Dry Cleaning FAQs

Dry Cleaning uses alternative liquids to clean instead of water. The first solvents used were highly flammable, which led to the introduction of perchloroethylene (PERC) a non-flammable solvent. But PERC2, is considered a likely human carcinogen that, when mishandled, can harm aquatic habitats and contaminate drinking water and the air we breathe. This chemical is what has given the industry a poor environmental reputation. Concerns about PERC have led to the creation of a new generation of dry-cleaning solvents.

Since 2011, Fashion Cleaners has used DF-2000, an isoparaffinic hydrocarbon-based fluid that is an effective replacement for PERC. DF-2000 reduces the risk of harmful exposure, emissions, and waste in the dry-cleaning industry, consistent with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In fact, DF-2000 is more than 1,000 times less hazardous to the aquatic environment than PERC.

In 2019, Fashion Cleaners purchased a commercial wet cleaning machine. Professional wet cleaning is the best environmental option for cleaning garments because it uses no toxic chemicals, doesn’t generate hazardous waste, or air pollution. Professional wet cleaning uses only water and organic, biodegradable solvents. Garments are more likely to be allergen free and cause minimal skin irritation. Studies have shown wet cleaning to clean fabrics just as well, if not better than dry cleaning. In addition, many fabrics that are labeled ‘Dry Clean Only’ can be wet cleaned without difficulty. It is 100% eco-friendly as it doesn’t use harsh chemicals and fluids produced from the process are safely disposed into the public sewer system.