Getting a Greener Dry Clean

“Green” Dry Cleaning: What You Need to Know

The most important thing you can do for a more sustainable wardrobe is to buy less and wear it more. That means taking good care of your clothes. You probably already mend instead of tossing when you can. You’ve probably already upped your laundry game, using efficient appliances, skipping dryer sheets or replacing them with dryer balls, and using nontoxic laundry detergent. But what do you do when labels command, “Dry clean only”?

Even if you don’t have to wear suits at work, nearly everyone has a few items of clothing that shouldn’t go in the washing machine. These are usually the ones you can least afford to ruin accidentally. How bad is dry cleaning, and is green dry cleaning really green?

Dry Cleaning Isn’t Dry

When you wash clothes at home, your detergent acts as a surfactant, breaking water molecules apart and allowing them to dissolve dirt on your clothes. But as we’ve all discovered the hard way, water damages some fabrics.

The “dry” in dry cleaning refers to the fact that no water is used. But dry cleaning is not actually dry. When clothes are dry-cleaned, they are soaked in a solvent that breaks down dirt and oil. But that liquid is a chemical solvent. That chemical is usually perchloroethylene, known as “PERC.” Perhaps “dry cleaning” sounds better than “chemical cleaning.”

The Environmental Protection Agency has banned PERC dry-cleaning machines from residential buildings and evaluated PERC under the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act. People have known since the 1970s that PERC is a dangerous chemical:

California completed its phase-out of PERC in dry cleaning facilities in 2023. New Jersey, Illinois, and other states have followed with restrictions or phase-outs of their own.

Traditional PERC dry-cleaning processes are also highly wasteful. Replacing old transfer equipment with closed-loop systems can reduce a dry cleaner’s PERC use by up to 70%. And on-site distillation can recover up to 90% of solvents. But because PERC is so harmful, a better choice is to switch solvents entirely—or better yet, use water-based methods.

Unfortunately, not all solvents marketed as “green” are truly safe. Many require expensive new equipment, and some alternatives have their own problems. Here’s what you need to know:

Best Choice: Professional Wet Cleaning

Professional wet cleaning is the safest and most energy-efficient method for cleaning “Dry Clean Only” clothes. It uses water as a solvent—rather than chemicals—with a combination of special biodegradable soaps and conditioners.

When you have your clothes professionally wet cleaned, they are laundered in a computer-controlled washer and dryer that gently cleans clothes, sometimes spinning at as few as six revolutions per minute (a typical home washing machine may rotate clothes several dozen times per minute). These special machines can be programmed with variables such as time, temperature, and mechanical action, allowing cleaners to tailor the wash to the fabric type.

According to Peter Sinsheimer, who led the first peer-reviewed study showing wet cleaning’s effectiveness, “Wet cleaning can clean leather, wool, silk, and suits. And it doesn’t shrink clothes. Dry cleaners can damage leather. Wet cleaning doesn’t. What can be successfully wet cleaned is higher than the percentage of what can be dry cleaned.”

The city of San Francisco’s Environment Department reports these benefits when 10 garment cleaners switch to wet cleaning:

Total greenhouse gas reductions: 38,334 lbs CO2/year
Total volatile organic compounds saved: 2,023.8 lbs/year
Significant water and energy savings compared to PERC processing

Also Excellent: Liquid CO2 Cleaning

Liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) cleaning is another truly safe option recognized by regulators as nontoxic and non-smog-forming. Liquid CO2 companies recapture CO2 that’s already a by-product of manufacturing processes and recycle it into the liquid solvent for cleaning clothes. No new CO2 is produced.

The main drawback is cost: while CO2 itself is cheap and abundant, the equipment is expensive, limiting adoption. However, these machines save money in the long term by eliminating disposal and regulatory costs associated with toxic solvents.

Be wary of dry cleaners advertising themselves as “green” or “organic” without specifics:

GreenEarth (siloxane/D-5): This widely marketed “green” option involves a manufacturing process that requires chlorine, which generates toxic dioxin. Other studies suggest it is a potential cancer risk. While GreenEarth is better than PERC, it is not the safest option.

“Organic” cleaners: May use hydrocarbon solvents, which are petroleum-based and contribute to smog. Some organic products contain neurotoxicants or carcinogens, such as benzene.

