Dry Cleaning Equipment Finance

Q: Can I finance a full dry cleaning shop fit-out?

Yes, most lenders let you bundle all machines, pressing equipment and conveyor systems into a single agreement rather than financing each item separately. This suits setting up a first shop or fully re-equipping an established one, since the fit-out is usually specified and quoted as one project by the equipment supplier and installer. Putting the whole fit-out on one agreement generally means a single monthly payment and one renewal date, which is simpler to manage than several facilities running to different schedules across the shop.

Q: What deposit do I need for dry cleaning equipment finance?

For hire purchase, most lenders ask for a 10-20% deposit, while finance leases and operating leases can often be arranged with no deposit at all. This matters for what is typically a small, cash-tight retail business, where cash needs to stretch to rent and staff while the shop builds trade rather than being tied up entirely in a deposit on the dry cleaning machine and pressing equipment. A larger deposit will still reduce the monthly payment for a business with cash available and wanting to minimise the finance cost.

Q: Can I finance used dry cleaning machines?

Yes, most lenders finance used machines up to around 8 years old, and well-maintained equipment from major brands retains value well given the relatively limited used market for this type of equipment. Independent inspection may be required to check seal, motor and solvent system condition, particularly since replacement is often driven by a move towards more compliant cleaning methods as much as by mechanical wear, so it is worth confirming a used machine's solvent system meets current requirements before committing to finance it.

Q: How quickly can I get dry cleaning equipment finance?

Most applications are approved within 24-48 hours, and same-day approval is common for deals under £40,000, which covers a single machine or modest shop equipment purchase. A full shop fit-out spanning multiple machines, pressing equipment and a conveyor system takes a little longer to review since the lender needs to assess the complete specification rather than one machine, so providing an itemised supplier quote for the whole project helps keep the application moving quickly.

Q: What happens at the end of a dry cleaning equipment finance agreement?

Hire purchase transfers full ownership of the equipment once the agreement is paid off, which suits an owner wanting to own it outright and run the same machines for years. A finance lease usually offers a balloon payment to take ownership, continued rental, or handover to the funder, while an operating lease is return-only, which suits a business wanting to stay up to date with more compliant solvent technology rather than run the same machine to the end of its working life.

Q: Can a new dry cleaning business get equipment finance?

Yes, though a business under two years of trading is more likely to be asked for a personal guarantee, a higher deposit, or evidence such as a signed shop lease and business plan to support the application. Because the used market for dry cleaning equipment is fairly limited, lenders lean more on the manufacturer and installer relationship and the strength of your business plan than on the equipment's resale value alone when assessing a first-time shop owner.

Spread the cost of dry cleaning equipment from £5,000 to £150,000+ with flexible finance options. HP, lease, or refinance

Can you finance a dry cleaning equipment?

Yes, dry cleaning equipments are financed as a standard asset purchase, usually on hire purchase or a lease, with the machine itself acting as the security. UK prices typically run £5,000 to £150,000, and most deals are written over 12–60 months with a deposit of around 10–20%. Decisions typically take 24–48 hours. Used machines are financeable too, usually with a shorter term.

Typical Cost

£5k – £150k

Approval Speed

24–48 hours

Same-day for < £40k

Rates From

5.5% APR

What would a dry cleaning equipment cost per month?

Dry Cleaning Equipment price (ex VAT) £35,000

Deposit 10%

Agreement term 60 months

Annual interest rate 9%

Balloon payment £0

Your estimate

Indicative only. Not a quote and not an offer of finance.

Pre-filled with a typical dry cleaning equipment price. Indicative only, not a quote.

Finance options

Hire Purchase (HP)

Rate: From 5.9% APR
Term: 12–60 months
Deposit: 10–20%
Ownership: Yours at the end
Best for: Dry cleaners wanting to own equipment outright

Finance Lease

Rate: From 5.5% APR
Term: 12–60 months
Deposit: None required
Ownership: Return or buy (balloon payment)
Best for: Tax-efficient, claim 100% of payments against profit

Operating Lease

Rate: From 6.2% APR
Term: 24–48 months
Deposit: None required
Ownership: Return at end
Best for: Stay up to date with eco-friendly solvent tech. Off balance sheet.

