Dry Cleaning & Laundry Machines
Industrial Laundry & Dry-Cleaning Equipment
Heavy-duty washers, dryers, and dry-cleaning systems for commercial operations across South Africa. Reliable commercial equipment for hotels, hospitals, laundromats, and industrial facilities.
Unicorp supplies and supports professional dry cleaning and laundry machines — from installation and training to ongoing service and spare parts, across South Africa.
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Our Equipment Range
Explore our full range of dry cleaning and laundry equipment — click any product for detailed specifications and pricing.
Dry Cleaning Machines
BÖWE PremiumLine PERC
High-performance German dry cleaning machine with SlimLine and CrossLine configurations. Multi-solvent capability, advanced ConfoTronic PL control, and remote diagnostics. 12–30 kg capacity.
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BÖWE iLine PERC
Entry-level German dry cleaning machine with proven reliability. SlimLine and WideLine layouts, 12–18 kg capacity. Fits through standard doors at 2050 mm. Convertible to Multisolvent.
View Details →Commercial Laundry Equipment
Girbau Medium Speed Washer Extractors
Professional hardmount washing machines, 10–30 kg capacity. GDrive inverter, Aquafall cascade washing, up to 200G extraction. Built for hotels, hospitals, and laundries.
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SoftWash Wet Cleaning Equipment
Complete solvent-free wet cleaning solution. Purpose-built washer extractors and dryers with dedicated software. Available in SmartKit 90, 135, 180, and 240 packages.
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Commercial Washer Extractors
Durable front-load and top-load washer extractors for gyms, salons, lodges, and commercial laundries. Up to 1400 rpm spin speed with programmable cycles.
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Commercial Tumble Dryers
Single and stacked tumble dryers for commercial operations. Moisture sensing, powerful airflow, and the largest door opening in the industry. 8–11 kg capacity.
View Details →Specifications at a Glance
Compare key specifications across our main equipment models to find the right fit for your operation.
| Details | BÖWE P-Series Dry-Cleaning Machine | Girbau HS6 High-Spin Washer-Extractor | Speed Queen T-Series Tumble Dryer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 18–25 kg | 27–67 kg | 14–34 kg |
| Key Features | Perc/Hydrocarbon · Heat recovery | High G-force extraction · Programmable cycles | Reversing drum · Moisture sensing |
| Spec Sheet | P-Series Brochure (PDF) | HS6 Spec Sheet (PDF) | T-Series Brochure (PDF) |
Why Choose Unicorp
Dedicated Support
Site survey, installation, and operator training — our team ensures your equipment is set up correctly and your staff are confident from day one.
Spare Parts & Service
Key components stocked locally in South Africa for faster turnaround. No waiting weeks for international orders when your equipment needs attention.
Project Guidance
Expert advice on utilities, facility layout, and throughput planning to help you get the most from your investment.
Backup Plans
Ready for every scenario — loaner or rental units available when needed to keep your operation running without interruption.
Industries We Serve
Our dry cleaning and laundry machines are trusted across a wide range of commercial and industrial sectors.
Hotels & Hospitality
On-premises laundry solutions for guest linen, towels, and staff uniforms. Equipment sized for boutique lodges to large-scale hotels.
Hospitals & Healthcare
Reliable equipment for processing medical linen, scrubs, and bedding with infection control requirements in mind.
Laundromats
Durable machines built for continuous public use with long cycle lifespans and efficient energy consumption.
Industrial Facilities
Heavy-duty washing and drying for mining camps, manufacturing plants, and corporate uniform services.
Related Products
Finishing Equipment
Professional garment finishing systems including form finishers, ironing tables, and presses from leading European manufacturers.
View Finishing Equipment →Detergents & Chemicals
Specialised detergents, solvents, and cleaning chemicals for commercial dry cleaning and laundry operations.
View Detergents & Chemicals →Spare Parts & Consumables
Genuine spare parts and consumables for dry cleaning machines, washers, dryers, and finishing equipment.
View Spare Parts & Consumables →Ready to Equip Your Operation?
Whether you’re setting up a new facility or upgrading existing equipment, get expert advice and a free quote from Unicorp.
Contact Us
Have questions about our dry cleaning or laundry equipment? Fill out the form below and our team will get back to you.
Our free 2026 guide covers startup costs, equipment selection, ROI calculator, business planning, and load shedding strategies — everything you need to launch profitably.
Read the Laundry Business Guide →FAQs
Varies by model. Typical requirements include 3-phase power; some need steam or gas.
Yes. Unicorp can assist with installation planning and coordination, and we’ll advise on the correct site requirements before delivery.
Stock items are ready fast; others vary by brand.
Manufacturer warranty applies, plus Unicorp support for service, parts, and maintenance guidance.
Dry Cleaning Machine Buying Guide
Choosing a dry cleaning machine is a long-term investment. The right machine — matched to your throughput, solvent preference, and facility — will serve your operation reliably for many years. Here is what to consider before you buy.
Capacity Planning
Machine capacity is measured in kilograms of dry textile load per cycle. The right capacity for your operation depends on your daily throughput and the number of cycles you can realistically run in a working day.
