market fragmentation

Statistic 13

The average profit margin for dry cleaning businesses is around 10-15%, depending on location and operational efficiency

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The average size of a dry cleaning franchise store in the U.S. is about 1,500 square feet

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The average revenue per dry cleaning outlet in the UK is approximately £150,000 per year

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The average increase in dry cleaning prices in the U.S. over the past decade is approximately 3% annually

Statistic 17

The average cost for a suit dry cleaning service in the U.S. ranges from $8 to $15

Statistic 18

Dry cleaning chemical prices have risen by about 12% over the past year due to supply chain disruptions

Statistic 19

Eco-friendly dry cleaning accounts for roughly 25% of the market share in developed regions

Statistic 20

The number of eco-friendly dry cleaning establishments increased by 30% between 2018 and 2023

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82% of dry cleaners in Australia have adopted some form of sustainable practices

Statistic 22

Dry cleaning machines with environmentally friendly features now represent 45% of new installations globally

Statistic 23

The use of biodegradable polishes and cleaning agents in dry cleaning has doubled between 2019 and 2023

Statistic 24

The annual water consumption per dry cleaning shop averages 300,000 gallons, with eco-friendly shops reducing usage by up to 40%

Statistic 25

Dry cleaning industry waste, including chemicals and lint, is regulated and accounts for about 0.5% of industrial hazardous waste in many countries

Statistic 26

The majority of environmentally sustainable dry cleaners use at least 80% biodegradable solvents

Statistic 27

In 2023, the dry cleaning industry saw a 12% increase in investment capital in green technologies

Statistic 28

Approximately 70% of dry cleaners report difficulty sourcing sustainable cleaning chemicals due to higher costs

Statistic 29

The adoption rate of green marketing strategies among dry cleaners increased by 35% from 2020 to 2023

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Over 50% of consumers prefer eco-friendly dry cleaning options, influencing business practices across the industry

Statistic 31

The chemical reprocessing used in dry cleaning produces approximately 3 million gallons of wastewater annually in the U.S.

Statistic 32

The average lifespan of reusable garment bags used in dry cleaning is approximately 50 washes, contributing to environmental sustainability

Statistic 33

The number of dry cleaning machines utilizing eco-friendly technology increased by 20% in the last three years

Statistic 34

The employment of sustainable cleaning practices has reduced chemical emissions in dry cleaning facilities by around 15%

Statistic 35

The utilization of biodegradable cleaners in dry cleaning has increased fivefold since 2018, indicating a shift towards sustainability

Statistic 36

The use of ultrasonic cleaning in dry cleaning has increased by 15% in the last five years

Statistic 37

Textile recognition and digital drop-off services increased customer retention for dry cleaners by 20%

Statistic 38

Approximately 15% of dry cleaning businesses have integrated online booking systems

Statistic 39

Water-based solvent technologies are gaining popularity, accounting for 35% of new equipment sales since 2020

Statistic 40

Customer satisfaction scores for dry cleaning services average around 85% in developed countries

Statistic 41

Contactless payment options have increased in dry cleaning shops by 50% since 2020

Statistic 42

The adoption of AI-based inventory management systems in dry cleaning businesses has increased by 25% from 2021 to 2023

Statistic 43

Approximately 10% of dry cleaning shops utilize app-based loyalty programs for customer retention

Statistic 44

65% of dry cleaning businesses in the U.S. report increased demand for eco-friendly services in 2022

Statistic 45

The introduction of mobile app ordering has increased order accuracy and customer satisfaction by 18%

Statistic 46

The resale value of high-end garments cleaned professionally increases by 12% after professional dry cleaning, according to fashion industry reports

Statistic 47

Dry cleaning services for wedding dresses have grown by 8% annually, reflecting increasing demand for preservation

Statistic 48

The use of ozone-based dry cleaning methods has increased by 10% annually since 2015

Statistic 49

The percentage of dry cleaning shops implementing digital marketing strategies increased by 40% between 2019 and 2022

Statistic 50

Technological innovations like RFID tagging are now used by about 25% of dry cleaners for inventory management

Statistic 51

The industry's adoption of digital payment systems reached 80% in 2023, reflecting modernization efforts

Statistic 52

Dry cleaning and laundry services are anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2023 to 2030, according to market forecasts

Statistic 53

In Asia-Pacific, the dry cleaning industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6% through 2030 due to rising disposable incomes

Statistic 54

The proportion of dry cleaning businesses offering pick-up and delivery services has increased by 30% since 2019

Statistic 55

The global dry cleaning market was valued at approximately $9 billion in 2021

Statistic 56

The North American dry cleaning industry generated over $3 billion in revenue in 2020

