Global Laundry Facilities and Dry-Cleaning Services Market by Type (Linen & Uniform Supply, Dry-Cleaning Plants, Coin-Operated Laundries, Dry-Cleaners, and Others), Application (Commercial Laundry Services, Hotels, Residential, and Others), and Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032

Laundry Facilities and Dry-Cleaning Services Overview

Laundry and dry-cleaning services include cleaning and maintaining clothing, fabrics, and textiles. It encloses a scale of services, including washing the clothes, drying the clothes or any fabric items, ironing, folding, and dry cleaning. These services offer comfort, orderliness, and expertise in handling various types of fabrics and garments. Many laundry services give pickup and drop/delivery offers to their clients, saving time and effort for the client. These services can be beneficial to people with busy schedules or those who prefer to outsource this duty. Dry cleaning is a specialized cleaning process of cloths, that uses chemical items instead of water to clean delicate fabrics and garments. It is more effective for removing tough spot-on clothes, such as oil, grease, or ink. Dry cleaning services are commonly used for suits, dresses, formal wear, and other delicate or high-end clothing items.

Global Laundry Facilities and Dry-Cleaning Services Market Analysis

The global laundry and dry-cleaning services market size was $52.3 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow with a CAGR of 4.7%, by generating a revenue of $81.3 billion by 2032.

COVID-19 Impact on Global Laundry Facilities and Dry-Cleaning Services Market

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on laundry facilities and dry-cleaning services. Many businesses in this industry have faced challenges and changes due to the virus. People were advised to stay at home and use social distancing during the pandemic which resulted in a decline in the usage of washing facilities and dry-cleaning services. People had fewer reasons to launder their garments or have them professionally dry cleaned as they spent more time indoors and had fewer social activities.

Additionally, the fear of virus transmission caused some people to be hesitant about using shared laundry facilities or visiting dry cleaners. This led to a decline in customer demand for these services. To adapt to the situation, laundry facilities and dry-cleaning services implemented various safety measures. They enhanced their cleaning protocols to ensure the hygiene and sanitation of their premises. They also implemented contactless drop-off and pick-up options to minimize physical interaction between customers and staff.

Furthermore, some businesses faced financial challenges during the pandemic. With reduced customer demand, they experienced a decline in revenue, which affected their operations and profitability. Some small businesses in this industry may have even faced closures due to the financial strain caused by the pandemic. As vaccination efforts continue and restrictions ease, the laundry facilities and dry-cleaning services are gradually recovering, people are resuming their pre-pandemic routines and there is an increasing demand for these services. However, the long-term effects of the pandemic on this industry are still being felt, and some businesses may need more time to fully recover.

Enhanced Quality and Convenience of Laundry Services to Drive the Market Growth

Laundry services often offer professional cleaning and care for clothes and linens, providing a higher level of quality compared to home washing. They also offer convenient features such as pickup and delivery services or self-service options, making it easier for customers to access and use their services. Busy lifestyles are a major factor that is predicted to drive the market. The convenience of laundry services is a significant driver for people who want to save time and prefer outsourcing their laundry tasks. Professional laundry services often have specialized equipment, techniques, and knowledge to handle different types of fabrics and stains. They can provide high-quality cleaning and ensure that clothes are well cared for, which may be challenging to achieve with home washing machines. The assurance of quality and expertise is an attractive aspect for customers. Many laundry services offer additional features such as stain removal, alterations, dry cleaning, and delicate fabric handling. These specialized services cater to specific customer needs and contribute to the overall appeal of laundry services. Business and corporate clients’ laundry services often cater to businesses, hotels, restaurants, and other establishments that require regular and bulk laundry processing. This client segment contributes significantly to the demand and revenue of laundry services. Some laundry services prioritize eco-friendly practices by using biodegradable detergents, energy-efficient machines, and water-saving techniques. This environmentally conscious approach appeals to customers who prioritize sustainability.

Regulatory Compliance and Working Restrictions in Laundry Services to Restrain the Market Growth

For laundry and dry-cleaning services, rules and regulations may be involved that govern aspects like hygiene standards, waste management, water usage, or the use of certain chemicals or detergents. These restrictions aim to ensure that laundry services operate safely, efficiently, and in an environmentally responsible manner. Additionally, laundry services could involve imposing limitations on operating hours, customer capacity, or pricing to maintain fair competition within the industry, which can hamper the growth of the laundry services. These measures prevent unfair practices, monopolies, or price gouging, ensuring a level playing field for businesses and protecting consumer interests.

