The term “dry cleaning” clothes is a misnomer. The process actually involves processing clothes in a liquid solvent to remove soil and stains.The process of using chemicals instead of water to clean clothes began with the Romans who used ammonia distilled from urine to clean woolen togas.
Cleaner & Greener Service
The majority of dry cleaners, about 80 percent, still use the solvent perchloroethylene or “perc” today. However, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers perc both a health and environmental hazard.
The Cleaner & Greener Program® also helps families and individuals reduce their environmental footprint and to live more sustainably by reducing and offsetting emissions created by home energy use, transportation and lifestyle activities.
On a global level, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fossil-derived raw inputs is imperative to achieve a sustainable future. New chemical transformations are necessary to supplement or supplant many of those we rely on currently.