A typical high-street dry cleaning operation running eight hours per day and processing 40–60 pieces will generally require a 12–18 kg machine running 4–6 cycles per day. Larger commercial operations with 100+ pieces per day need proportionally larger capacity. Always build in a margin — running a machine at maximum capacity continuously shortens service intervals and reduces operational flexibility.
Our team can help you calculate the right machine size based on your piece count, average garment weights, and target cycle times. Contact us for a free capacity assessment.
Solvent Type: PERC vs MultiSolvent®
The solvent used in your dry cleaning machine is a fundamental operational decision with regulatory and cost implications.
- PERC (perchloroethylene): The traditional dry cleaning solvent, widely used globally for decades. PERC machines are reliable and well-understood. Regulatory requirements around PERC use and disposal are a consideration, and regulations in some markets are tightening over time.
- Hydrocarbon solvents (e.g. K4, DF-2000): Safer handling profile than PERC, widely adopted as an alternative. Hydrocarbon machines typically require longer cycle times and higher operating temperatures. Gentler on some delicate fabrics.
- GreenEarth® (D5 silicone solvent): A silicone-based solvent marketed as environmentally friendly. Neutral on fabrics, odourless, and biodegradable. Requires certified GreenEarth® machines.
- MultiSolvent® technology: BÖWE’s MultiSolvent® machines are engineered to operate with multiple solvent types — including hydrocarbon, GreenEarth®, Sensene, HiGlo, SolvonK4, and others — with a software update to switch between them. This protects your investment as solvent regulations evolve, because you can transition to a new solvent without replacing your machine.
Energy Efficiency
Modern professional dry cleaning machines incorporate solvent recovery technology that recaptures solvent vapour from the drying cycle and returns it to the solvent tank. This significantly reduces both solvent consumption (a direct operating cost saving) and environmental emissions.
High-efficiency heat recovery systems, variable-speed drives, and optimised cycle programming all contribute to lower energy and water consumption. When comparing machines, look at the energy consumption per kilogram of load rather than just the headline machine size — more efficient machines reduce your running costs across the life of the equipment.
Service and Parts Availability
A dry cleaning machine is a critical revenue-generating asset. Downtime is expensive. The most important question to ask before buying any machine is not “what is the purchase price?” but “how quickly can this machine be serviced when something goes wrong?”
Unicorp stocks spare parts locally in Johannesburg for all brands we supply. This means that when your machine needs attention, you are not waiting weeks for parts to arrive from Europe. Our technical team is available for maintenance and emergency call-outs. This local support infrastructure is a fundamental part of the value we provide as an authorised distributor — not just a retailer.
Machine Type Comparison
Dry cleaning machines are broadly categorised by load capacity. Here is how the main size ranges compare, with reference to BÖWE models available through Unicorp:
| Category | Capacity Range | Typical Application | BÖWE Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Commercial | 12–18 kg | High-street dry cleaners, boutique operations, entry-level commercial | BÖWE iLine (12–18 kg, SlimLine & WideLine) |
| Mid-Range Commercial | 18–30 kg | Established dry cleaners, hotel OPL, medium-volume commercial laundries | BÖWE PremiumLine (12–30 kg, SlimLine & CrossLine) |
| Industrial | 100 kg+ | Industrial laundries, large-scale uniform processing, mining operations | BÖWE InduLine (100–200 kg) — enquire for details |
Note: MultiSolvent® variants are available across the BÖWE range. View the full BÖWE range or contact us for capacity and configuration advice specific to your operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PERC and hydrocarbon dry cleaning machines?
PERC (perchloroethylene) and hydrocarbon are both solvents used in professional dry cleaning. PERC has been the industry standard for decades and is highly effective at dissolving oils and grease. Hydrocarbon solvents (such as K4 and DF-2000) have a gentler chemical profile, are generally considered safer to handle, and are increasingly adopted as PERC regulations tighten in some markets. Hydrocarbon machines typically run slightly longer cycles and at higher temperatures than PERC machines. BÖWE’s MultiSolvent® technology allows operators to use either solvent type — and switch between them — in the same machine.
What size dry cleaning machine do I need?
Machine size depends on your daily throughput. A boutique dry cleaner processing 30–50 garments per day will typically be well-served by a 12–18 kg machine. A commercial dry cleaning plant handling 200+ garments daily will require a larger capacity — typically 25–30 kg or higher. Key factors are the number of cycles you can run per day, average garment weights, and peak-load periods. Contact Unicorp for a free capacity assessment — we will help you size the right machine for your operation.
Does Unicorp offer financing options?
[UNICORP TO VERIFY: confirm whether financing or leasing arrangements are available, and if so through which institutions or programmes.] Contact us to discuss payment and financing options for your equipment purchase.
What brands of dry cleaning machines does Unicorp supply?
Unicorp’s flagship dry cleaning machine brand is BÖWE from Germany, one of the world’s leading dry cleaning machine manufacturers. BÖWE machines are available in PERC and MultiSolvent® variants across the iLine (12–18 kg), PremiumLine (12–30 kg), and InduLine (100–200 kg) ranges. We also supply commercial washer-extractors and tumble dryers through our full equipment range, and complementary finishing equipment from VEIT, Barbanti, and Due Effe.
Our free 2026 guide covers startup costs, equipment selection, ROI calculator, business planning, and load shedding strategies — everything you need to launch profitably.
Read the Laundry Business Guide →