The transition to wet cleaning is accelerating across the U.S. drycleaning industry. Yet many operators still cite initial investment cost as the biggest barrier.
But the real issue may not be cost—it may be information.
In reality, a wide range of grant and incentive programs exist at the federal, state, and local levels to support environmentally friendly upgrades in the drycleaning industry. However, these programs vary by region and are often underutilized due to limited awareness and accessibility.
Why the Government Is Paying
For decades, the drycleaning industry has been identified as a contributor to soil and groundwater contamination due to the use of perchloroethylene (perc).
In response, state governments across the U.S. have developed financial assistance programs aimed at:
• Preventing environmental pollution
• Reducing future cleanup costs
• Encouraging businesses to adopt cleaner technologies
As one environmental consultant explains, “From the government’s perspective, it’s far more cost-effective to support conversion upfront than to pay for cleanup later.”
Types of Support: More Than Just Grants
Financial assistance for wet cleaning conversion goes far beyond simple cash subsidies.
- Equipment Replacement Grants
• Partial funding for wet cleaning equipment purchases
• Typically ranges from $10,000 to $50,000 - Low-Interest Loans
• Long-term financing for equipment investments
• Some include zero-interest or partial forgiveness terms - Tax Credits and Rebates
• Incentives for energy-efficient equipment
• Support for reducing electricity and gas usage - Technical Assistance and Consulting
• Training for process conversion
• Guidance on equipment selection and operations
State-by-State Program Highlights
Because policies vary widely, the level of support depends heavily on location.
California: The Most Aggressive Support
• Flagship program: Cleaner Technologies Program
• Grants of $20,000 or more
• Tied to phaseout of perc equipment
• Strong push toward wet cleaning adoption
It’s often said that in California, “few operators convert without taking advantage of available funding.”
New York: Grants + Regulation
• Program: Dry Cleaner Environmental Response Fund
• Covers equipment upgrades and contamination cleanup
• Additional regional incentives available
New York stands out for combining strict environmental regulations with financial support.
Massachusetts: Structured and Stable Support
• Toxics Use Reduction Program
• Combines technical consulting with financial assistance
• Focus on small businesses
New Jersey: Practical, Cleanup-Focused Support
• Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund
• Primarily supports contamination cleanup
• Some funding available for equipment transition
With a high concentration of Korean-American drycleaners, the ability to leverage these programs can significantly impact competitiveness in the region.
Texas & Florida: Limited Direct Funding
• Fewer direct grants
• Greater emphasis on tax incentives and energy programs
“Those Who Know, Benefit”
The biggest challenge is not the lack of funding—but lack of awareness.
Many operators either do not know these programs exist or abandon the process due to perceived complexity.
Common concerns include:
• “The application is too complicated”
• “I don’t know where to start”
• “It’s not worth the time”
Experts, however, call this a misconception. “Most programs are supported by consultants or equipment vendors who help with the application. The real issue is that many operators never even try.”
Case Study: Cutting Investment Costs by Over 50%
Successful conversions often share one key factor: active use of government funding.
In one example:
• Total investment: $120,000
• Grant funding: $35,000
• Low-interest loan: $50,000
The actual out-of-pocket cost was reduced by more than half.
Following the transition, the business achieved:
• Lower operating costs
• Stronger eco-friendly branding
• Increased revenue
The investment was fully recovered within 2 to 3 years.
Looking Ahead: More Support Is Coming
As environmental regulations tighten, government support is expected to expand.
Future trends may include:
• Alignment with carbon neutrality policies
• Increased incentives for energy-efficient equipment
• More programs tailored to small businesses
Conclusion
Wet cleaning conversion is no longer simply a “cost issue.” A significant portion of that cost is now shared by the government.
And yet, one factor continues to delay adoption:
The information gap.
Even now, the gap between operators who leverage these programs and those who do not continues to widen.
As one industry expert put it:
“Grants go to those who are prepared.”
