NAICS 812320 Quarterly Industry Report
Drycleaning and Laundry Services (except Coin-Operated)
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 812320Sector: Other Services (except Public Administration) (81)Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This industry profile for Drycleaning and Laundry Services (NAICS 812320) draws on data from the U.S. Census Bureau[9], Bureau of Labor Statistics[10], and SBA size standards database[7]. Published by Fair Market Value and updated quarterly, it provides valuation professionals, textile services analysts, and drycleaning industry investors with current market data. All quantitative claims are sourced to publicly verifiable databases.
Industry Snapshot
Key metrics for the drycleaning and laundry services (except coin-operated) industry.
NAICS Sector
81
Other Services (except Public Administration)
Industry Definition & Overview
Drycleaning and Laundry Services (except Coin-Operated) (NAICS 812320) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in providing drycleaning and laundry services on a non-self-service basis per the U.S. Census Bureau[5]. Activities include garment drycleaning using solvent-based processes, shirt laundering and pressing, garment pressing and finishing, stain treatment and specialty cleaning, wedding gown preservation, and leather and suede cleaning services.
The drycleaning industry has experienced long-term demand contraction as casual workplace dress codes reduced the volume of suits, dress shirts, and professional garments requiring professional cleaning. Independent owner-operated drycleaners dominate the market, with most establishments serving local neighborhoods through storefront locations and drop-off convenience. Environmental regulation of perchloroethylene (PERC), the traditional drycleaning solvent, has driven the industry toward alternative solvents including hydrocarbon, liquid silicone, and wet cleaning processes. EPA[6] has initiated a phaseout of PERC in drycleaning under the Toxic Substances Control Act, with newly acquired machines prohibited from using PERC and existing machines subject to a transition timeline. Pick-up and delivery service models, including app-based on-demand laundry platforms, have reshaped distribution by eliminating the need for customers to visit physical storefront locations.
Per the SBA Table of Size Standards[7], the size standard is $8 million in average annual receipts. OSHA[8] standards address PERC and solvent exposure limits for workers, bloodborne pathogen protections for handling contaminated garments from medical facilities, and general machinery safety in drycleaning plant operations.
What's Included in This Industry
- Garment drycleaning services
- Shirt laundering and pressing
- Garment pressing and finishing services
- Stain treatment and specialty cleaning
- Wedding gown cleaning and preservation
- Leather and suede cleaning
- Drapery and household textile cleaning
- Pick-up and delivery laundry services
- Garment alteration and repair services
- Commercial account laundry services
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | Other Services (except Public Administration) | 81 |
| Subsector | Personal and Laundry Services | 812 |
| Industry Group | Drycleaning and Laundry Services | 8123 |
| NAICS Industry | Drycleaning and Laundry Services (except Coin-Operated) | 81232 |
| National Industry | Drycleaning and Laundry Services (except Coin-Operated) | 812320 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 812310 | Coin-Operated Laundries and Drycleaners | Coin-Operated Laundries and Drycleaners provides self-service washing and drying that competes with full-service drycleaning for basic laundry needs, with laundromats serving price-sensitive customers while drycleaners target garments requiring professional solvent cleaning and pressing |
| 812331 | Linen Supply | Linen Supply operates commercial laundry processing for institutional textiles on rental contracts, with linen supply companies and retail drycleaners sharing chemical and equipment supplier relationships while serving different customer segments |
| 812332 | Industrial Launderers | Industrial Launderers processes work uniforms and protective apparel under commercial contracts, with industrial launderers handling bulk textile volumes at scale while retail drycleaners serve individual consumer garments through storefront locations |
| 333310 | Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing | Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing produces drycleaning machines, pressing equipment, and finishing systems installed in drycleaning plants, with equipment manufacturers offering both PERC-based and alternative solvent machines as the industry transitions away from traditional solvents |
| 325611 | Soap and Other Detergent Manufacturing | Soap and Cleaning Compound Manufacturing produces drycleaning solvents, spotting chemicals, and laundry detergents used in professional cleaning operations, with chemical suppliers providing the specialized formulations required for different fabric types and soil conditions |
| 811420 | Reupholstery and Furniture Repair | Reupholstery and Furniture Repair shares textile care skills with drycleaning services that clean draperies, upholstery fabrics, and specialty textiles, with some drycleaners offering on-site upholstery and drapery cleaning services as revenue diversification |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 12.7% | 2,076 |
| 2 | New York | 12.6% | 2,067 |
| 3 | Texas | 9.3% | 1,523 |
| 4 | Florida | 6.1% | 1,006 |
| 5 | New Jersey | 5.3% | 862 |