Always ask specifically: “Do you use wet cleaning or liquid CO2?” If the answer is no, ask what solvent they use and research it.

Customers are rarely aware of it, but even dry cleaners that have not made the switch to safer solvents already wash many garments in regular laundromat-style washing machines. When cleaners receive an item, they evaluate the fabric and, if it doesn’t require dry cleaning, wash it normally.

In many cases, these fabrics can be hand-washed or even machine-washed at home:

Silk (hand wash cold, lay flat to dry)
Wool and cashmere (hand wash cold or delicate cycle)
Velvet (steam or hand wash carefully)
Linen (machine washable; may need ironing)
Most synthetic fabrics are labeled “dry clean.”

“Dry Clean” vs. “Green” Dry Cleaning: What You Need to Know” “Dry Clean Only” is a common label found on clothing items, indicating that the garment should only be cleaned by a professional dry cleaner. This label is a warning to proceed with caution if attempting to wash the item at home, as improper cleaning methods could damage the fabric. It’s important to differentiate between “dry clean” and “dry clean only” recommendations, as the latter implies that professional cleaning is the safest option.

If you’re unsure about washing a delicate garment at home or simply don’t have the time to hand-wash it, seeking out a professional wet cleaner is a wise choice. However, before entrusting your clothing to a dry cleaner, it’s essential to ask a few key questions to ensure that they align with your environmental values. Inquire about their use of professional wet cleaning, the specific solvents they use for dry cleaning, and whether they utilize EPA Safer Choice-certified products. Additionally, consider bringing your own reusable garment bag and inquire about their hanger reuse policies.

To reduce the need for dry cleaning overall, there are several strategies you can implement. Air out garments between wearings, spot clean minor stains, and use a garment steamer to freshen clothes and remove wrinkles without a full cleaning. Opt for machine-washable fabrics when shopping for new clothes and brush wool garments to remove surface dirt, extending the time between cleanings.

The future of green cleaning in the dry cleaning industry looks promising, with many states phasing out the use of toxic chemicals like PERC in favor of greener alternatives. These regulatory changes are driving the industry towards sustainability and encouraging the adoption of environmentally responsible practices. Advancements in green technology, such as fungal enzymes and improved surfactants, are making wet cleaning more effective and eco-friendly.

By choosing an environmentally responsible dry cleaner, you not only protect your garments and the planet but also support the industry’s evolution towards sustainability. It’s crucial to stay informed about the latest developments in green cleaning practices and advocate for cleaner, safer alternatives in the dry cleaning industry. Remember, when it comes to caring for your clothes and the environment, choosing green cleaning methods is always the best choice. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new innovations and advancements being made every day. One of the most exciting developments in recent years has been the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). AI has the potential to revolutionize industries and change the way we live and work in ways we never thought possible.

One of the key areas where AI is making a significant impact is in the field of healthcare. AI has the ability to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, which can help healthcare professionals make more informed decisions and provide better care to patients. From diagnosing diseases to developing personalized treatment plans, AI is transforming the way healthcare is delivered.

One of the most exciting applications of AI in healthcare is in the field of radiology. AI algorithms have been developed that can analyze medical images, such as X-rays and MRIs, and detect abnormalities with a high level of accuracy. This can help radiologists identify potential issues more quickly and accurately, leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment for patients.

AI is also being used to develop personalized treatment plans for patients. By analyzing a patient’s medical history, genetic makeup, and other factors, AI algorithms can recommend the most effective treatment options for each individual. This can lead to better outcomes for patients and more efficient use of healthcare resources.

In addition to improving patient care, AI is also helping to streamline administrative tasks in healthcare. AI-powered chatbots can assist patients with scheduling appointments, answering questions, and even providing basic medical advice. This can help reduce the burden on healthcare workers and improve the overall patient experience.

While the potential benefits of AI in healthcare are vast, there are also challenges that need to be addressed. One of the biggest concerns is ensuring the privacy and security of patient data. As AI algorithms become more sophisticated and powerful, there is a risk that sensitive patient information could be compromised. It is crucial that healthcare providers take steps to protect patient data and ensure that AI systems comply with all relevant regulations and guidelines.

Despite these challenges, the future of AI in healthcare looks bright. With continued advancements in technology and ongoing research, AI has the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered and improve outcomes for patients around the world. As AI continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how it transforms the healthcare industry and improves the lives of patients everywhere.