The word “eco-friendly” can be seen in almost every dry cleaner. However, the slogan on the wall does not mean a green cleaning process. Many consumers spend a lot of money on cleaning. But garments still give off a strong chemical odor. This is because “eco-friendly dry cleaning” is used too broadly. Some operators claim to offer green cleaning because they use low-toxicity solvents. Some actually use advanced processes but cannot explain them clearly. This article will introduce some mainstream eco-friendly cleaning methods. It will further explain why wet cleaning is the preferred solution at present.
Dry Cleaning
Perchloroethylene (PCE) is the key solvent used in traditional dry cleaning. It has been widely used in the dry cleaning industry since the mid-20th century. With strong cleaning performance and low costs, it became the industry standard. However, it causes obvious issues. PCE is a controlled toxic chemical. Prolonged contact can irritate the respiratory tract and skin. Vapors released into the air are environmentally unfriendly. The disposal of spent solvent is also challenging.
Many people find that odors still remain after dry-cleaned suits are hung to air on the balcony for two to three days. This is caused by PCE residues. It is worth attention, especially for people with sensitive skin, pregnant women, children, and businessmen who often need to wear dry-cleaned clothes.
Eco-friendly dry cleaning means professional garment cleaning methods without PCE. However, not using PCE is the baseline. The differences among alternative solutions are greater.
Wet Cleaning
Professional wet cleaning machines are different from regular washers. Wet cleaning uses water as the cleaning medium with biodegradable detergents. But the key is equipment and process control. A professional wet cleaning machine is precisely controlled by computer programs for its water temperature, drum speed, mechanical action, and drying humidity. Parameters should be tailored to different fabrics. Wool sweaters do not shrink or deform. Silk shirts do not turn gray or form wrinkles. A professional wet cleaning machine can safely handle many delicate garments that can only be dry cleaned.
A Kingstar wet cleaning machine can store up to 79 programs. Washing parameters can be adjusted to safely clean most garments. Besides washable garments, Kingstar wet cleaning machines can treat garments that require dry cleaning and hand washing.
Advantages of wet cleaning:
- No toxic residues
Wet cleaning processes use professional detergents instead of traditional chemical solvents. After washing, garments are free from strong solvent odors. They are also suitable for wearing next to the skin. Wet cleaning has obvious advantages for garments that come into direct contact with the skin (such as infant clothes, underwear, and bedding).
- Gentler on fabrics & extend garment service life
Although PCE is effective in stain removal, prolonged use can cause fiber embrittlement and dull appearances. Many people find that suit fabrics become shiny and stiff after several dry cleaning cycles. This may be caused by repeated wash cycles with solvents. However, wet cleaning can maintain fiber elasticity. Natural fibers (such as cashmere and wool) remain fluffy and soft with bright colors after cleaning.
- Reduce environmental impact
Wastewater generated by wet cleaning can be discharged after regular treatment. It does not generate toxic waste. It also requires no specialized hazardous waste collection or disposal. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), wet cleaning is a safer solution than PCE dry cleaning.
- Wide range of applications
Besides regular shirts and trousers, wet cleaning is used for most daily garments (such as commuting clothes, shirts, suit pants, lightweight suits, cotton and linen garments, wool blends, cashmere sweaters, and silk shirts). Some delicate fabrics that can only be dry cleaned are suitable for wet cleaning through parameter adjustment.
However, heavy garments (such as canvas suits and padded-shoulder coats) and water-sensitive fabrics require other cleaning methods.
Other Eco-Friendly Solutions
- Liquid silicone solvent
This is a solvent-based cleaning method. It breaks down into silica-like components after decomposition. It is non-toxic, harmless, and free of bad odors. It is gentle on textiles. It can also retain fabric colors. This solvent is suitable for structured formal clothes and coats. If a store displays GreenEarth certification marks, it uses a verifiable, standardized process.
- Hydrocarbon solvent
It is based on petroleum refining. Compared with PCE, it has low toxicity and less odor. It is subject to fewer restrictions. Many dry cleaners have replaced PCE with hydrocarbon solvents. They have taken a first step towards environmental protection. A store promotes “green dry cleaning”. But it cannot explain what solvents it uses. It may use hydrocarbon solvents. Although it is better than traditional dry cleaning, this does not mean truly green cleaning.
Conclusion
The word “eco-friendly” has been widely used in the dry cleaning industry. With the same green label, some stores use professional wet cleaning. Some have GreenEarth certification. Some just use hydrocarbon solvent. Some may have changed nothing.
Eco-friendly is a practical process choice, not just a marketing concept. Wet cleaning has advantages in non-toxic residues, fabric gentleness, and low environmental burden. It has become a preferred cleaning method at present. Next time, when sending garments to laundry shops, ask them whether they can do wet cleaning. This reduces the burden on skin and wardrobe.
Q&A
Q1: Can a new laundry shop only use wet cleaning machines?
A1: The store should evaluate the daily volume of garments that require dry cleaning. If a new laundry shop has a limited budget as well as low laundry volume, it can invest in wet cleaning machines first. With the growth of business volume and dry cleaning requirements, it can add dry cleaning machines.
Q2: Wool garments are prone to shrinkage. How can laundry shops ensure cleaning safety?
A2: Wool scales open up in warm water. Meanwhile, strong mechanical action can cause wool to become entangled. This causes wool shrinkage. Wet cleaning features low water temperature and mechanical action. For example, the minimum drum speed of Kingstar wet cleaning machines is 15 RPM. Wet cleaning also protects fibers with professional chemicals. This effectively reduces the wool shrinkage rate. If wool shrinkage appears after cleaning, stretch garments back with professional garment stretching agents.
Q3: Which one is safer, wet cleaning or hand washing?
A3: Hand washing is safer for garments that require separate washing. Some garments do not need separate washing. But they require low mechanical action and low-temperature washing. Wet cleaning can provide gentler mechanical action as well as consistent water temperature.
