What are your alternatives to dangerous dry cleaning chemicals?

Laundry Box Natural Dry Cleaners

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/.

Removing the Stain

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 excellent 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 (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 nerve and brain damage. Those most at risk are the employees of dry cleaning operations and those who live nearby.

PERC threatens 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, however 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, although not hazardous but they produce waste that is harmful to the environment according to the report by the Environment Defence.

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 more expensive.

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 to protect the fabrics from damaging. 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 ordinary 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. Taking care of you, our employees and the environment.