A vast majority of this industry is comprised of smaller businesses, with annual revenues less than $300,000. The presence of individually owned operations translates into little union activity and an abundance of competition at local levels. According to the recent US Census, there were approximately 28,000 dry cleaning operations.

The dry cleaning business is associated with long hours, arduous working conditions, and slim profit margins. Many operators offer alterations and tailoring in addition to dry cleaning services to supplement revenues. Increasingly, franchise operations are beginning to emerge in significant numbers, where machinery is uniform and advertising is emphasized.

This industry has been subject to heavy environmental regulation. Concern over toxic chemical emissions from several types of cleaning solvents has led to formalized efforts to minimize hazardous waste. Newer carbon dioxide machines are available, although the price for such equipment is significantly higher than the price of conventional machines.