Chemdry vs Duraclean
Chemdry vs Duraclean: Chemdry costs $68K to $207K to open; Duraclean costs $165K to $327K. Chemdry has 1,099 units, Duraclean has 15. SBA loan history: Chemdry = 113 loans (23.9% default); Duraclean = 18 loans (11.1% default). The franchise with more SBA funded units, a lower SBA default rate, and a lower royalty load is the safer financing bet; see the comparison below.
Chemdry vs Duraclean: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Analysis based on FDD filings and SBA 7(a) loan level data. Each pairing reflects a unique combination of capital intensity, system scale, and financing path.
Capital Intensity
Chemdry requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($68K vs $165K for Duraclean), a 59% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $24K for Chemdry versus $25K for Duraclean, Chemdry has the lower entry fee.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Chemdry operates 1,099 units to Duraclean's 15, roughly 73× the system size.
SBA Lending Profile
Chemdry has the deeper SBA lending track record, with 113 7(a) approvals compared with 18 for Duraclean. Chemdry's peak SBA year was 2017 (10 loans); Duraclean's peak was 2005 (3 loans). Chemdry's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. Chemdry has the most SBA funded units in UT, with 13. Duraclean leads in PA, with 3. Borrowers should pick the brand whose strongest SBA state matches their own state for warmer lender introductions. Average SBA loan size on funded Chemdry deals is $119K vs $134K for Duraclean, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 23.9% for Chemdry and 11.1% for Duraclean, Duraclean has the cleaner SBA loss record by 12.8 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 41 (Fair) for Chemdry and 43 (Fair) for Duraclean, giving Duraclean the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 41/100 | 43/100 |
Health Tier | Fair | Fair |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 113 | 18 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 23.9% | 11.1% |
Peer Tier | major | growing |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $68K to $207K | $165K to $327K |
Franchise Fee | $24K | $25K |
Royalty Rate | 2.5% | N/A |
Ad Fund | 3% | N/A |
Liquid Capital | N/A | N/A |
Net Worth Required | N/A | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 1,099 | 15 |
Franchised Units | 1,099 | 15 |
Company Owned | – | – |
Term Length | 5 yrs | 5 yrs |
Brand Information
Year Founded | N/A | 1930 |
Franchising Since | 1978 | 1998 |
Years Franchising | 48 yrs | 28 yrs |
Headquarters | MA | NH |
Category | Carpet | Carpet |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2026 | 2024 |
Which Is Better, Chemdry or Duraclean?
Lower upfront capital required
Chemdry
Chemdry: $68K starting · Duraclean: $165K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Chemdry
Chemdry: 113 SBA loans · Duraclean: 18 SBA loans
Lower SBA default rate
Duraclean
Chemdry: 23.9% · Duraclean: 11.1%
Larger system & brand presence
Chemdry
Chemdry: 1,099 units · Duraclean: 15 units
More lender financing options
Chemdry
Chemdry: 66 unique lenders · Duraclean: 15 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation. Your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
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About These Franchises
Chemdry vs Duraclean: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Chemdry and Duraclean is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $68K to $327K.
Chemdry has 113 SBA loans on record and Duraclean has 18. Those totals are cumulative history rather than a measure of current appetite. Recent lending activity is trending down for at least one of these brands, so current lender appetite has to be checked deal by deal rather than assumed from the totals.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands, not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice, consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.
Chemdry vs Duraclean, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, Chemdry or Duraclean?
How much does a Chemdry franchise cost compared to Duraclean?
Can I finance Chemdry or Duraclean with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, Chemdry or Duraclean?
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Page Review
Reviewed by Edward L. Freeman, Founder and Managing Director, PeerSense
- PeerSense is a capital advisory firm that places commercial financing with direct capital sources; the capital source sets final terms.
- Edward L. Freeman founded PeerSense in January 2020.
- He is a Registered Franchise Consultant with Business Alliance, Inc., a credential issued in March 2022, and worked as a franchise consultant there from March 2022 to May 2023.
- His recorded experience includes a $22 million SBA construction loan, with about $16 million funded on the deal.
- In the 12 months through September 30, 2026, PeerSense tracked 912 publicly announced financings with a disclosed size of $361.32 billion. PeerSense Capital Data Report · Methodology page
Last reviewed LinkedIn profileAbout Edward Freeman