Opening a dry cleaning business: what kind of equipment do you need?
Dry cleaning businesses offer a convenient service, both to individuals and companies, and the demand for these activities is rapidly increasing on the market. In recent years, dry cleaning businesses have also become an excellent investment for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start their own business in this very profitable market.
Opening a traditional dry cleaning store certainly requires a greater commitment in terms of work, but also management and staff costs, larger premises and a greater number of machines. However, opting for a traditional dry cleaning business allows you to rely on a much more heterogeneous type of clients: students or young people who have recently started to work often need a dry cleaning service, but also professionals, restaurant and bar owners, and so forth. It is important to get to know the area in which your business is going to be located and understand what type of customer might be requiring your services.Let’s say you have just found the perfect location and you were also able to identify your clients. Now, you want to understand exactly what type of equipment you will be needing for your business. Here is a list of essentials you will need in order to launch your successful dry cleaning business.
1- High quality washing machines and dryers
Washing machines are, of course, the first item you need to keep in mind when you open a dry cleaning business. It is important to purchase a solid, trustworthy machine that will serve your business for a very long time.
In order to choose the perfect washing machine, you need to carefully evaluate all the technical characteristics of the device and choose the best one according to your needs, budget and value for money. Don’t rely solely on the washing machine’s design or brand, but focus on finding washing machines which are optimal for an extensive usage.
Dryers, on the other hand, vary according to the technology used to produce the necessary heat required to dry the fabrics. Dryers can use an electrical resistance system (also known as condenser dryers) or a heat pump system. These two technologies are very different, in terms of technology and energy consumption, which ultimately leads to different costs, with the heat pump system costing sometimes hundreds of pounds more than a condenser dryer.
Given its high energy consumption, a condenser will be suitable for those who only perform a few drying cycles and therefore make a sporadic use of the machine. Those who plan on making an intensive use of the dryer will probably choose a heat pump one, mainly because of its very low consumption. This way, you will also lower your initial expense!
2- Find the perfect ironing press
Ironing presses were created for quick ironing of large-sized pieces of cloth such as curtains, tablecloths and sheets, although it also a valuable aid in ironing trousers, skirts and T-shirts. The first factor to keep in mind when you choose an ironing press is its energy consumption.
As a guideline, the most powerful ironing presses are ready for use in about 2 minutes, while the less powerful machines can take up to 4 minutes.
However, the working autonomy of the ironing press depends on the tank capacity, the second factor to consider before you buy an ironing press: keep in mind that the more water you have, the longer you will be able to work with steam. The price varies greatly from press to press, with economic models usually having a 300 ml tank, while the most expensive models can reach almost a liter of capacity.
3- Detergents and Cleaning Supplies
You will, of course, need plenty of detergent to set up your dry cleaning business. The main criteria for selecting the best detergent are usually three: effectiveness, convenience, and environmental impact.
For many, powdered detergent is still the best option when it comes to washing, as powder melts perfectly even when the temperature is lower than 30 degrees, allowing you to save energy and give garments a more gentle treatment. Moreover, it is possible to buy powdered detergent in bulk, so it is always a smart idea to keep an eye on special deals.
From the point of view of effectiveness, powder seems to be a little more efficient and thorough than liquid soap.
Liquid soap, instead, is very effective on stains and gentle on coloured garments. Moreover, most liquid detergents are suitable for most laundry types. Additionally, bottles of liquid detergent allow a more precise dosage, and can be more carefully adjusted to the load of the washing machine.
Don’t forget to also include cleaning supplies for your store, including soap for floors and windows.
4- Business Cards
This is perhaps an unusual item to add to this list, but if you really think about it, business cards can be extremely helpful when it comes to advertising your dry cleaning business: clients will find it easier to call you if there is any delay or extra service they require and get information about, and you can also pin the business cards to the items you deliver. Invite the client to take a business card when they visit your store and ask them to share them with friends or family members who might need your service. Don’t forget to also include your social media pages and try to be creative with your logo and branding! If you create a concept around your business, more clients will be drawn to it and will most likely recommend you to their acquaintances.
5- Labels, tags and plastic sheets
Lastly, you will need plenty of lables and tags to sort the high volume of items you will deal with on a daily basis. You can help yourself with a planner to keep track of the items and match each one of them to a particular number or color. Sorting your items by associating each type with a particular color (i.e. Blue for blankets, Pink for suits, Green for wonter coats…) will allow you to save a lot of time and provide a fast service to your client. Plastic sheets and vaccum bags are also important items you should stock up on!
We hope you enjoyed this article and wish you the best of luck on launching your cleaning business! If you liked this list, make sure you share it with a friend of loved one who is interested in dry cleaning businesses!
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