Every Minute Counts: The Key Spare Parts Every Drycleaner Should Have on Hand 

Written by Barry Victor, President and Owner of PROS Parts

Let’s face it — when a key piece of drycleaning equipment goes down, everything grinds to a halt. 

You’ve got garments to press, orders to meet, and customers who don’t want to hear, “Sorry, our machine is down.” Whether it’s a steam trap, a solenoid valve, or a busted pump, one small failure can throw your whole operation off schedule — and cost you big time. 

That’s why having critical spare parts on hand isn’t just a smart move — it’s essential business insurance. 

The Real Cost of Downtime 

Think about it: 

A malfunctioning dry-cleaning machine could mean hours (or even days) of lost productivity. 

You may have to turn away orders, refund customers, or pay overtime later to catch up. 

Service techs aren’t always available right away — and even if they are, if the part’s not in stock, you’re stuck waiting for shipping. 

Suddenly, a $75 part is costing you hundreds — even thousands — in lost business. 

The Key Spare Parts Every Dry Cleaner Should Keep in Stock 

We talk to dry cleaners every day, and here’s what we consistently hear: downtime is expensive, and the right part at the right time can make all the difference. 

Here’s a list of high-failure, high-impact parts that we recommend every drycleaner keeps in their stockroom: 

• Solenoid Valves -- Used in everything from steam to air systems — they’re small, but they’re essential. A failed solenoid can stop a press cold. 

• Steam Traps -- If a trap fails, you’re losing steam efficiency. These wear out over time and should be replaced routinely. 

• Vacuum Pump Oil & Seals -- Vacuum Pumps are the heart of your finishing equipment. A simple oil change or seal replacement can prevent much bigger issues. 

• Water & Steam Hoses -- Rubber and high-pressure hoses wear out faster than you’d think. A leak or burst can shut you down fast — and be dangerous. 

• Buttons & Switches -- Operators use them all day long. They’re cheap, easy to swap, and one broken switch can put a machine out of service. 

• Timers, Thermostats, and Control Boards -- Anything electronic is prone to failure, especially in hot, humid environments like drycleaning plants. 

• Igniters or Flame Sensors (for boilers or dryers) -- No ignition = no heat = no cleaning. Keep at least one spare if your system relies on gas burners. 

Build Your Own "Emergency Parts Kit" 

Just like a first-aid kit, your emergency parts kit should be easy to access, clearly labeled, and stocked with the essentials. Every operation is a little different, but we can help you create a customized parts checklist based on your equipment. 

Want help putting together a list for your specific machines? Contact our parts experts — we’ll help you plan for the unexpected.

Pro Tip: Preventive Maintenance Saves Time (and Money) 

Stocking parts is step one. Step two? Schedule regular maintenance. 

When parts are easy to replace, many operators handle the basics themselves — no waiting, no service call. Preventive maintenance doesn’t just extend equipment life — it prevents downtime before it starts. 

Don’t Let a $50 Part Cost You a $1,000 Day 

We get it — keeping extra parts on the shelf might feel like tying up cash. But trust us: when your press is down and your customers are waiting, you’ll be glad you planned ahead. 

We’ve got thousands of parts in stock and ready to ship. If you're not sure what to keep on hand, we’re here to help. 

Because every minute counts. 

 Contact us or visit our website

About Barry Victor
Barry founded PROS Parts in the spring of 1988. Before starting PROS, Barry worked in the sales and engineering departments of Vic Manufacturing, one of the largest manufacturers of dry cleaning equipment in the U.S. At Vic, Barry launched a parts sales division that supported dry cleaning equipment imported from Italy and Germany. In its early years, PROS manufactured dry cleaning machinery and then evolved into an industrial and commercial laundry equipment and drycleaning operations parts supplier. Barry lives in Plymouth, MN with his wife. He has two sons, a stepson, a stepdaughter and his dog, Sora. 

Barry can be reached at 763-231-7379 or barryv@prosparts.com.