Sector information: dry cleaning

There are different types of dry cleaners, each with their own specialties and services. Here are some common types of dry cleaners:

• General dry cleaners: These are the most common dry cleaners that clean a wide range of textiles, including clothing, suits, shirts, dresses and bedding.
• Clothing repair dry cleaners: In addition to cleaning clothes, these dry cleaners also offer sewing services, such as repairing tears, replacing zippers, taking in or laying out garments, and other clothing repairs.
• Household textile dry cleaners: These dry cleaners focus on cleaning and repairing household textiles, such as curtains, tablecloths, quilts and other bedding.
• Leather and suede dry cleaners: These specialized dry cleaners focus on cleaning and maintaining leather and suede garments, jackets, bags and accessories.
• Wedding dress dry cleaners: These dry cleaners specialize in cleaning and preserving wedding dresses and formal evening gowns.
• Carpet cleaning and repair dry cleaners: These dry cleaners offer services for cleaning, repairing and maintaining carpets and rugs.
• Curtain dry cleaners: Curtain dry cleaners focus specifically on cleaning curtains and providing curtain cleaning services.
• Fire and water damage restoration dry cleaners: These dry cleaners specialize in restoring textiles and clothing damaged by fire, water damage or other calamities.
• Business dry cleaners: Business dry cleaners provide dry cleaning services for businesses, such as hotels, restaurants, and hospitals, where large amounts of textiles need to be cleaned regularly.
• Eco-friendly dry cleaners: These dry cleaners use eco-friendly methods and chemicals to clean textiles, with a focus on sustainability and environmental awareness.

What to look out for when buying a dry cleaning service

When buying a dry cleaning business, there are several important considerations to consider:

• Stock and equipment: Check the dry cleaner's inventory, including cleaning chemicals and other supplies. Assess the condition and maintenance of cleaning equipment, such as steam cleaners, irons and presses.
• Staffing and expertise: Assess the current workforce, including dry cleaners and any managers. Make sure you have the necessary skills and expertise to run the business.
• Location and lease: If the dry cleaner has a physical location, review the location and lease. Make sure the location is suitable and the lease terms are favorable.
• Legal and contractual considerations: Work with legal advisers to review all dry cleaning contracts, agreements and legal obligations. This includes examining environmental permits and the safe use of cleaning chemicals.