| 6 | Georgia | 4.2% | 692 |
| 7 | Illinois | 3.8% | 625 |
| 8 | Pennsylvania | 3.3% | 544 |
| 9 | Virginia | 3.2% | 530 |
| 10 | Massachusetts | 3.1% | 508 |
% Of Establishments
0%
13%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
1,992
Total SBA Loans
$992.1M
Total Loan Volume
$498K
Average Loan Size
11 yrs
Average Loan Term
10.13%
Average Interest Rate
23,728
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: Per the SBA Table of Size Standards[7], Drycleaning and Laundry Services (NAICS 812320) has a size standard of $8 million in average annual receipts for federal contracting purposes. SBA lending programs[11] support equipment upgrades to alternative solvents, facility improvements, and working capital for qualifying drycleaning businesses. Eligible businesses can access SBA 7(a) loans[12] for working capital, equipment, and acquisition financing, while 504 loans[13] support major fixed-asset purchases including real estate and heavy machinery.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Newtek Bank, National Association | 112 | $92.9M | $830K |
| 2 | Live Oak Banking Company | 88 | $87.8M | $998K |
| 3 | Woori America Bank | 80 | $47.6M | $595K |
| 4 | TD Bank, National Association | 72 | $32.1M | $446K |
| 5 | Pinnacle Bank | 24 | $30.5M | $1.3M |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What is the NAICS code for drycleaning?
NAICS 812320 covers drycleaning and laundry services on a non-self-service basis, including garment cleaning, pressing, and specialty textile care per the U.S. Census Bureau[5].
What is the SBA size standard?
Per the SBA size standard[7], the threshold is $8 million in average annual receipts for federal small business contracting eligibility and SBA lending products for drycleaning and laundry service businesses.
What is happening with PERC regulation?
EPA[6] has initiated a phaseout of perchloroethylene in drycleaning under the Toxic Substances Control Act, with newly acquired machines prohibited from using PERC and existing equipment subject to a multi-year transition timeline toward alternative cleaning solvents.
What alternative solvents are replacing PERC?
Hydrocarbon-based solvents, liquid silicone (GreenEarth), and professional wet cleaning systems have emerged as alternatives to perchloroethylene per EPA[14] regulatory guidance, with each alternative offering different cleaning capabilities, cost profiles, and environmental impact characteristics.
How has casual dress affected drycleaning demand?
Casual workplace dress codes have reduced the volume of suits, dress shirts, and professional garments requiring professional cleaning, contributing to long-term demand contraction that has driven industry consolidation and prompted drycleaners to diversify into household textiles and specialty cleaning services.
What safety regulations apply to drycleaning workers?
OSHA[8] sets permissible exposure limits for perchloroethylene and alternative drycleaning solvents, requires bloodborne pathogen protections for workers handling contaminated garments from medical facilities, and enforces general machinery safety standards for pressing and finishing equipment.
How are delivery services changing drycleaning?
App-based on-demand laundry platforms and drycleaner-operated delivery services have reshaped distribution by eliminating the need for customers to visit physical storefronts per Census Bureau[9] service industry trend data, with delivery models expanding market reach beyond traditional neighborhood catchment areas.
What is professional wet cleaning?
Professional wet cleaning uses water-based processes with computer-controlled washing machines, specialized detergents, and professional finishing equipment to clean garments traditionally requiring solvent-based drycleaning per SBA[15] industry research, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical solvents.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census census.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [4]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [5]U.S. Census Bureau census.gov
- [6]EPA epa.gov
- [7]SBA Table of Size Standards sba.gov
- [8]OSHA osha.gov
- [9]U.S. Census Bureau data.census.gov
- [10]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [11]SBA lending programs sba.gov
- [12]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [13]504 loans sba.gov
- [14]EPA epa.gov
- [15]SBA sba.gov
Disclaimer
This publication has been prepared by Fair Market Value (“Fair Market Value”) for informational purposes only. It is provided on an “as-is” and “as available” basis. Fair Market Value makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, completeness, or accuracy of the data or information contained herein. This publication is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, professional financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Users should consult with qualified professionals before making any financial or business decisions based on the information presented.
To the extent permitted by law, Fair Market Value disclaims all liability for loss or damage, direct and indirect, suffered or incurred by any person resulting from the use of, or reliance upon, the data in this publication.
Copyright © 2026 Fair Market Value. All rights reserved. All data, information, articles, graphs, and content contained in this publication are copyrighted works and Fair Market Value hereby reserves all rights. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, republished, uploaded to a third party, or distributed without the prior written permission of Fair Market Value.