Greener Cleaner Chicago's Blog

What Is Dry Cleaning?

Greener Cleaner — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:14:55 +0000

At some point in time most people have taken something to a traditional dry cleaner. Very few ever ask, “What is dry cleaning?”. We’d like to take a minute to explain what dry cleaning actually is.

Dry cleaning is a wet process, but not wet with water, wet with a chemical called PERC (perchloroethylene). This chemical came into prominence in the 1930′s replacing petroleum based solvents that caused many cleaners to go up in flames. In 1991 the state of California labeled PERC a toxic chemical and began its phase it out.

The EPA has found PERC to be a human carcinogen.

PERC has been found to cause damage to the nervous and reproductive systems, liver, and kidneys.PERC exposure can occur from contact with dry cleaned items but most frequently it can be found in the air and drinking water. When the cleaning process
is completed it leaves behind cooked muck and sludge. For years there was no regulation of the dumping of these chemicals. This led to PERC being dumped directly into sewer drains and other illogical dumping methods. Today, PERC cleaners are required by law to have their sludge and muck picked up to be disposed of. Even so, PERC is still being released in the air and seeping into ground water.

Luckily there is an alternative and that alternative is Wet Cleaning. Look in our next newsletter for an explanation of what Wet Cleaning is.

For more information on Perc check this link:

http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/chemicals/tetrachloroethene/

Wrinkle Free?

Greener Cleaner — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:35:22 +0000

Pressing a dress shirt can be one of the most tedious of household tasks. Therefore it comes as no surprise that “wrinkle free” shirts have increased in popularity since their introduction in the 1990′s. So what is it that keeps these shirts from getting wrinkled? The answer is formaldehyde.

Yes, formaldehyde. That same chemical you used to kill frogs in biology class. This chemical is used to keep fabric fibers in place during the tumbling cycle. It also keeps creases in place. The biggest problem with formaldehyde is that it is not regulated or customarily labeled on clothing. Formaldehyde can also be found in bedding, upholstery and draperies. In a recent New York Times story, formaldehyde was found in several garments above recommend levels.

Prolonged exposure can lead to the development of an allergy and skin irritation. If you still insist on buying wrinkle free shirts it is best to wash them before wearing, although this does not remove the formaldehyde. Urvashi Rangan, director of technical policy at the Consumers Union said, “Given all of the things we buy new that can release formaldehyde in our house, all of those things contribute. Over all, minimizing your exposure is a good idea.” When asked how to limit exposure she replied, “We’re all for irons, to be honest.”

The Greener Cleaner offers two options for pressing dress shirts: laundered with a machine press or wet cleaned with a hand pressed finish. Why keep exposing yourself to toxic chemicals?

Want to read more? Check out this article from the New York Times.

Edgewater Location Gets A Face Lift

Greener Cleaner — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:44:53 +0000

Over the past few months we have slowly been updating the front end of our Edgewater location. We are happy to say we have finally completed fixing up the store. Among the updates was a new display space and a slew of changes to our alterations department. Below are some pictures of the changes!

Possible Perc Ban In Illinois!

Greener Cleaner — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 15:43:30 +0000

We are excited to announce that Illinois state senator Heather Steans has proposed a bill to ban the use of Perc in the state of Illinois! The ban would begin with stricter regulation of dry cleaning equipment over the course of the phase out. If this bill passes it will make Illinois the third state to place a ban on perc. The bill has already passed through the state senate environmental committee and the state senate.

For the past fifteen years The Greener Cleaner has been at the fore front in proving that there is a viable alternative to traditional dry cleaning. We are extremely hopeful that this will pass in the state house of representatives making Illinois safer for you, your clothes and the environment!

If you would like to find out more about this legislation check the bill out here: SB1617

Kudos From Chicago’s Sustainability Experts!

Greener Cleaner — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:10:29 +0000

ChicagoReGen is a great site where real Chicagoans share ideas and information about what they are doing to weave more sustainability practices into their life. All of the great resources on the site revolve around a single question: “What would it take to make the City of Chicago sustainable by 2025 with a high standard of living?”

We’re big fans of the site, and were thrilled and honored to read this wonderful post!
I try not to buy clothes that require dry cleaning, mainly because I think it’s kind of a hassle to have to drop it off and it pick up and then there’s the added expense. But, for some things, dry cleaning is preferred. It wasn’t until recently I started learning about “green” dry cleaning. With more and more dry cleaners popping up with the word green in their name, it made me wonder how “un-green” the traditional method is.

So I started doing some research. What I found was that the solvent that 90% of dry cleaners use to clean, is called perchloroethylene, or Perc. Well, Perc is a chemical that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers both a health and environmental hazard! Even with improvements in equipment, this toxic chemical can still get into the air, water and ground. Really? All that to get a stain out of my dress? Yes, but as I mentioned before, there are “greener” options available.

