Page 74 Exhibit 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of our reports dated October 9, 1998, included or incorporated by reference in National Service Industries, Inc. Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1998, into the company's previously filed Registration Statement File Nos. 33-35609, 33-36980, 33-48835, 33-51339, 33-51341, 33-51343, 33-51345, 33-51351, 33-51355, 33-51357, 33-59627, and 33-60715. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Atlanta, Georgia November 18, 1998