Organic Dry Cleaning

Most people know that making a change to environmentally safe usually means using products that are safer for them as well. Organic and green systems are not only safer for the environment. Typically, they are better for the person who uses them since the materials aren’t created from harsher chemicals. This is particularly important when it involves something that is around an individual all day. Clothes washed in a detergent free of harsh chemicals and the use of organic dry cleaning methods help to remove some the risk to not only the environment, but also the person wearing the clothing. Not all shops offer customers organic dry cleaning, so it might be necessary to do a little shopping around.

Finding dry cleaners featuring organic methods can involve a little looking around, but this is well worth the effort. Organic dry cleaning is a healthier alternative. Most people notice when they return home from the dry cleaners that there is a strong smell emanating from the garment bag. This smell comes from the strong chemicals used in some dry cleaning methods. Common complaints from those who daily wear clothing that requires a dry cleaning process are headaches, nausea, dizziness, rashes, and irritations of the eyes, nose, and throat. It’s easy to tell just from the smell this isn’t a natural process.

Some drying cleaning products are classified as hazardous air contaminants by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. In fact, some products referred to, as Perc or perchloroethylene must be handled as hazardous waste. The cleaners using this chemical must take special precautions to keep this chemical from getting into the drinking water. Unlike organic dry cleaning, this type of process also contributes to smog. Using organic dry cleaning is safer for the community.

In an organic dry cleaning process solvents are used that are of high quality and that clean clothes thoroughly, but that free of residues and stray dyes. For the cleaner it means less hazardous waste, and for the consumer there is less of the toxic smell left on clothing. There is no special dry cleaning equipment needed for this process so organic dry cleaning allows a store to remain competitive in prices. Along with a strong smell, harsher methods of dry cleaning also frequently leave a garment feeling stiffer against the skin. The organic process leaves a softer feel to the clothing.

Some organic dry cleaning alternatives require a store or chain to become a licensee. It is possible to ask ahead of time if a store has a license or if they are using an organic dry cleaning method. Some like Chase Cleaners Inc. make the search much easier by clarifying right on their website their organic dry cleaning alternative method. Using a method that is environmentally friendly has the added benefit of being more healthy. Organic methods also typically yield better results in less of an odor and more comfortable feel. Anyone interested in safe guarding their health and their neighbor from harsh chemicals should always check for organic possibilities.