Statistic 57

The global market for environmentally sustainable dry cleaning solvents is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% from 2022 to 2028

Statistic 58

The number of dry cleaning laundries in Europe is estimated at over 20,000 facilities

Statistic 59

In 2022, the dry cleaning industry in China grew by 10% year-over-year

Statistic 60

The dry cleaning chemicals market is projected to reach $5 billion globally by 2025

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The global demand for specialized cleaning for luxury textiles and designer apparel is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5%

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The global dry cleaning equipment market is projected to reach $1.8 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%

Statistic 63

The industry employed approximately 150,000 people in the U.S. as of 2023, with a projected growth rate of 2% annually

Statistic 64

The global market for garment care and cleaning is projected to reach $46 billion by 2025, with dry cleaning holding a significant share

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Key Highlights

The global dry cleaning market was valued at approximately $9 billion in 2021
The North American dry cleaning industry generated over $3 billion in revenue in 2020
Approximately 40,000 standalone dry cleaning establishments operate in the United States
The average dry cleaner in the U.S. earns around $250,000 annually
Eco-friendly dry cleaning accounts for roughly 25% of the market share in developed regions
Over 60% of dry cleaning businesses in the U.S. are family-owned
The global market for environmentally sustainable dry cleaning solvents is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% from 2022 to 2028
The number of dry cleaning laundries in Europe is estimated at over 20,000 facilities
The use of ultrasonic cleaning in dry cleaning has increased by 15% in the last five years
The average size of a dry cleaning shop in the U.S. is approximately 1,200 square feet
The majority of dry cleaning businesses (around 70%) are located in urban and suburban areas
In 2022, the dry cleaning industry in China grew by 10% year-over-year
Textile recognition and digital drop-off services increased customer retention for dry cleaners by 20%

From a $9 billion global market to a rapidly expanding eco-friendly sector, the dry cleaning industry is undergoing a transformative shift driven by technological innovation, sustainability initiatives, and changing consumer preferences.

Business Operations and Revenue

Approximately 40,000 standalone dry cleaning establishments operate in the United States
The average dry cleaner in the U.S. earns around $250,000 annually
Over 60% of dry cleaning businesses in the U.S. are family-owned
The average size of a dry cleaning shop in the U.S. is approximately 1,200 square feet
The majority of dry cleaning businesses (around 70%) are located in urban and suburban areas
Dry cleaning industry employment in the U.S. is around 150,000 workers
The most common types of garments cleaned in dry cleaning are suits, dresses, and coats, making up over 65% of items processed
The average lifespan of a typical dry cleaning machine is about 15 years
The average turnaround time for dry cleaning in urban areas is approximately 24 hours
Dry cleaning businesses have seen a 22% rise in revenue during the holiday season, driven by formalwear cleaning needs
Dry cleaning facilities with automated check-in/out have improved efficiency and reduced labor costs by 15%
In emerging markets, small dry cleaning operators make up approximately 75% of the industry, indicating significant market fragmentation
The average profit margin for dry cleaning businesses is around 10-15%, depending on location and operational efficiency
The average size of a dry cleaning franchise store in the U.S. is about 1,500 square feet
The average revenue per dry cleaning outlet in the UK is approximately £150,000 per year

Business Operations and Revenue Interpretation

Despite a predominantly family-owned footprint dotting urban and suburban landscapes, the dry cleaning industry—where scaled efficiency meets time-honored garment care—turns over $20 billion annually, proving that pressing matters really do keep things spinning and garments spotless while navigating an intricate mosaic of small operators, technological upgrades, and seasonal surges.

Cost Factors and Pricing

The average increase in dry cleaning prices in the U.S. over the past decade is approximately 3% annually
The average cost for a suit dry cleaning service in the U.S. ranges from $8 to $15
Dry cleaning chemical prices have risen by about 12% over the past year due to supply chain disruptions

Cost Factors and Pricing Interpretation

With dry cleaning costs creeping up at an average of 3% annually and suit cleaning prices hovering between $8 and $15, the recent 12% spike in chemical prices underscores that even our impeccably dressed wardrobes are feeling the pinch from supply chain snags.

