Toxics Use Reduction Institute

1. Sustainable Practices in the Dry Cleaning Sector
Making the Case for Professional Wet Cleaning
April 24, 2013

2. 2 . 25-Jul-11
What is Perc and Why is it a Problem?
Able to dissolve most organic materials, perchloroethylene (PCE or perc) is
the most widely used dry cleaning solvent in Massachusetts and nationally.
A typical dry cleaning
machine…
generates
hazardous waste
and has fugitive
emissions
Though perc machines have improved emissions over time, there is still exposure
to workers and even co-located residences and clothes taken home.

3. 3 . 25-Jul-11
Short and long term health effects
linked to use of perc include:
Misuse of perc can lead to
soil and groundwater
contamination.
75% of drycleaner sites in
the US are contaminated.
Many are Superfund sites.
•Dizziness, confusion
•Damage to liver & kidneys
•Neurotoxicity
•Reproductive toxicity
•Developmental toxicity
•Cancer

4. 4 . 25-Jul-11
Cleaners Market Themselves as “Green,”
“Organic,” “Natural,” “Environmentally
Friendly”
But what does this mean?
Alternatives include:
•Hydrocarbons
•Siloxane (ex: GreenEarth)
•Glycol Ethers (ex: Solvair)
These all have their own
environmental and health issues

5. 5 . 25-Jul-11
Wet Cleaning and CO2 are considered the most environmentally friendly options. Wet
Cleaning technology is the more affordable of the two.
Washer and dryer use
biodegradable
detergents, and
conditioners
Finishing equipment re-shapes and
dries the slightly damp clothes

6. 6 . 25-Jul-11
Risks/Benefits of Wet Cleaning
• 200+ shops in CA are dedicated wet cleaning sites.
• They do have regulatory pressure to change and
some economic assistance, but the 5 we visited said
they wouldn’t go back.
• They said that if they can do it in Malibu…
• 11 cleaners in MA are dedicated to wet cleaning,
many others use some percentage.
• Greatest risks are not having the right equipment
and training.

7. 7 . 25-Jul-11
Costs/Benefits of Wet Cleaning for the Cleaners
Hazardous waste disposal
0
Solvent costs
0
Regulatory
fees/oversight/paperwork
0
Electricity usage Lowered, if using 100% wet cleaning in the
shop. Can be up to 25% lower!
Water usage Should be lowered depending on equipment
replaced. Varies from shop to shop.
Detergent costs Slightly higher as no detergent was used with
perc. Initial stock necessary.
Capital investment Wet cleaning equipment can be slightly more
than for perc. But payback has been found to
be about 4 years.

8. 8 . 25-Jul-11
Is all Wet Cleaning Created Equal?
• There is a variety of equipment
• Washer
– Needs to have a detergent pumping system and programs set
– Detergent and water need to mix before hitting clothes
• Common names: Miele, Wascomat, some Continental
• Dryer
– Needs to have residual moisture control
• Common names: Miele, Wascomat, American Dryer
• Tensioning Equipment
– Needs to fit blouses, jackets, pants and have enough power to reshape
• Common names: Hi-Steam, Unipress, Veit

9. 9 . 25-Jul-11
How do you know old vs. new
technology?
• Washers, dryers, tensioning pieces need to
meet specs
• Understand the difference between laundry
and wet cleaning
• Verify proper training with appropriate
technology

10. 10 . 25-Jul-11
How do you find a wet cleaner?
• Visit our web site to find a list and Clean
Water Fund’s interactive map
www.turi.org/drycleaning

11. 11 . 25-Jul-11 Toxics Use Reduction Institute University of Massachusetts Lowell
Community and Small Business Program
Manager:
Joy Onasch
Phone: 978-934-4343
Email: joy@turi.org
Web: www.turi.org/drycleaning