The Different Dry Cleaning Processes: Facts for an Educated ChoiceDry cleaning is essentially any process of cleaning clothes that does not use water. In place of water, numerous organic and inorganic solvents have been used. These processes, however, are quite similar to typical washing. Your clothes go into a 'basket' in a machine similar to a washing machine. Solvent is added and detergent in most cases is added to the solvent. The machine tumbles the clothes around like in conventional washers, agitating the clothes in the solvent,"washing" them. The solvent is then drained and a drying process follows. Discovered in the late 1800's by a Frenchman, Jean Baptiste Jolly (thus many cleaners call themselves"French Cleaners") when he accidentally spilled kerosene on his tablecloth and noticed it had cleaned it, dry cleaning has gone through multiple evolutionary changes. From Kerosene to tetrachloroethylene or perchloroethylene (known as "Perc") dry cleaning has nearly always been based in some form of petroleum solvent or synthetic petroleum distillate. Many cleaners today have put a marketing spin on this calling it "Organic" which is in essence true since petroleum is an organic substance. It implies "green" or environmentally friendly, which it is not. It is toxic, carcinogenic and a hazardous waste and must be handled with extreme caution.
Learn what you need to know about all dry cleaning processes to make an informed decision and remember: to always ask if you are not sure or do not understand, ASK! Not sure of getting a straight answer? no matter where you do your dry cleaning. Use our Contact Us form and ask us. We'll make sure you get the facts, We're more than cleaners, we're advocates of a healthy choice. (It's good karma!) You have a right to know how your clothes are being cleaned and if your health is being put at any risk.
> Consumer Alert "Organic Dry Cleaning" > CO2
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