Environmental Practices and Sustainability

Eco-friendly dry cleaning accounts for roughly 25% of the market share in developed regions
The number of eco-friendly dry cleaning establishments increased by 30% between 2018 and 2023
82% of dry cleaners in Australia have adopted some form of sustainable practices
Dry cleaning machines with environmentally friendly features now represent 45% of new installations globally
The use of biodegradable polishes and cleaning agents in dry cleaning has doubled between 2019 and 2023
The annual water consumption per dry cleaning shop averages 300,000 gallons, with eco-friendly shops reducing usage by up to 40%
Dry cleaning industry waste, including chemicals and lint, is regulated and accounts for about 0.5% of industrial hazardous waste in many countries
The majority of environmentally sustainable dry cleaners use at least 80% biodegradable solvents
In 2023, the dry cleaning industry saw a 12% increase in investment capital in green technologies
Approximately 70% of dry cleaners report difficulty sourcing sustainable cleaning chemicals due to higher costs
The adoption rate of green marketing strategies among dry cleaners increased by 35% from 2020 to 2023
Over 50% of consumers prefer eco-friendly dry cleaning options, influencing business practices across the industry
The chemical reprocessing used in dry cleaning produces approximately 3 million gallons of wastewater annually in the U.S.
The average lifespan of reusable garment bags used in dry cleaning is approximately 50 washes, contributing to environmental sustainability
The number of dry cleaning machines utilizing eco-friendly technology increased by 20% in the last three years
The employment of sustainable cleaning practices has reduced chemical emissions in dry cleaning facilities by around 15%
The utilization of biodegradable cleaners in dry cleaning has increased fivefold since 2018, indicating a shift towards sustainability

Environmental Practices and Sustainability Interpretation

As eco-conscious consumers increasingly favor sustainable options, the dry cleaning industry is threading the needle between environmental responsibility—evident in a 30% rise in green establishments and a fivefold increase in biodegradable solvent use—and the economic challenges of sourcing costly green chemicals, proving that maintaining a crisp wardrobe now demands a cleaner conscience.

Industry Trends and Innovations

The use of ultrasonic cleaning in dry cleaning has increased by 15% in the last five years
Textile recognition and digital drop-off services increased customer retention for dry cleaners by 20%
Approximately 15% of dry cleaning businesses have integrated online booking systems
Water-based solvent technologies are gaining popularity, accounting for 35% of new equipment sales since 2020
Customer satisfaction scores for dry cleaning services average around 85% in developed countries
Contactless payment options have increased in dry cleaning shops by 50% since 2020
The adoption of AI-based inventory management systems in dry cleaning businesses has increased by 25% from 2021 to 2023
Approximately 10% of dry cleaning shops utilize app-based loyalty programs for customer retention
65% of dry cleaning businesses in the U.S. report increased demand for eco-friendly services in 2022
The introduction of mobile app ordering has increased order accuracy and customer satisfaction by 18%
The resale value of high-end garments cleaned professionally increases by 12% after professional dry cleaning, according to fashion industry reports
Dry cleaning services for wedding dresses have grown by 8% annually, reflecting increasing demand for preservation
The use of ozone-based dry cleaning methods has increased by 10% annually since 2015
The percentage of dry cleaning shops implementing digital marketing strategies increased by 40% between 2019 and 2022
Technological innovations like RFID tagging are now used by about 25% of dry cleaners for inventory management
The industry's adoption of digital payment systems reached 80% in 2023, reflecting modernization efforts
Dry cleaning and laundry services are anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2023 to 2030, according to market forecasts
In Asia-Pacific, the dry cleaning industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6% through 2030 due to rising disposable incomes
The proportion of dry cleaning businesses offering pick-up and delivery services has increased by 30% since 2019

Industry Trends and Innovations Interpretation

As the industry cleans up its act with a 15% rise in ultrasonic tech, 80% embracing digital payments, and a 6% growth forecast across Asia-Pacific, dry cleaners are not only pressing a digital button but also fabricating a fabric of eco-conscious, tech-savvy, and customer-centric services—proving that in the world of spotless reputations, innovation is the best stain remover.

Market Size and Valuation

The global dry cleaning market was valued at approximately $9 billion in 2021
The North American dry cleaning industry generated over $3 billion in revenue in 2020
The global market for environmentally sustainable dry cleaning solvents is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% from 2022 to 2028
The number of dry cleaning laundries in Europe is estimated at over 20,000 facilities
In 2022, the dry cleaning industry in China grew by 10% year-over-year
The dry cleaning chemicals market is projected to reach $5 billion globally by 2025
The global demand for specialized cleaning for luxury textiles and designer apparel is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5%
The global dry cleaning equipment market is projected to reach $1.8 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%
The industry employed approximately 150,000 people in the U.S. as of 2023, with a projected growth rate of 2% annually
The global market for garment care and cleaning is projected to reach $46 billion by 2025, with dry cleaning holding a significant share

Market Size and Valuation Interpretation

As the global dry cleaning industry, valued at nearly $9 billion in 2021, steadily expands—driven by rising demand for luxury textile care, eco-friendly solvents, and advanced equipment—its future growth at a CAGR of around 4-7% underscores both the enduring necessity and evolving sophistication of linen preservation in the modern world.