Traditional Chemical Dry Cleaning Alternatives

What are your alternatives to the dangerous dry cleaning chemicals?

Posted June 18, 2017

In Delicate Dry Cleaning, Dry Cleaners, Uncategorized

The ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENCE in Canada has released a comprehensive report on the toxic chemicals used by dry cleaners and the detrimental effect it has on humans and the planet. Read the report here: http://environmentaldefence.ca/report/removing-the-stain-getting-cancer-causing-chemicals-out-of-your-clothes/. This article explores traditional chemical dry cleaning alternatives.

PERC is a chemical known as perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene, it’s a solvent used by a majority of dry cleaners here in Australia and overseas. PERC has been widely used since 1950s, it is great at removing oil-based stains such as grease, oil and paint – but this only accounts for 10% of stains as most are water-soluble stains that dissolves in water (think coffee, wine, grass, blood). As effective as it at cleaning PERC is extremely harmful to humans and the environment. It is classified as a likely human carcinogen, short term exposure can cause dizziness, nausea and lung irritation. Long term exposure has been linked to various cancers and other serious health issues such as, fertility problem, nerve and brain damage. Those most at risk are the employees of dry cleaning operations and those who live nearby.

PERC harms the environment through direct release into the air during the dry cleaning process. It is found in drinking water and soil from hazardous waste and spills.

The other common solvent used by dry cleaners are hydrocarbons – petroleum based solvent that is less dangerous than PERC but also is less effective at cleaning clothes. It is highly flammable, volatile and toxic – can cause skin, eye and respiratory irritation. Hydrocarbon solvents are not considered carcinogenic, but they contribute to air pollution ‘which in itself is considered to be carcinogenic by the World Health Organisation’.

Liquid silicone is another solvent being used in here in Australia, according to the Environment Defence although the solvent is not toxic, it produces hazardous waste which potentially is harmful to the environment.

So what are your alternatives to the dangerous chemicals? CO2 and Professional Wet Cleaning are the recommended safer cleaning alternatives. CO2 involves liquid CO2 as the cleaning solvent, non toxic, non-flammable and naturally occurring gas at room temperature. This process is currently not available in Australia as the running costs and machinery costs are significantly higher than the others.

At Laundry Box we offer you Professional Wet Cleaning. A revolutionary wet cleaning method that cleans all your ‘Dry Clean Only’ and ‘Do Not Dry Clean’ garments using computer-controlled washers & dryers, and natural plant based surfactants as part of the biodegradable detergents. Our process uses less power, natural gas, does not generate hazadous waste and do not have any health risks to humans.

The aggressive petrochemicals in traditional dry cleaning solvents can damage certain delicate fabrics and trims such as polyeurethane, fabric backing, beads, fur etc.. We can virtually clean any garment safely and brilliantly – from wedding gowns with delicate beadings, to fur coats, leather & suede jackets, silk blouses, and wool suits and mohair blankets etc.

Laundry Box is a specialist in cleaning household items such as doonas, rugs, as well as pram, baby strollers and car seats. A process that is good for you, our employees and the environment. Detailed information about Laundry Box’s Chemical Free Dry Cleaner Services can be found by visiting: www.laundrybox.com.au/organic-dry-cleaning/