One of the long-running discussions is whether traditional dry cleaning is better for your clothes or the newer “organic” and “green” methods.
Solvents used and their Effectiveness
With traditional dry cleaning, most places still use perchloroethylene. It works well to remove grease and wine, but some research has shown it might not be so good for you or the environment. The organic and green methods use different natural solvents or just plain old water, which is obviously better if you’re worried about chemicals. But some people argue they’re not as effective as perc for heavy-duty cleaning jobs.
Perchloroethylene is the liquid they use to get dirt out of your clothes. It is effective in removing dirt and stains from anything from fancy suits to couch fabric, but many customers worry about its effects on people’s health and the environment. When they use perc to clean your clothes at the shop, some of it can evaporate into the air. That means it could end up floating into your home or outdoors.
The two most common organic dry-cleaning solvents are hydrocarbon and silicone. Hydrocarbon solvents are derived from petroleum and biodegrade rather quickly and have low toxicity. Some hydrocarbon dry cleaners, however, have had issues with odor and flammability. Silicone-based solvents are synthesized to be non-toxic, non-flammable, and fully biodegradable. They clean comparably to perc while being safer for people and the planet.
While organic solvents aim to reduce health and environmental risks, some argue they may not clean as thoroughly as perc. Traces of dirt or stains could possibly remain. Silicone may struggle with heavier soils on fabrics like wool since it is less dense than perc. However, modern advanced organic systems continually improve, and many professional cleaners report excellent cleaning results today without toxic chemicals. It is also worth noting that not all articles of clothing require intensive cleaning – things like shirts and pants may clean perfectly fine with alternative solvents.
Cost
When it comes to costs, green dry cleaning usually costs a bit more than traditional perc cleaning. This is because organic solvents require more sophisticated machines plus higher operating costs for their non-toxic processing. However, some see the added expense as worthwhile for wellness and sustainability benefits. Over time, the two options can even out price-wise as ongoing solvent replacement is lower for green options compared to perc.
Sustainability
Many consumers like knowing they are supporting cleaner solutions without hazardous chemicals entering the ecosystem or their homes. The slightly higher cost of organic dry cleaning seems justified, and modern, sophisticated systems provide satisfactory cleaning performance.
In the end, both traditional perc and organic dry-cleaning methods have their place depending on an individual’s priorities and clothing care requirements. Perc is most effective for heavy duty jobs but concerns about health impacts and environmental footprint make it problematic for some.
Choose VIP
Reputable custom dry cleaners can provide you with more information regarding different cleaning methods. Here at VIP Custom Cleaners, we help keep clothes clean and fresh! Come and visit our dry-cleaning shop today to learn more about our services!
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