In California, there is Cleaner By Nature, and in Chicago, there is Greener Cleaner. Both of these green dry cleaners use a process called “wet cleaning” to clean garments in an earth friendly way, without hazardous chemicals.

Here is what Greener Cleaner has to say about their wet cleaning process:

“We use a water-based process called professional wet cleaning, developed in Germany in 1991. This process involves sophisticated equipment, specially formulated natural soaps and conditioners, and extensive expertise that allow us to clean dry clean only clothes in water. When you clean with water, garments get much cleaner and feel softer with no chemical odor. Whites get really white, and all colors look brighter. We have been using the professional wet cleaning process since 1995, longer than anyone else in the United States”.

With Cleaner By Nature, the owner wanted to create a cleaner that catered to those looking to avoid harsh chemicals in their clothing, and also to operate a socially responsible business.

The main hazardous culprit in a dry cleaning operation is a chemical called perc, and it is known to cause all sorts of ailments for consumers who have repeated exposure and also for employees who are routinely exposed. It is recommended that those who still use traditional dry cleaners, to take their garments out of bag as soon as one is home, and to hang the items outside or in a well ventilated room to allow for chemicals to dissipate.

If you have a green dry cleaner in your area, please leave a comment with the name, location, and web address, (if applicable) and we will make note of it, for an upcoming post.