Building a Restoration Revenue Stream for Your Dry Cleaning Business

Seasonal highs and lows are a fact of life for most dry cleaning businesses. But what if you could smooth out those cycles and add a new, recession-resistant revenue stream?

Building a restoration partnership — processing insurance textile claims after fires, floods, or disasters — offers a powerful opportunity for steady, year-round income.

Here’s how dry cleaners can build a thriving restoration revenue stream, diversify their services, and create more stability for the future.

Why Restoration Work Is a Game-Changer for Dry Cleaners

Consistent Demand

Disasters don’t follow a calendar. Fires, floods, and mold claims happen year-round, meaning steady demand for textile recovery services.

Bulk Orders = Bigger Tickets

Instead of processing a handful of garments, restoration jobs typically involve hundreds to thousands of items — drastically increasing per-job revenue.

Insurance Payment Reliability

Working restoration jobs means you’re often billing major insurance carriers rather than individuals, offering quicker payment terms and larger job values.

What Services You’ll Provide in Textile Restoration

When you enter the restoration space, you’ll be responsible for:

• Emergency clothing restoration (24–48-hour turnaround for essentials)
• Full textile restoration (everyday clothing, bedding, drapes, shoes)
• Photo documentation and inventory reporting for insurance claims
• Chain-of-custody tracking for every item handled

This is an extension of the skills you already have — with a restoration-specific lens.  Learn how Renewal Claim Solutions supports restoration specialists.

Setting Up for Restoration Work: What You Need

Staff Training

Restoration textiles are often exposed to smoke, water, mold, or even biohazards. Your team should be trained in:

• Contamination protocols
• Proper item handling and packaging
• Specialized restoration techniques (ozone treatment, hydrocarbon solvents)

Training ensures your shop protects both garments and your team.

Documentation Systems

Restoration projects require:

• Itemized inventories
• Damage condition assessments
• Restoration vs. non-restoration justification

Investing in good tracking systems saves hours and improves relationships with insurance partners.

Building Relationships to Get Restoration Referrals

To grow this side of your business, you’ll need to:

• Network with local restoration contractors who manage structural work.
• Partner with national restoration companies like Renewal Claim Solutions to access steady claim referrals.
• Market to insurance adjusters by emphasizing your textile expertise and quick turnaround capabilities.

Consistency, professionalism, and documentation are your biggest selling points.

Benefits of Restoration Revenue for Dry Cleaners

• Stabilizes cash flow year-round
• Reduces seasonal layoffs
• Allows you to expand services (e.g., emergency deodorization, specialized cleaning)
• Builds stronger community relationships with contractors and insurance professionals

Long-term, restoration work can evolve into 30–50% of your business volume, based on shops already in the industry.

Success Story: How One Dry Cleaner Doubled Revenue

A dry cleaner in the Midwest who partnered with a restoration company post-storm season saw remarkable growth:

• 40% of annual revenue now comes from insurance work
• Hired two new employees to meet demand
• Added emergency service fees for rush garment returns and their expert opinions

Instead of viewing restoration as extra work, they built a dedicated division — and doubled profitability in two years.

Now Is the Time to Expand

As natural disasters increase, so does the demand for trusted textile restoration providers. Dry cleaners who step into this market now have a rare chance to stabilize, grow, and future-proof their businesses.

Becoming part of the restoration supply chain doesn’t just generate revenue — it builds resilience.

Ready to create a reliable new revenue stream? Contact Renewal Claim Solutions today to start building your restoration business.