New Development Trends in the Dry Cleaning Industry: Service Upgrades and Technology-Driven Recovery

In recent years, physical stores have faced rising expansion costs. The market environment remains uncertain. More and more dry cleaner owners in America choose a new development path: invest in smart laundry equipment upgrades.

An industry status report launched in 2026 surveyed 867 American dry cleaner owners. According to this report, the American dry cleaning industry has entered a recovery phase after years of adjustment. The data show that sales remain stable. Profit contribution rate has increased from 29% to 34%. Dry cleaning garment volume grows steadily. Shirt cleaning volume is also rising. Although challenges still exist, the industry has strengthened its foundation. 

Development Trends

● Service upgrades

Dry cleaners have made noticeable improvements in services. Currently, 52% of dry cleaners provide pickup and delivery services. It has gradually become an important revenue stream. Besides, lots of stores add complementary services, such as alteration services, wash-and-fold services, and leather cleaning. This offsets rising rent, wages, and other cost pressures. And it also builds a more stable revenue structure. 

● Technology adoption

Technology adoption is also accelerating. According to the data, 36% of dry cleaners send customers order completion reminders. 35% of stores set up overdue pickup notifications. These small digital improvements not only improve customer experience but also reduce store communication and management costs. 

● Enhanced confidence

Most dry cleaner owners have strong confidence in the future development. In 2026, they plan to properly increase laundry service prices. At the same time, they do not focus on increasing the number of stores anymore. After some ups and downs in the past few years, they have reached a consensus: refine the operation of current stores, optimize pickup and delivery routes, and improve equipment efficiency. Compared with opening a new store, they prefer to invest in equipment upgrades. Wet cleaning machines and software systems are two keys. They reflect the industry’s strong pursuit of intelligence, automation, and efficiency. 

● Hardware Investment

- Kingstar equipment advantages

Take the Kingstar wet cleaning machine as an example. It can effectively lower the hand-washing ratio below 4%. In the past, lots of laundry tasks depended on human experience. Now they can be converted into standardized process operations. This machine has built-in 79 washing programs. It supports smart parameter adjustment of temperature, mechanical actions, washing time, and chemical dosage. It can achieve real standardized batch washing.

Lots of laundry stores still have difficulty in hiring workers. They cannot find proper workers. Some newcomers require long-term training. Once someone leaves their job, the recruitment process restarts. Stores may face the same challenges. However, Kingstar wet cleaning machines are smart and easy-to-operate. This greatly shortens the training period. Owners can apply their years of laundry experience to the equipment programs. Automatic dispensers can regularly and precisely dose chemicals. Workers only need to learn some key skills, such as garment classification and stain removal. A wet cleaning machine works like an experienced technician. It helps store owners focus on business management and service improvement. 

At present, Kingstar wet cleaning machines have a large number of customers worldwide. Based on customer feedback, they have stable performance, simple operation, and a high level of intelligence. They are good at processing delicate garments. Traditional industrial washers deliver poor cleaning performance. They are prone to damaging garments. But wet cleaning machines provide an ideal solution. 

- Combination solution

Kingstar wet cleaning machines can work with smart dryers. This provides better washing results. A smart dryer can store up to 99 drying programs. It has special programs for silk, wool, down jackets, shirts, and other fabrics. The moisture control technology manages the drying level. Stopping the equipment for manual checking is not required. In the end, down jackets restore fluffiness. Wool products become softer. Their combination enhances the overall performance. 

● Software Investment

Besides hardware equipment, it is also important to invest in software systems. They help store owners achieve effective customer management. For example, owners can clearly know the customer retention rate, preferences, and monthly revenue structure. So they can develop targeted marketing strategies rather than depending on vague experience. Data-driven management is becoming a new approach to improving store competitiveness. 

Conclusion 

On the whole, the American dry cleaning industry has regained a stable position in the market after years of impact. Dry cleaners optimize their store numbers and expand pickup and delivery services. At the same time, they gain confidence in pricing as well as invest in smart equipment and additional services. This industry has achieved its profit improvement and growth expectations. The development mode is smarter, more efficient, and more customer-oriented. It is becoming mainstream. 

Q&A

Q1: How can a store plan routes for customers’ garment delivery and pickup services? 

A1: Appoint a delivery and pickup time for nearby customers. If a store wants to extend its business range, set a fixed time for distant customers. So they can build a good habit. 

Q2: Compared with a traditional industrial washer, what advantage does a wet cleaning machine have?

A2: Simply speaking, a wet cleaning machine can achieve all the functions that a traditional industrial washer has. But a wet cleaning machine covers more garment and fabric types. It has a higher extraction force and a low washing rotation speed. All washing parameters can be adjusted. 

Q3: If a store wants to invest in a wet cleaning machine, what capacity would be proper?

A3: This is according to the laundry volume and garment types. For a single garment type and large laundry volume, choose a 25 kg machine. For different types of garments, choose at least two small-capacity machines. This helps with garment sorting and batch washing.