Dangers of Traditional Dry Cleaning and Safe Alternatives

Earlier today we talked about alternatives to dry cleaning, but if that’s not possible for you, there are green dry cleaning options.

What’s wrong with traditional dry cleaning?

Traditional dry cleaning uses the solvent perchloroethylene (perc), classified by the EPA as toxic. And 85% of cleaners still use it.

Perc is a chlorinated hydrocarbon that can contaminate soil and groundwater, and it’s been shown to cause cancer in lab rats. Since perc is supposed to be removed from clothes during the cleaning process, workers at dry cleaners where perc is used face greater health risks than customers. However, if clothes smell like solvent, they should be reprocessed. Tricky thing is that you can’t always smell perc. Plus, if perc is polluting the earth, then everyone is affected, not just dry cleaning customers.

Environmentally friendly dry cleaning options:

•Wet cleaning (water solvent)

•Co2 (liquid carbon dioxide solvent, same as used to decaffeinate coffee) Process does not produce any new Co2.

Find cleaners using these methods. Many of these greener cleaners are located in California. If unavailable for you, ask for these methods in your area. Consumers are in control, so exercise your power.

Please check back later today for a post about “green” cleaners to watch out for.

Image via flickr.