Representative example

On a purchase price of £35,000: a 10% deposit of £3,500, then 48 monthly payments of £738 at 5.9% APR representative (fixed). Total amount payable £38,924, including the deposit. The rate you are offered depends on your business and the asset.

Machine or specification	Guide price	Type
Bowe P18 Perc Machine	£30,000 – £55,000	Perc Dry Clean
Multimatic MS350	£40,000 – £70,000	Hydrocarbon System
Girbau HS6024 Washer	£8,000 – £15,000	Industrial Washer
Veit Varioset Finishing	£12,000 – £25,000	Pressing System

Tax benefits

Dry cleaning equipment qualifies for Annual Investment Allowance (AIA), letting you deduct the full cost from taxable profits in year one. HP allows capital allowances. Lease payments are fully deductible.

Bad credit?

Some specialist lenders consider businesses with imperfect credit histories. You may need a larger deposit or personal guarantee, but options may be available. Fundably may use a soft credit check for matching, which does not affect your credit score. A hard check may happen if you choose to proceed with a lender.

Frequently asked questions

Can I finance a full dry cleaning shop fit-out?

Yes, most lenders let you bundle all machines, pressing equipment and conveyor systems into a single agreement rather than financing each item separately. This suits setting up a first shop or fully re-equipping an established one, since the fit-out is usually specified and quoted as one project by the equipment supplier and installer. Putting the whole fit-out on one agreement generally means a single monthly payment and one renewal date, which is simpler to manage than several facilities running to different schedules across the shop.

What deposit do I need for dry cleaning equipment finance?

For hire purchase, most lenders ask for a 10-20% deposit, while finance leases and operating leases can often be arranged with no deposit at all. This matters for what is typically a small, cash-tight retail business, where cash needs to stretch to rent and staff while the shop builds trade rather than being tied up entirely in a deposit on the dry cleaning machine and pressing equipment. A larger deposit will still reduce the monthly payment for a business with cash available and wanting to minimise the finance cost.

Can I finance used dry cleaning machines?

Yes, most lenders finance used machines up to around 8 years old, and well-maintained equipment from major brands retains value well given the relatively limited used market for this type of equipment. Independent inspection may be required to check seal, motor and solvent system condition, particularly since replacement is often driven by a move towards more compliant cleaning methods as much as by mechanical wear, so it is worth confirming a used machine's solvent system meets current requirements before committing to finance it.

How quickly can I get dry cleaning equipment finance?

Most applications are approved within 24-48 hours, and same-day approval is common for deals under £40,000, which covers a single machine or modest shop equipment purchase. A full shop fit-out spanning multiple machines, pressing equipment and a conveyor system takes a little longer to review since the lender needs to assess the complete specification rather than one machine, so providing an itemised supplier quote for the whole project helps keep the application moving quickly.

What happens at the end of a dry cleaning equipment finance agreement?

Hire purchase transfers full ownership of the equipment once the agreement is paid off, which suits an owner wanting to own it outright and run the same machines for years. A finance lease usually offers a balloon payment to take ownership, continued rental, or handover to the funder, while an operating lease is return-only, which suits a business wanting to stay up to date with more compliant solvent technology rather than run the same machine to the end of its working life.

Can a new dry cleaning business get equipment finance?

Yes, though a business under two years of trading is more likely to be asked for a personal guarantee, a higher deposit, or evidence such as a signed shop lease and business plan to support the application. Because the used market for dry cleaning equipment is fairly limited, lenders lean more on the manufacturer and installer relationship and the strength of your business plan than on the equipment's resale value alone when assessing a first-time shop owner.

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Guides and resources

What Is Asset Finance? HP vs Leasing Operating vs Finance Lease Best Asset Finance Companies Close Brothers Review Lombard Review

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For UK limited companies with at least 3 months’ trading and monthly revenue.