What Is Organic Dry Cleaning?
As consumers move towards eco-friendly living, one thing they want to make sustainable is their laundry routine. With that in mind, it’s essential to ask, what is organic dry cleaning?
When you see the word organic attached to it, it’s easy to assume it’s an eco-friendly way to dry clean. But it’s necessary to do deeper research to make sure we’re not being greenwashed.
Why is dry cleaning bad for the environment?
Regular dry cleaners have had a history of using solvents like Perchloroethylene. According to the EPA, these solvents can release volatile organic compounds and toxic air pollutants.
The chemicals in the substances reacting in the air can form smog. As respiratory experts note, our airways can be irritated by breathing in air pollutants.
Air pollution from dry cleaners also puts us at risk for a number of other harmful conditions. EWG mentions that the U.S. National Toxicology Progam and other organizations anticipate that perc is a human carcinogen. Research has shown that perc remains on clothing for a long time.
Beyond harming humans, other sources note that perc can contaminate our soil and water supply. That results in toxic substances harming our plants and animals.
What’s organic dry cleaning?
Businesses that refer to their dry cleaning as organic may be using a solvent referred to as DF-2000. The solvent was created by Exxon-Mobile as an alternative to perc.
According to Live Science, it is safer in comparison to what it’s replacing. It’s listed as a neurotoxin by the EPA. While it’s not as bad as perc, it still contributes to global warming and smog.
A more organic option is dry cleaning which uses carbon dioxide and water. Liquid CO2 under high pressure is used to dry the clothing. Unfortunately, it’s not more widely used because of how expensive it is to do.
Another option most sources mention is wet cleaning. That involves the use of organic detergents and machines. Interestingly enough, most dry cleaners already use this method on certain types of clothing.
One other thing to keep in mind is that some clothes are, in fact, mislabeled as “Dry Clean Only.” If you want to avoid the dry cleaners, consider steaming the item. Most sources note that it removes germs and it gets out wrinkles.
Final thoughts
Regardless of which option you choose, you now know there are eco-friendly ways to dry clean your clothing. We can all make an effort to be sustainable in this way and help reduce harmful pollution in our environment.
Take time to research if the dry cleaner you’re considering makes use of wet cleaning. If they don’t, look into doing more steaming of your clothing.
