Our History
A Breakthrough Idea that Changed an Industry
Chem-Dry began in the early 1970s with Robert Harris, a young entrepreneur and law student at Brigham Young University. While working for a carpet cleaning company, Harris experienced the limitations of traditional steam cleaning, including long drying times, harsh chemicals, and dissatisfied customers.
Then came a moment of inspiration. During a flight home, Harris accidentally spilled salad dressing on his silk tie. A flight attendant removed the stain using club soda and explained that carbonation helped lift stains gently and effectively. That simple demonstration sparked an idea that would reinvent carpet cleaning. If carbonation could clean a delicate tie, why not carpet and floors?
From this insight, Harris developed the Chem-Dry Hot Carbonating Extraction (HCE) process, a method that cleans more thoroughly, dries quicker, and uses far less water than standard steam cleaning. It marked the start of a new era in floor care driven by chemistry, innovation, and customer experience.
Evolving the Chem-Dry Legacy
For nearly 50 years, Chem-Dry has continued to build on its innovative foundation. The company has expanded into full-service floor and upholstery care, created proprietary cleaning solutions, and refined equipment for greater efficiency and performance.
Today, Chem-Dry is recognized as the carpet cleaning and floor care experts, trusted by millions of customers for creating cleaner, drier, and healthier indoor environments. That trust extends to franchise owners, who can benefit from decades of brand recognition, research, and ongoing advancements that keep the model strong and relevant in a competitive market.
Built for What’s Next
From its humble beginnings in a small Utah lab to its position as a global leader in carpet, floor and surface cleaning, Chem-Dry continues to evolve through modern systems, advanced tools, and scalable operations. The brand blends proven science with forward-thinking practices to meet the demands of today’s homes and businesses.
For entrepreneurs, this means joining a franchise built on innovation and prepared for the next generation of growth.
Ready to Join the Family?
Start your Chem-Dry journey today by requesting franchise information. Our team is ready to connect and help you explore how you can build your future through our legacy.
