Should You Switch From Regular Dry Cleaning to Green Dry Cleaning?
If your dry cleaner is not using green methods, you should absolutely consider changing dry cleaners ASAP. To understand green dry cleaning (also called eco-friendly dry cleaning), let us begin with what the dry cleaning process actually is and when it started.
Many people associate "dry cleaning" as a process that does not in involve liquid. In truth, the “dry cleaning” process actually involves processing clothes in a liquid solvent or special detergent to remove soil and stains. To be considered a green dry cleaner or eco-friendly dry cleaner, only select methods, equipment and solvents or detergents can be used.
People have been using solvents instead of water to clean clothes for over 2000 years, but most have not been eco-friendly. The ancient Romans pioneered the process using ammonia distilled from waste to clean their wool. In 1821 the first patent for “Dry Scouring” was filed. Fast forward to the 1930s and perchloroethylene, commonly called perc (a chlorinated solvent), found widespread adoption as the primary solvent for cleaning fabrics without using water, replacing gasoline and kerosene as commonly used solvents.
It’s estimated up to 80% of dry cleaners nationwide, and 65% in New York, continue to use perc. The EPA and NY DEC consider perc both a health and environmental hazard. In the early 90’s, the EPA started regulating dry cleaning solvents and encouraged the use of more environmentally friendly solvents. This action was the impetus for the green dry cleaning revolution.
Green dry cleaning, or eco-friendly dry cleaning, refers to any one of the following four cleaning methods that do not use of perc:
Wet Cleaning: Similar to home laundering, but designed for delicate items and fabrics using sophisticated detergents that do not allow garments to absorb water or become saturated, keeping any moisture limited to the fabric surface.
Carbon Dioxide Cleaning: Liquid carbon dioxide is forced through garments along with mild detergents under very high pressure. Co2 is a naturally occurring gas and Co2 ever leaves the system. Installation of a Co2 system can exceed $100,000.
Silicon-based Solvents: Basically liquified sand (SiO2), also known as siloxane or D-5, is similar to some of the base ingredients used in shaving creams and deodorant. It breaks down into air, water, and sand, but chlorine waste is a byproduct from manufacturing.
DF-2000 Hydrocarbon Solvent: Although sometimes referred to as a “natural” or “organic” cleaning agent, it is a petroleum-based product that has greenhouse gas implications, and considered by many the least green dry cleaning method available.
From the above methods, only “Wet Cleaning” and “Carbon Dioxide Cleaning” are considered truly safe for the environment and consumers as they do not directly or indirectly pollute the environment. American Dry Cleaners proudly operates state of the art “Wet” green dry cleaning machines and is committed to eco-friendly dry cleaning.
More about Wet Cleaning
Wet cleaning uses specialized detergents with as little water as possible. These detergents are milder than home laundry detergents so as not to damage delicate items. Wet cleaning is accomplished using closely monitored computerized washers and dryers followed by professional pressing or steaming and finishing. Wet Cleaning allows American Dry Cleaners to help keep your clothes looking their best, so you can look your best. American Dry Cleaners triple checks each garment during the process because we’re committed to upholding the highest standard of quality. Extra care is taken before and after cleaning to treat stains since no chemical solvent is used. For the most delicate specialty items, American Dry Cleaners still cleans each garment by hand. The EPA considers Wet Cleaning one of the safest professional cleaning methods, stating it is "an example of an environmentally preferable technology that can effectively clean garments."