A dry cleaner once defined their profession to me as “the original clothing recycler.” Although the description may not be accurate, I concur with its general tenor.
Each time I retrieve newly pressed garments from the dry cleaner, I experience a renewed sense of pleasure. Given the enormous number of resources required to create clothing, anything that pleasantly prolongs their lifespan is unquestionably worthwhile.
However, typical dry-cleaning processes can be harmful to the environment and you. Experts explain what to look for in a dry cleaner in this section.
What is the catch?
Dry-cleaning, like many activities involving chemicals, has developed over the decades from a potentially hazardous activity to one that is regulated to safeguard people and the environment.
To eliminate dirt and stains, clothing is washed in a chemical solvent without the use of water. Perc (short for perchloroethylene, sometimes known as tetrachloroethylene) was for a long time the most widely used solvent in dry cleaning. Perc has been proven to induce liver and kidney damage, memory loss, vertigo, and migraines. Additionally, it is considered a possible carcinogen.
According to the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (Aicis), perc production in Australia ceased in 1991, and imports fell in the years that followed. However, some Australian dry cleaners continue to utilize perc despite having to adhere to state and territory regulations.
According to Mark Ryan, president of the Dry-Cleaning Institute of Australia, “all solvents are safe to use when operated in a well-maintained system, and approved safe solvent handling procedures are in place.” This conforms to Aicis’s requirement that dry-cleaning in Australia “may be seen as a largely contained operation” (meaning emissions and waste disposal are carefully managed).
However, according to Aicis, workers may still be at risk depending on how the chemical is supplied to the machine, how filters are cleaned, and how waste is collected. Perc must always be disposed of by a licensed garbage hauler.
If you are concerned about perc, your best course of action is to inquire about your dry cleaner’s practices.
A range of solvents
According to Ryan, solvents fall into two categories: chlorinated (perc) and non-chlorinated (Solvon K4, Hydrocarbon D60, and Green Earth). On the garment’s care label, a circle containing a letter denotes that it may be dry-cleaned, with each letter indicating which chemicals can be used: “A” indicates the use of any solvent, “P” indicates the use of perc, and “F” indicates the use of exclusively petroleum-based solvents.
Daniel Hays, managing director of laundry equipment company Spencer Systems, says Green Earth and Solvon K4 are the most environmentally friendly solvents, with Green Earth being the most prevalent.
The eco-friendly solvent
Green Earth, according to Fiona Miller and Nikita Williams of the Green Dry Clean in Bathurst, is a silicone-based solvent created from sand, as opposed to solvents derived from petrochemicals.
Miller and Williams characterize it as “soft on fabrics and the environment.” They claim that it leaves your garments “feeling fresh and appearing brighter” and that it is gentler on delicates, making it ideal for delicate things such as lace and sequins.
Green Earth’s silicone is an odorless, colorless solution that dissolves into the sand, trace amounts of water, and carbon dioxide when discharged into the environment. However, Miller and Williams suggest caution while handling it. “Our waste is collected throughout the solvent distillation process, cleaned out once a week, placed in a sealed container, and disposed of by industry norms,” they explain.
What about wet sanitization?
Some eco-friendly dry cleaners utilize a procedure that is not dry cleaning at all. This is known as professional wet cleaning. Courtney Noble, the creator, and co-founder of Noble explains that professional wet cleaning utilizes water instead of chemicals, combined with specialized detergents and conditioners administered by a computer-controlled washing machine.
“The washed clothes are next dried in a specialized dryer with moisture sensors to protect the fibers, prevent color bleeding, and avoid shrinkage,” she explains.
Using biodegradable and ecologically friendly detergents can make this method more environmentally friendly than conventional dry cleaning. However, Ryan argues that not using a solvent is not dry cleaning. If [a dry cleaner] washes an item marked “dry clean only,” they violate the law and are subject to civil damages claims.
Other factors to consider
Hays suggests searching for dry cleaners that use alternate clothing covers to soft plastics and have a hanger return or recycling program, in addition to considering the environmental effects of the chemicals employed.
According to him, “it takes a significant amount of energy to run a textile cleaning business,” thus it’s important to inquire if your dry cleaner uses low-energy equipment or renewable energy sources.
Technological advancements are also essential. According to Noble, the majority of eco-friendly dry cleaners have computer-controlled machines that precisely calculate the amount of water and cleaning time required for each item.
Miller and Williams have included several eco-friendly practices, including environmental spotting agents, biodegradable garment bags, LED lighting, solar panels, and a system for recirculating water.
