When your favorite dress or best suit or preferred bedding gets a stain, choosing the right dry cleaner could be the difference between enjoying that item again and replacing the item. Unfortunately, over the years there have been problems associated with the use of perchloroethylene, which is a common ingredient used for dry cleaning. The more exposure you have, the higher your risks of becoming sick will be, so it is important to choose a safer method of dry cleaning your clothing, bedding, etc.
Why Is it Necessary To Change The Way Your Items Are Dry Cleaned?
Perchloroethylene (also known as perc) was determined by the International Agency for Research on Cancer to probably cause cancer in humans. It has also been established that exposure to the terrifying substance dramatically increases the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. In addition, even at low levels, it can be toxic and is easily dispersed through water and soil.
What Other Dry Cleaning Methods Should You Consider?
Although Canada declared perchloroethylene to be a toxic substance in 1997 and it was outlawed in 2007, it is still being used in the majority of Canadian dry cleaners. Fortunately, you do have the option of using a wet method, that is still safe for items that cannot be washed in a standard domestic washing machine and a similarly efficient carbon dioxide choice, as discussed below.
How Does Wet Cleaning work?
Since it does not use hazardous chemicals, wet cleaning is the safest method for professional fabric, clothing and bedding cleaning. It uses special cleaning agents, including detergents and conditioners, to remove stains, smells etc. and use professional washing machines and dryers to clean items. All of the cleaning and conditioning products associated with wet cleaning can be released into sinks, tubs etc. with no fear of contamination. Clothing will be pressed or ironed after they are clean and dry, as with older methods of dry cleaning.
Are You Confused By The Use Of Carbon Dioxide To Safely Clean Fabrics?
Carbon dioxide, also known as CO2, is easier to use, since neither the cleaning solvent or detergent need to be heated as part of the cleaning process. This process uses a liquid form of CO2 formed as an industrial byproduct, By capturing these emissions to use in dry cleaning, the CO2 doesn't contribute to air pollution.
In conclusion, formal wear, expensive clothing and high-end bedding can rarely be washed in a domestic washer and dryer. Fortunately, you do not need to use unsafe substances to protect your belongings, when equally effective alternatives are so easy to access. Talk with a dry cleaner like Gellibrand's Excellence In Dry Cleaning to learn more about the dry cleaning process.
Share3 June 2015
Hi. My name is Candy Lewis. I’m a stay at home mom in my mid-thirties. Taking care of my children and our home can wear me down. Sometimes I’m exhausted to the point of not caring what I look like when I leave the house. However, when I do have the time to put an outfit together, I depend heavily on accessories to complete the look. I have learned that I can have an ordinary sweater on but when adding a necklace it turns into an extraordinary look. Jewelry, handbags, belts, shoes and hats can all finish off an outfit. I’m happy to share some of my accessorizing tips with you. Some are very simple. I feel ten years younger when I take a cute little over the shoulder handbag and sling it over my head and shoulder. I hope you find my tips to be of interest!
