Chem-Dry franchise
Chem-Dry cleans carpets, upholstery and hard surfaces for homes and businesses using its own carbonated cleaning solution, which it says uses less water than steam cleaning. At the end of 2024 there were 1,099 Chem-Dry locations in the US, all franchised.
- Cost to open
- $118K–$241K
- Franchise fee
- $36,000
- Royalty
- 4–7%
- Locations, 2024
- 1,099
Compare with similar brands Estimate your costs
Company snapshot
- Franchising since
- 1978
- Franchisor based in
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Agreement length
- 10 years
- Territory
- No exclusive territory
- Financing
- Some financing offered
From Chem-Dry, Inc’s 2025 filing.
How much a Chem-Dry franchise costs
Opening a Chem-Dry business in a standard territory costs an estimated $117,645 to $240,995. That covers the franchise fee and everything else needed to open, through the first months of working capital.
| Small territory | $99,645 to $222,995 |
|---|
Source: Chem-Dry, Inc, 2025 filing, page 30
Chem-Dry franchise fee
The franchise fee is $36,000, for a standard territory ($18,000 for a small one), plus a $69,495 initial equipment package. You pay it when you sign the franchise agreement.
Source: Chem-Dry, Inc, 2025 filing, page 18
Royalty and ongoing fees
| Royalty | 4% to 7% of gross sales, with a monthly minimum from the 13th month, paid monthly. |
|---|---|
| Brand or marketing fund | 3% of gross sales |
Source: Chem-Dry, Inc, 2025 filing, page 19
Sales and earnings
No figures Chem-Dry does not share sales or profit figures for its locations. Talking to current and former franchise owners is the usual way to learn what a location earns.
Source: Chem-Dry, Inc, 2025 filing, page 67
Locations opened and closed
| Year | Franchised | Company-owned |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1,437 (−255) | 0 |
| 2023 | 1,284 (−153) | 0 |
| 2024 | 1,099 (−185) | 0 |
Closed or left counts terminations, non-renewals, locations bought back by the franchisor and locations that stopped operating.
Source: Chem-Dry, Inc, 2025 filing, page 67
How Chem-Dry compares
Of the 10 cleaning franchises on this site, Chem-Dry is the 4th cheapest to open and the 4th largest by number of locations.
| Measure | Chem-Dry | Typical cleaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to open, low end | $118K | $122K |
| Change in franchised locations, 0 yrs | −35% | −4.6% |
| Shares earnings figures | No | 7 of 10 |
Typical is the median across the 10 brands in cleaning franchises.
Other cleaning franchises
Chem-Dry franchise questions
Does Chem-Dry help with financing?
Yes, in some cases. Chem-Dry may finance part of the cost, such as the franchise fee, for qualified buyers; terms are in its filing.
Do Chem-Dry franchisees get a protected territory?
No. Chem-Dry grants the right to run one location but no exclusive area, so another Chem-Dry can open nearby.
How long is a Chem-Dry franchise agreement?
The initial term is 10 years. Renewal is usually possible if you're in good standing, often for a fee and a remodel.
How does Chem-Dry compare with other cleaning franchises?
Of the 10 cleaning franchises here, Chem-Dry is the 4th cheapest to open (low end $118K against a $122K median) and the 4th largest by number of locations.
Does Chem-Dry say how much franchisees make?
No, Chem-Dry doesn't publish sales or profit figures for its locations, while 7 of the 10 cleaning brands here do. Current and former owners are the best source.
Where is Chem-Dry based?
Chem-Dry, Inc is based in Nashville, Tennessee and the brand has sold franchises since 1978.