What makes these places greener? I was thinking the same thing, so I asked The Greener Cleaner at 1552 N Damen. Scott Fiero, Director of Business Development, explained that there is a method called wet cleaning that was developed in Germany. It’s a water based, solvent-free process using water and biodegradable soaps and conditioners, that have been proven entirely benign to health and the environment. The Greener Cleaner is Chicagolands only professional wet cleaners and they’ve been at it for over 15 years. In addition to using this more environmentally friendly and less toxic form of cleaning clothes, they use biodegradable plastic and recycle everything they can.
I’m sure there are people who can argue both sides of the fence here, but just given this information, I think I’ll try the Greener Cleaner next time, because with comparable prices and a location that’s within walking distance from me, why not opt for a chemical free cleaning?

Cleaning Options For People With Chronic Conditions

Greener Cleaner — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 17:50:45 +0000

A recent article discusses why people with chronic diseases–in this case, liver disease–should avoid dry cleaning:

When putting on fresh, dry cleaned clothes, have you ever noticed that sweet odor? It is not enough to bother many people, and most become accustomed to the smell after just a few minutes. However, this smell is a toxic chemical gas – and the clothing you are wearing lies on your skin, an organ that readily absorbs substances in close proximity.
…

Dry cleaning establishments routinely use the toxic solvent PERC, or perchloroethylene, to clean clothing. PERC is the most popular solvent used in dry cleaning, and is estimated to be used in 85 percent of dry cleaners worldwide. According to the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, PERC exposure can lead to headaches, nausea, dizziness and memory problems. PERC’s toxic byproducts include:

· Vinyl chloride, a proven carcinogen

· Carbon tetrachloride, a known liver toxin

· Phosgene, a hazardous gas that evaporates and can be lethal in closed spaces

· Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), used as an herbicide in the 1950s and 1960s
If your health is compromised by a chronic disease, consider wet cleaning as a healthy alternative. Our solvent-free process is better for your clothes, your health, and your environment!

ABC News Loves Wet Cleaning!

Greener Cleaner — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:44:13 +0000

An interesting video from ABC News describes why wet cleaning is better for your clothes, your health, and the planet!

Meanwhile, watch how dry cleaners are learning about non-toxic wet cleaning in the clip below:

How Solvents Damage Your Clothes

Greener Cleaner — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 17:10:59 +0000

Most people understand that using water instead of chemical solvents for cleaning is a better choice for the environment, but many of our customers really appreciate how their fine clothing looks, feels, and smells after the wet cleaning process. Clothes come back with no chemical odor, whites and colors are brighter, and fabrics feel softer.

A recent article in American Drycleaner (yep, there’s a trade magazine for every business!), entitled “When The Label Says Water,” has some interesting points about other downsides of chemical solvent cleaning (emphasis added):

Like a doctor, “First, do no harm” to the garment. You may cause harm when you dryclean UV-blocking garments; they usually have special finishes that break down in solvent, even though they can withstand water processing. Likewise, the resins that help make a cotton or cotton-blend garment wrinkle-resistant can be softened or flushed away in the drycleaning process.

Many garments with “permanent” creases have a gluelike resin that softens or breaks down in the drycleaning process, too. Pay particular attention to uniforms and shirts with military creases. Any painted, glued-on or glued-together trims can be sensitive to immersion in drycleaning solvent.

If you’re in the Chicago area, try out our innovative wet cleaning process for yourself. Download coupons at greenercleaner.net.

The “Mystery” Behind Green Cleaning

Greener Cleaner — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:37:25 +0000

As we mentioned in an earlier post, Greener Cleaner will soon be featuring a series on how exactly we clean your clothes using a wet cleaning process. Really, there’s no mystery, just a well thought-out technique involving soap and water. This video gives a good overview of the wet cleaning process:

Tonight! Best Deals on Luxury Fashion and Green Cleaning

Greener Cleaner — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:23:43 +0000

At Greener Cleaner, we’re not only looking out for your planet, but also your wallet. Come to the opening the of high-end vintage clothing shop Edrop at 2117 North Halstead Street tonight between 6pm and 8pm and pick up one of our money-saving coupons! Our innovative process will beautifully clean your expensive silks, linen and cashmere.

Shhh! Chicago’s Best Kept Luxury Fashion Secret

We all know how buying designer clothes can put a serious hole in your wallet!
But thank the fashion gods there is a better way! Edrop which has redefined designer consignment shopping and is one of eBay’s top luxury & designer sellers is opening a store in Lincoln Park.
The newly constructed 3,000 square foot space was built to accommodate the worldwide demand for chic vintage and premiere designer clothes.
Want to check it out for yourself? Then come and join CS Magazine on July 21st, 6pm-8pm for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to celebrate the launch of E Drop-Off at 2117 North Halsted Street. Sweet!