Conventional dry-cleaning is neither “dry” nor “clean”
Have you ever stopped to think how the dry cleaning process works? Despite its name, conventional dry cleaning is not dry at all, nor is it clean. This cleaning process involves soaking the garments in solvent-based chemical, ‘PERC’ (perchloroethylene) which is a colourless, non-flammable liquid. PERC has been used as a standard solvent for drycleaning since the 1950s, despite it being a well-researched toxin and probable carcinogen. Dry cleaners prefer using PERC because of its good cleaning properties including degreasing and deodorizing the fabrics without shrinkage or fading.
Research has shown that long-term exposure to PERC can cause irritation of the upper respiratory tract and eyes, kidney dysfunction and some neurological effects. Chronic exposure may cause neurological illnesses and have adverse effects on the kidney, liver and immune system. Symptoms of short term exposure for those who work with PERC include dizziness, headaches and unconsciousness. PERC is classified as a Toxic Air Contaminant by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and is being phased out of the dry cleaning process in many western countries, although 80–85% of the dry cleaners in India continue to use it. It has recently been banned in France, the US and other European countries. It not only affects the people who work with it, but there is a increased risk for consumers who wear garments dry cleaned in PERC as the skin contacts with the garments post dry cleaning. PERC also causes serious adverse effects to the environment because of its disposal problems. It is a classified hazardous waste and can end up in our soil or water if solvent-contaminated waste is mishandled.
Given the serious harmful effects of PERC, we, at Laundromania use a people and environment friendly cleaning technology called “wet-cleaning”. Wet cleaning uses non-toxic biodegradable detergents along with pure water. Wet cleaning is an advanced care technology from Electrolux, a near 100 year old European appliances leader. It does not require the use of toxic solvents to be effective and is programmed to clean the most delicate clothes by being gentle on fibres and tough on stains. These machines are designed with specific cycles for cleaning wool, silk, cashmere, cotton and all other garment types. Along with the latest wet cleaning technology, we use biodegradable chemicals from Seitz, a 200 year old global leader in cleaning chemicals. Seitz, with its strong R&D team has developed specialized cleaning agents for all types of fabrics, which when combined with water for cleaning, does not harm any type of fabric and leaves the garments softer, fresher and brighter.
The new wet cleaning technology by Electrolux is also Woolmark (global authority on woolen garments) approved. It is a myth that woolen and silk garments can only be dry cleaned using the solvents described above and that water has an adverse effect on wool and silk. Electrolux wet cleaning technology which uses water, mixed with the right cleaning agents cleans all wool and silk garments beautifully and also makes them last longer by not exposing them to harsh chemicals and high temperatures.
Ask your dry cleaner the process they use for cleaning your garments and make the switch to wet cleaning today so that the clothes that come back to your home are free of any toxic chemicals that are harmful to your family and the environment. Your health and the environment will forever be grateful to you!
