The Truth About Organic Dry Cleaning

As you probably know, traditional dry cleaning involves toxic chemicals. Dry cleaners use tetrachloroethylene (commonly known as “perc”), which is classified as a probable human carcinogen, with exposure conferring an increased risk of cervical and esophageal cancers, lymphoma, vision problems, and Parkinson’s disease. Perc enters the bloodstream via respiration or through skin absorption, and it ends up in the air and water, so we are all exposed to some amount of this stuff.

How can we minimize our exposure to perc?

Most dry cleaners continue to use perc (yes, it is still legal, although it is being phased out in some states), but you’ve no doubt noticed “organic” dry cleaning establishments popping up all over your neighborhood. “Organic” brings to mind things that are wholesome and healthful, so this must be good, right? Well…it depends.

Where food is concerned, the term “organic” refers to a method of growing that eschews the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers that may be harmful to humans and to the environment–yay! In most other contexts, however, “organic” simply refers to any “compounds containing carbon.”

Well, most things on earth fall into that category, including–you guessed it–perc! So technically, because the industry is largely unencumbered by pesky government regulations, any dry cleaner can put a big ORGANIC sign in their window.

So what’s a concerned lady with dirty cashmere sweaters to do?

The good news is that an increasing number of establishments who advertise themselves as organic cleaners are indeed moving away from perc, perhaps because the people most likely to suffer health problems from perc are those with chronic exposure (I cringe when I see pregnant women behind the counter of my local cleaners).

Some perc alternatives are safe, while others are just good examples of greenwashing. And just to confuse the issue, they are all organic.

Gimme the Good Stuff exists to separate the good stuff from the bad and sneaky stuff, so here we go:

Bottom line–here’s how to safely have your clothes dry cleaned:

Ignore the “organic” sign. It’s meaningless. Instead, ask your dry cleaner if they offer wet cleaning,  and if they do not, find an establishment that provides the liquid CO2 method.

Oh, and if you live above or next to a dry cleaners, it’s probably worth having the air in your home tested to be sure you aren’t being exposed to high (or even low) levels of perc on a daily basis.

Stay sane,

Maia, Founder & CEO