Did you know that every time you bring home your clothing from a traditional dry cleaner, you’re bringing in dangerous chemicals that can cause anything from headaches and breathing problems to more severe problems like liver and kidney damage? Fact is, dry cleaning is an unavoidable fact of life for many of us. From work attire to that special evening gown, we all have a few items in our closets with that dreaded “Dry Clean Only” label. Do Your Part and stop polluting your home by seeking out cleaners that use techniques that are better for you and our planet. 

 

More than 80% of dry cleaners in this country use perchloroethylene (perc) as the cleaning agent. Perc is a man made compound that pollutes our air, land and water. The good news is that there are greener choices. New cleaners that use safer alternatives are popping up across the country and existing dry cleaners are converting to perc-free cleaners. 

 

Today, there are four different types of cleaning techniques that do not use perc. One of the safest uses only water and biodegradable soap along with special dryers to keep the garments shape and size. Another technique uses only carbon dioxide to clean your clothes yet produces no new carbon dioxide in the process. The two remaining techniques use hydrocarbons or siloxane (D5) as the cleaning agent, both of which have concerns of their own. Using hydrocarbons releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, an ingredient of ozone and smog. And the safety of siloxane, or D5, is still being debated although current research indicates that it is safer than using perc. 

 

These so-called ‘green’ dry cleaners can’t be found in every city but it’s certainly worth finding out if there is one near you. A simple online search for ‘green dry cleaners’ in your town will get you started or visit DoYourPart.com/columns for specific guides to green dry cleaners. 

 

If a conventional dry cleaner is still your only option, make sure you unwrap and air out your clothes before hanging them in a closet. You may also want to use home dry cleaning kits to help you spot clean your clothes, which are perc-free and economical.

 

And there are a few more ways to green your dry cleaning routine. To put an end to all those wasted plastic dry cleaning bags, check with your dry cleaner about bringing in a reusable garment bag to protect your clean clothes. Otherwise check for places that will accept that plastic wrap for recycling. Some dry cleaners will accept back their hangers but if yours is not one of them, donate your stockpile to a local charity.

 

No matter which route you choose to go with your dry cleaning, there are ways to Do Your Part for a cleaner planet and a healthier home.