Page 37
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, 1995,  included or  incorporated  by
reference  in National  Service  Industries,  Inc.  Form 10-K for the year ended
August 31, 1995, into the Company's previously filed Registration Statement File
Nos. 33-36980,  33-51339,  33-51341,  33-51343,  33-51345,  33-51351,  33-51355,
33-51357, 31-60715, 33-63041, and 33-63043.



/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP



November 17, 1995