Dry Cleaning – is it Green?
Posted on 31. Aug, 2009 by admin in Uncategorized
Don’t bother with dry cleaning if you don’t have to. The chemicals used in dry-cleaning are solvent-based, and harmful to the environment. The widely used dry cleaning solvent known as perchloroethylene (perc) has been linked to health and environmental hazards, and is classified as a “Probable carcinogen” by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The following recently developed technologies now offer safer alternatives.
A. Wet Cleaning - A new process has been developed which cleans many “dry clean only” garments using an environmentally friendly , water-based system called “Wet Cleaning”. Garments made with 100% wools, cashmere, silk, rayon, acetate and dozens of other fabrics can now be safely treated and finished. When combined with the exact amounts of soaps, and finishing agents, wet cleaning is very effective. The heart of the wet cleaning system is a German made “Miele” processing unit. Many dry cleaning businesses in Europe and North America are now equipped with the Miele wet cleaning unit.
B. CO2 Cleaning – An effective and environmentally sound dry cleaning method has been developed by Micell Technologies, based in Raleigh NC. This method uses liquid carbon dioxide to dry-clean clothes, eliminating the use of perc. Micell’s technology combines liquid carbon dioxide with recyclable cleaning agents in a traditional basket-style machine. It is similar to today’s front-load, mechanical action machines, and features gentle wash and extract cycles. A patented detergent system enhances the cleaning ability of the liquid CO2 allowing it to remove the dirt on the garments. After the cleaning cycle, the machine pulls the mixture of liquid CO2 and cleaning agents away from the clothes, then cleans and reuses the solution. CO2 cleaning systems cost double that of wet cleaning systems, making them a less viable financial alternative for small businesses, at this time. CO2 does not require heat to clean, resulting in less fading and wear on clothing when compared with traditional dry cleaning.
C. A Virtually Waterless Washing Machine - Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a new way of cleaning clothes using less than 2% of the water and energy of a conventional washing machine. The revolutionary technology will provide alternatives to both domestic washing and dry cleaning, heralding the world’s first “virtually waterless” washing system. The process is based on the use of plastic granules (or chips) which are tumbled with the clothes to remove stains.A range of tests, carried out to worldwide industry protocols have shown that the process can remove virtually all types of stains as effectively as existing processes whilst leaving clothes as fresh as normal washing. In addition, the clothes emerge from the process almost dry , reducing the need for tumble-dryers. A typical washing machine uses about 35Kg of water for every kg of clothes that are washed.
Look at the labels when purchasing your clothing. If something has to be sent to the Dry Cleaner it might not be the best purchase for “Everyday Clothing”.
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