# Green Dry Cleaning Defined

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/08/green-dry-cleaning-defined/
- Published: 2019-08-24T01:25:08-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

By Beth Fiteni, MSEL

If you’re like most people, when you see a sign in your dry cleaner’s window that
says: “green,” “eco-friendly,” “organic” you probably assume those words mean something
positive. But do you know what it really means for green dry [cleaning](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/02/health-benefits-of-line-drying-clothes-how-it-can-improve-respiratory-and-skin-conditions/)?
This week, Green Inside and Out and Prevention is the Cure issued a green paper.
Also we did a video to explain the options and empower consumers. All to make good
[green dry cleaning](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/07/aggressive-energy-efficiency-programs-could-save-michiganders-a-cool-13-billion/)
choices.

Percholoethylene, or Perc, is a petrochemical solvent that is the most common used
by dry cleaners, but several federal agencies have categorized Perc as a likely 
human carcinogen. The EPA requires that by the year 2020, all perc machines operating
within residential buildings must be removed.

![organic, chemical free, non-toxic dry cleaners](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/img_20150409_224334.jpg?resize=358%2C420&quality=
52&ssl=1)

Fortunately, there are several alternatives to Perc available today:

Wet cleaning: they wet your clothes and wash them with a commercial grade detergent
in a specialized machine. This method is generally considered the greenest dry cleaning
of all the options.

#### Liquid CO2:

Pressurized CO2 in a specialized machine. Because sometimes you may also use some
detergent as well.

Greenearth, or liquid siloxane: Degrades into silica and also has no human health
effects. It’s  associated with it though studies found lab animals developed tumors
if exposed to very high concentrations of it.

Rynex: Propylene glycol ether or type of cleaner that is also used in some body 
products. It can be an eye and skin irritant and is considered a VOC  (volatile 
organic compound). Although it has not been shown to cause cancer. So this is not
a green dry cleaning option.

#### Hydrocarbon:

A set of petrochemical based solvents. Studies have found them to be eye and skin
irritants and to cause headaches and dizziness at high doses. It is not yet determined
whether or not hydrocarbons can cause cancer. Typically of a dry cleaner is using
hydrocarbon they advertise as “organic.”

Do not be confused by this—the word organic in this context is referring to the 
chemistry of the substance being carbon based, not that the cleaner is chemical-
free.

#### _What Consumers can do_:

Seek out an alternative or green dry cleaning you use a dry cleaner that uses Perc.
However, before you bring the bag of clothes inside your home. Then take the plastic
bag off and let them off-gas into the outside air.

Recycle those plastic bags that come with your clothes. They are made of plastic#
4, which can be recycled with your grocery bags at your local grocery store.

Better yet, avoid the use of those plastic bags. Consequently by using reusable 
[dry cleaning garment bags](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/05/jennie-nigrosh-of-the-green-garmento-talks-about-eco-friendly-dry-cleaning/)
such as those made by [Green Garmento.](https://thegreengarmento.com/)

[Learn more on how to ](https://thegreengarmento.com/)avoid exposure and go green
dry cleaning. So finally no chemicals, and protect your health and the environment,
at GreenInsideandOut.com.

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

 [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [  ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)