Local dry cleaning shop

Run a neighbourhood shop that cleans and presses suits, dresses, coats and curtains.

Startup cost£25k to £100k

Monthly revenue£6k to £25k

Time needed40+ h/week

First incomeMonths

£25k-100k
Full-time
Own premises
Licence or permit needed

Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.

Official data

4,463 UK companies in this field, 30% registered in the last 2 years

SIC 96010 “Washing and (dry-)cleaning of textile and fur products”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.

What it is

A small shop with cleaning and pressing equipment, cleaning delicate and non-washable garments and household fabrics. Many owners also offer alterations, shirt laundry and repairs.

Your first three steps

Research local competition and footfall, and consider buying an existing shop as a going concern
Get a quote for equipment and ask your council what rules apply to the cleaning solvents and machines you plan to use
Take a cleaning and finishing course or work shifts in a dry cleaner to learn the trade before you commit

Who pays

Local commuters and professionals, families with special-occasion outfits, hotels, salons and small businesses with uniforms or linen.

How it makes money

Price per item cleaned and pressed, with extra for specialist items such as wedding dresses, curtains and leather. Regular trade customers and add-on services like alterations build steady income.

Skills that help

Knowing fabrics and stain treatment
Careful, consistent finishing and pressing
Customer service and handling complaints
Managing staff and opening hours

Watch out for

Check whether your cleaning machines and solvents need an environmental permit or council registration
Safe storage and disposal of solvent and other hazardous waste, so check what your waste carrier needs to be registered for
Insurance for customers' garments as well as public liability and employer's liability once you hire
Commercial lease terms, business rates and planning use of the premises
Claims for damaged or lost items, so use clear care label and liability notices

Deep research report · UK

Everything you need to start: local dry cleaning shop

Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

Startup costs with real prices
Licences, registration and rules
Pricing: what others charge
Break-even example
Finding your first customers
30-day launch plan
Risks and how to reduce them

Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to open a dry cleaning shop in the UK?

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £25,000 to £100,000, depending on the premises, cleaning and pressing equipment and fit-out. Get your own quotes and check lease terms before you commit.

How much can a dry cleaning shop earn?

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £6,000 to £25,000, depending on your location, services and customer base. Revenue is not profit, so allow for rent, staff, supplies and insurance.

What rules should I check before opening a dry cleaner?

Check whether your cleaning machines and solvents need an environmental permit or council registration, and how to store and dispose of hazardous waste safely. Check insurance for customers' garments, plus lease terms, business rates and the planning use of the premises.