By Diane MacEachern

Posted: 01.07.10 | Tagged: cleaning, health, home

Question: I've noticed a bunch of "organic" dry cleaners popping up in my neighborhood. What's the deal with that--was the traditional method of dry cleaning dangerous? Is it greener to do it yourself at home, with one of those kits?

Just because a dry cleaner claims to be organic doesn't mean it's free of toxic chemicals. Why? Technically speaking, any chemical is considered organic if it contains carbon. So even cleaners that use a solvent like perchloroethylene (PERC), which has been classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as a probable human carcinogen, can claim to be organic. Cleaners that advertise themselves as "green" don't necessarily mean much either, since there is no standard definition for what makes cleaning green.

The good news? Safe, non-toxic alternatives do exist. And they are just as effective as traditional dry cleaning, minus the negative impacts on the environment.

So, here's a quick list of the do's and don'ts of dry cleaning:

• Avoid dry cleaners that use hydrocarbon solvents. Hydrocarbon solvents are petroleum-based, according to the Sierra Club, and contribute to greenhouse gases by emitting volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Solvents to avoid are: DF2000, PureDry, EcoSolve, Shell Solution 140 HT and Stoddard, or anything the cleaner calls "PERC."
  
• Try wet cleaning. Wet-cleaning replaces PERC with carefully controlled amounts of water and special non-toxic biodegradable detergents. Computer-operated equipment helps ensure that your delicate fabrics are cleaned without risks to human health or the environment.
• Look for carbon dioxide (CO2) cleaners, which rely on high pressure to convert carbon dioxide gas into a liquid that acts as a carrier for biodegradable soaps. When the washing is complete, the pressure is released, turning the CO2 back into a gas to be used again and again. One drawback: the requisite machinery is expensive, so this method costs more than PERC-based dry cleaning.
  
• Keep in mind that not all "dry clean only" garments need to be professionally dry cleaned. Green living expert and Care2.com editor Annie Bond provides safe, eco friendly instructions on hand-washing silk, wool and rayon clothing here.

To locate the nearest reliably green cleaner, check out this national directory published by Occidental College, or this nationwide list of CO2 and wet cleaners from the EPA.

The best solution of all? Transition your wardrobe to wash-and-wear clothing that requires no dry cleaning. You'll save money on cleaning bills and breathe easier with the knowledge that you are doing your part to improve the earth's air quality.

Got any tips on organic dry cleaning? Share your experiences by commenting below.