Environmentally Safe
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) there are two different systems that are friendly to the environment: water-based cleaning systems which use a water base solution made of natural soaps and conditioners; and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Cleaning, which uses compressed liquid CO2 with detergents. Others claim to be green, but according to the Union of Concerned Scientist (UCS) these systems contain products that are questionable.
These green cleaners may use names such as Green Earth, Organic but they are really using a silicone based cleaning solvents, or they are using a petroleum based solvents.
Modern water-based cleaning systems occur in a commercial setting and consist of the following key elements: 1) computer-controlled cleaning machines and dryers; 2) specialized detergents and 3) trained and skilled personnel. Further, specialized finishing equipment may be required for garment pressing to be most effective.
Computerized operations allow for precise mechanical control in order to gently clean, dry, and finish garments. Modern machines may be programmed for various settings such as mechanical action, drying temperatures, moisture levels in the dryer, and water and detergent volume. The flexibility of this technology provides cleaners with the controls to administer a customized cleaning cycle suited to a garment’s specified needs.
For further information please check the following links:
- S.F.Dept. of Environment (PDF)
- Union of Concerned Scientist: Overview of different cleaning systems
- U.S.EPA Wet Cleaning Booklet (PDF)
- Live Science “ORGANIC EXPOSED”
- NPR report: Cancer risk seen in “GREEN EARTH”
- U.S.EPA Case Study: Wet Cleaning systems for garment care
- Urban & Environmental Policy Institute Occidental College
- Research study by Peter Sinsheimer Urban & Environmental Policy Institute (PDF)
- University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment: A comparative analysis PERC vs. Wet Clean
- S.F. Chronicle: San Francisco’s Dept. of the Environment takes green issue to dry cleaners.
