Adding Dry Cleaning to an Existing Laundry? What Changes in Your Equipment and Workflow?

Check the Chemical System Too

A common mistake is treating all hydrocarbon systems as interchangeable.

They are not.

A professional hydrocarbon dry cleaning machine should be operated only with the solvent and chemical systems approved for that particular machine and process. Always follow manufacturer specifications and applicable installation, operating and local requirements.

Should You Build Dry Cleaning In-House or Continue Outsourcing It?

There is no universal answer.

Outsourcing can allow an existing laundry to offer dry cleaning without immediately investing in a complete processing setup. However, the business remains dependent on an external processor for turnaround, processing and associated costs.

Bringing the process in-house requires greater investment and operational responsibility. You need suitable dry cleaning equipment, space, utilities, trained operators, chemicals, finishing capability and process control.

But it also gives the business more direct control over its workflow.

A useful evaluation is:

Monthly Dry Cleaning Orders → Garment Mix → Outsourcing Cost → Equipment Requirement → Operating Requirement → In-House Investment

Don't evaluate the decision using revenue alone. Consider whether order volume is consistent enough to support the additional equipment and operating process.