Sell or Buy a Dry Cleaning Business in Illinois

Dry Cleaning Business Overview

Illinois dry cleaners serve residential and commercial customers with garment care, alterations, and specialty cleaning services. The industry is evolving with eco-friendly technologies and convenience services.

Dry cleaners benefit from loyal customer bases, recurring revenue, and opportunities for route delivery services. Success depends on location, service quality, and adapting to changing consumer preferences.

Dry Cleaning Valuation

Business Type	Multiple Range	Basis
Drop-Off Only	1.5x - 2.5x	SDE
Plant Operation	2.0x - 3.5x	SDE
Route/Delivery	2.5x - 4.0x	SDE
Multi-Location	3.0x - 4.5x	EBITDA

Key Valuation Factors

Equipment: Age and type of cleaning machines
Environmental: Solvent type and compliance history
Location: Visibility and customer convenience
Customer base: Residential vs. commercial mix
Services: Alterations, specialty cleaning, delivery

Selling a Dry Cleaning Business

Key Selling Considerations

Equipment inventory: Cleaning machines and presses
Environmental compliance: Solvent handling records
Customer database: Active accounts and history
Staff retention: Skilled pressers and counter staff
Lease terms: Facility lease and renewal options

Illinois Regulatory Compliance

Illinois EPA dry cleaning registration
Solvent management and disposal permits
Air quality permits (if applicable)
Fire safety compliance
Workers' compensation insurance

Complete Selling Guide →

Buying a Dry Cleaning Business

Key Buying Considerations

Environmental assessment: Phase I environmental review
Equipment evaluation: Machine age and condition
Customer verification: Active account analysis
Lease review: Terms and landlord relationship
Competition: Nearby dry cleaners and services

Complete Buying Guide →

Dry Cleaning Types

🏭 Plant Operation

On-site cleaning facility.

📍 Drop-Off Location

Collection point only.

🚚 Route Service

Pickup and delivery.

🌿 Eco-Friendly

Green cleaning methods.

✂️ Alterations

Tailoring services included.

👔 Specialty

Wedding gowns, leather, etc.