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                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS





As independent  public  accountants,  we hereby consent to the  incorporation by
reference of our reports  dated  October 8, 1999,  included or  incorporated  by
reference  in National  Service  Industries,  Inc.  Form 10-K for the year ended
August 31, 1999, into the company's previously filed Registration Statement File
Nos. 33-35609,  33-36980,  333-48835,  33-51339,  33-51341,  33-51343, 33-51345,
33-51351, 33-51355, 33-51357, 333-59627, 33-60715, 333-73133, and 333-73135.


                                                         /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Atlanta, Georgia
November 17, 1999