EXHIBIT 23

                       NATIONAL SERVICE INDUSTRIES, INC.

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference of our reports dated November 29, 2001, included or incorporated by
reference in National Service Industries, Inc. Form 10-K for the year ended
August 31, 2001, 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, 333-73135,
333-35746, 333-57222, and 333-57256.

Arthur Andersen LLP

Atlanta, Georgia
November 29, 2001

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