Choose a Greener Cleaner

Thursday, 26 March 2009

Did you know that the chemicals used at your local dry cleaner could be harming the environment? Most traditional dry cleaners use a solvent called perc (Perchloroethylene), a chemical that has been classified by the EPA as a groundwater contaminant and a potential human health hazard.  

Choose a greener cleaner! Use dry cleaners that specialize in one of these two EPA-supported cleaning methods:

• Wet cleaning: The EPA considers this to be one of the safest professional cleaning methods. It involves the use of computer-controlled washers and dryers with specialized detergents that are milder than most home laundry products. Visit http://www.ecovian.com/s/sandiego/green-dry-cleaners-wet-cleaning for a list of businesses in San Diego that offer wet cleaning services.
• Carbon dioxide cleaning: This process involves the use of non-toxic, liquid carbon dioxide (the same form used to carbonate soda) as the cleaning solvent. In case you're wondering, the impact on climate change is minimal and this method actually uses less energy than traditional dry cleaning. Visit www.findco2.com for a list of businesses in California that offer carbon dioxide cleaning services. 

**Don't be deceived by a business that touts their use of the Green Earth cleaning method, which is a non-perc solvent that is also noted as a potential carcinogen by the EPA.