Did you ever try to think how your clothes appear to be fresh and clean after they have been through dry cleaning? People might think it’s magic, however reality is that it all comes down to the dry cleaning solvent and chemicals which are used during the process. Well, do you know that such substances can be also dangerous to the environment, and can affect your health? After learning about perchloroethylene and the other dry cleaning chemicals you will be in a position to make better decisions that will be friendly to the environment.
Dry cleaning is the process that can clean all types of clothes but never uses water to clean the clothes. It only applies a dry cleaning liquid or dry non-aqueous solvent to dissolve the dirt and stains. Therefore having an understanding of the different types of dry cleaning agents as well as the effects as the concern of the people towards environment and health grow.
Varieties of Dry Cleaning Solvents
Perchloroethylene (Perc)
- Perc dry cleaning machine technology has remained the leading technology for dry cleaning process for many years now.
- Resistant to water and highly effective at pulling out even the most recalcitrant stains, perchloroethylene dry cleaning dominates the 85% of the American market.
- However, perc dry cleaning machines produce hazardous gas and are an environmental pollutant through affecting both air and water.
- Perc dry cleaning for a long period has been associated with respiratory problems and affects groundwater.
Did you know? California has set a goal to ban perchloroethylene dry cleaning by 2025, that will act as precedent for all the states in the United States.
Hydrocarbon Dry Cleaning Solvents
- Petroleum based and silicone based hydrocarbon dry cleaning solvents are becoming popular.
- It reported that these solvents are less toxic than perchloroethylene and produce less pollution.
- Moving from wet cleaning chemistry to the dry cleaning with hydrocarbon solvents can help increase sustainability as well as the satisfaction of consumers.
Green Solvents is dry cleaning solvent and chemicals
- New entrants include liquid carbon dioxide and liquefied petroleum gas as green solutions.
- While being effective these options have their disadvantages – higher price and certain limitations on the fabric used.
Surfactants Including Soaps and Detergents and Other Chemical Additives
- Softeners and other related products improve on the effectiveness of dry cleaning solvents employed.
- Some of the solvents used in dry cleaning are combined with detergents so as to enhance stain extraction.
- It means that the additives eliminate static, keep the texture of your fabrics without shrinking or fading your garments as if they were freshly bought.
Safety Concerns
Health Risks
- Perc the dry cleaning chemical can cause respiratory illnesses and skin irritation whenever an individual is exposed to the chemical.
- Employees who often come into contact with dry cleaning agents are at higher risk thus the importance of handling the substance.
Environmental Impact
- Perc dry cleaning is a major source, affecting the emission of air and water pollutants. It is reported that some 170 million gallons of dry cleaning petroleum solvent is used across the United States every year contributing to pollution.
- The above effects necessitate sustainable substitutes and legislation that can help cut the effect.
Regulations and Standards
To control usage of such chemicals, several administrative authorities exist including the EPA if not OSHA such as in regulation of dry cleaning chemicals. Failure to meet these standards is fatal, so compliance will ensure clients’ trust and businessmen’s safety from penalties.
The dry cleaning solvents used have dire consequences: The prime focus has been on the chemicals used in dry cleaning including perchloroethylene dry cleaning as well as dry cleaning with hydrocarbon solvents along with properties , risks and sustainable alternatives of them. Another way is choosing wet cleaning instead of dry one, or using certified green cleaners for the business.
Interested in being part of the solution and trading conventional dry cleaning with a less toxic, more environmentally friendly method? Check out Dhobi Delight where sustainability is our innovation. Discover how a combination of green approach and professionality in handling your garments will make all the difference.
Visit DhobiDelight now and decide how to wash better. Because your clothes should receive the treatment that will benefit both you and the environment you live in!
