Green Dry Cleaning

This is and excerpt from an article written by Donnie Dann, an avid local conservationist.  Per the author, this content can  be shared  without limitation.                                                                                
 
The ingredient mostly used in conventional dry cleaning, tetrachlorethylene, also referred to as perchlorethylene or perc has long been suspected of being a carcinogen, and both the American Cancer Society and The International Agency for Research on Cancer confirms that.  Fortunately there has been an increase in public consciousness resulting in more and more dry cleaners employing other chemicals in their operations. 
 
The Environmental Protection Agency has been considering whether to ban it on a national basis, and legislation has been introduced in the Illinois House that would phase it out locally. In the interim, here are some steps you can take to avoid it.

• Find Alternatives to Perc.  Search out stores that use substitutes such as 1) high-pressure cleaning using liquid carbon dioxide; 2) silicone-based cleaners (Green-earth is one), or high-tech, computer-controlled wet washing.
• Consider Personal Dry Cleaning. Home dry cleaning kits such as those manufactured under the Dryel brand by Procter and Gamble and by Clorox as Stain-fighter are not chemical-free, nor give results identical to professional cleaning. But they don't contain perc, and might be an alternative in areas with no convenient eco-friendly cleaners or if you’re treating manageable spots.
• Use a small hand-held spot remover for minor stains.  Over the counter spot removers like Tide to Go or Oxiclean are 2 such brands.  
• Opt for the washer.  Modern washers with gentle cycles are often suitable for items such as cashmere and silk.
• Freshen slightly wrinkled garments. Sometimes a little is enough; place delicates in the dryer with a damp colorfast towel, run briefly.
• Re-evaluate your wardrobe.  The best way to reduce dry cleaning pollution is to stop buying clothes which require it. With the wide variety of low-care fabrics available these days, thoughtful shopping can pay-off in reduced cleaning costs and a lighter environmental footprint. Check clothing labels and ask online merchants to disclose cleaning care requirements before buying.  (Thanks to Mother Nature Network for some of the ideas shown here.)

Thank you for reading!

nsk

To find any property for sale in the Chicago area go to www.KarpRealEstate.com

 

Comments

[mesa dry cleaners]

Great article! It really is important for everyone to know that green dry cleaning is the way to go and/or that there are alternatives to keep yourself and the environment safe from PERC.

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