The laundry services industry faces challenges in complying with various regulations and working restrictions imposed by authorities. These regulations often govern aspects such as hygiene standards, and the use of chemicals or detergents. Laundry service providers must adhere to these regulations to ensure safe and environmentally responsible operations. However, the costs associated with implementing and maintaining compliance with these regulations can be burdensome for smaller or newer businesses in the industry.

Advancements in Laundry Facilities and Dry-Cleaning Services to Drive Excellent Opportunities for Future

As environmental consciousness continues to rise, there will be a growing demand for laundry services that prioritize eco-friendly practices. Businesses using energy-saving machines, biodegradable detergents, water-saving technologies, or take recycling and waste reduction measures will be able to leverage investment opportunities. Expanding into niche markets, such as delicate fabrics, couture clothing, or athletic wear, can provide opportunities for laundry services. By offering specialized cleaning techniques and expertise, businesses can cater to customers with specific garment care needs. Technology integration and advancements in technology can significantly impact the laundry services industry. Innovations like smart washing machines that can be controlled remotely, mobile apps for scheduling and tracking laundry, or AI-powered systems for efficient sorting and processing can enhance productivity and customer experience. Embracing and integrating such technologies may lead to new business opportunities. While residential laundry services have their market, commercial clients such as hotels, hospitals, and restaurants have substantial laundry needs. Expanding into the commercial sector can offer growth opportunities for laundry service providers. It requires specialized equipment, efficient logistics, and the ability to handle large volumes of laundry within specified timelines. Value-added services differentiating laundry services by offering value-added services can be a competitive advantage. For example, providing garment repair and alteration services, offering eco-friendly packaging options, or implementing loyalty programs can attract and retain customers.

Global Laundry Facilities and Dry-Cleaning Services Market, by Type, 2022

The Coin-operated laundries sub segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. Coin-operated laundries provide a convenient option for people who don't have laundry facilities at home or prefer not to do their own laundry. They offer a quick and accessible solution for washing and drying clothes. These laundries usually have extended operating hours, allowing people to do their laundry at a time that suits them best, including evenings and weekends. It gives individuals the flexibility to fit laundry tasks into their busy schedules. Coin-operated laundries can be cost-effective, especially for those who don't want to invest in their own laundry machines or pay for expensive maintenance and repairs. Users only pay for the specific services they need, such as washing or drying, without any additional expenses. These laundries often have industrial-sized washers and dryers, which can accommodate bulky items like comforters, blankets, and large loads of laundry. It saves time and effort by allowing multiple loads to be done simultaneously. Additionally, laundromats may also offer additional services such as vending machines for detergent and fabric softener, change machines, seating areas, and television or Wi-Fi for entertainment while waiting for the laundry to finish. Additionally, travellers and individuals without access to their own washing machines or dryers find coin laundromats to be a convenient solution. People who need to wash bulky items like comforters or large quantities of laundry may also opt for these facilities due to their larger-capacity machines.

Global Laundry Facilities and Dry-Cleaning Services Market, by Application, 2022

The residential sub segment accounted for the highest market share in 2022. The growth of the residential segment is predicted to be driven by a rise in the number of homes and working professionals globally, as well as rising spending on apparel and dry cleaning. In addition, increased consumer desire for professional cleaning services because of worries about cleanliness and personal hygiene is anticipated to fuel the growth of the residential segment over the span of the forecast period.

Global Laundry Facilities and Dry-Cleaning Services Share, by Region, 2022

The North America laundry facilities and dry-cleaning services market generated the highest revenue in 2022. The preference for professional washing facilities and dry-cleaning services to save time and energy is growing, in part due to the increased number of people entering the workforce in the United States. Professionals in the workforce who struggle to find time for everyday tasks owing to demanding schedules or late-night occupations make up the majority of the consumer base for these facilities and services.

Competitive Scenario in the Global Laundry Facilities and Dry-Cleaning Services Market

Investment and agreement are common strategies followed by major market players. In July 2021, Alliance Laundry Systems increased its direct network infrastructure by acquiring Gulf States Machinery Co.'s laundry subdivision assets. The decision to buy the firm was taken in response to the company's retail partners' outstanding performance, demonstrating the efficiency of the business strategy of selecting strong businesses in expanding markets.

Some of the leading laundry facilities and dry-cleaning services market players are La Teinturerie, PRESSTO, Zoots, Lapels Cleaners, Elis SA, UniFirst Corporation, PWS Laundry, ByNext, Tide Cleaners, ZIPS Dry Cleaners, and Yates Dry Cleaning & Laundry Services.