1 Page 82 Exhibit 23 Arthur Andersen LLP Atlanta, Georgia CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of our reports dated October 20, 1994, included or incorporated by reference in National Service Industries, Inc. Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1994, into the Company's previously filed Registration Statement File Nos. 33-36980, 33-51339, 33-51341, 33-51343, 33-51345, 33-51347, 33-51349, 33-51351, 33-51355 and 33-51357. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP November 18, 1994