The chill of winter urges us to pull out our warm woolens and other garments labeled "dry clean only." Dry cleaning immerses clothes in perc (percholoroethylene), classified by EPA as a hazardous air pollutant. Until the 1980s, it was legal to dump perc down the drain. This cholorinated-solvent now contaminates 25% of US drinking water. Traces are found in breast milk, cow's milk, meat, oil, fruit, fish, shellfish, and algae. Short term exposure to perc can cause dizziness, fatique, headaches, and unconciousness. Long term exposure has been linked to neurologial and reproductive disorders, liver and kidney damage in lab animals, and cancer and color vision impairment in workers.

Limiting exposure to perc seems prudent. Newer dry cleaning machines have cut perc usage by over 75% over the past decade, by more efficiently using and recapturing perc (if you dry cleaned clothes smell of strong chemicals send them back to have more of the perc removed). Still people who wear freshly dry cleaned clothes register traces of perc, as does their home's air even one week after hanging claned clothes in the closet. And used perc still contaminates the environment with some release into the air around the cleaners, and the rest hauled to hazardous waste sites.

Fortunately, wet cleaning, a cost-effective perc-free alternative that uses just water, special soaps, and controlled washers, is also catching on. Many fabrics (even leather)-- though not all-- can be wet-cleaned, explains John Hanson, owner of Hanson's Cleaners in Normal who has toured EPA's model Greener Cleaner in Chicago. Seek out a wet-cleaning operation-- call the Center Neighborhood Technology (CNT) at 773-278-4800, x299 for listings or visit their website www.cnt.org/wetcleaning. Many cleaners can professionally wet-clean garments even though they don't advertise it because they don't have modern equipment allowing large-scale procession (this is currently they case in Bloominton/Normal). Ask your local cleaners to consider wet-cleaning (have them call the Professional Wetcleaning Network 708-447-0879 or visit www.tpwn.net). To minimize perc pollution, at least utilize a reputable cleaner located away from residential areas that uses modern equipment. Illinois' Star Recognition Program at 815-729-0152, www.stardrycleaner.org, lists cleaners, by area, who meet environmental and safety regulations).

Some clothes labeled "dry clean only" can also be safely hand laundered (see table below). If you must dry clean, remove the plastic bag immediately and air clothes for 2-3 days in well-ventilated, low traffic, area (garage, back porch) to reduce toxins. And next time you shop, look for clothes that won't need special dry-cleaning.

Consumer Reports guidelines for do-it-yourself cleaning of "dry clean only" garments (For the full report call 1-800-419-9824, code #9525, cost $7.75). Caution: Agitation or water & drying temperature can greatly affect outcomes. When in doubt, consult a professional cleaner.

* Handwash plain-weave rayon and solid colored silks in cool water, squeeze rather than wring, & lay flat to dry.

* Wash sweaters in cold water by hand or machine; cashmere & cotton do best in the washing machine, inside-out; dry seaters flat, except cotton, which can be machine-dried.

* Send leather, angora & structured or lined garments to a professional cleaner

* Extend the time between cleanings by blotting up spills right away; avoiding irons on soiled clothes, airing out clothes; using a lint brush; and wearing undershirts or dress shields.

February 2001

 
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