Do you
hate that just dry-cleaned smell? The odor from traditional
dry-cleaning comes from the solvent used in the cleaning process
called perchloro-ethelene
or "perc". Perc is a dangerous chemical suspected of causing
cancer, as well as, less serious physical reactions in some
people. It is classified as a hazardous chemical by the EPA,
can contaminate
ground water and contributes to smog problems in cities.
The less
toxic alternatives to perc dry-cleaners are: silicone based
solvent cleaners, carbon dioxide cleaners and "wet" cleaners. All
of which do not have the strong odor or potential side effects of
perc cleaners. If you can't find a non-perc dry-cleaner in
your
area, contact your state pollution control agency or health
department for a list of less toxic dry-cleaners. If you are currently
using
a perc dry-cleaners, be sure to remove the plastic film from
cleaned clothes and let them air out for 1-2 days in a room
that you don't use for sleeping. It will help reduce the odor and
give the chemicals a chance to leave the fabric before you
wear
it.
Tips
Find
a non-PERC dry-cleaner
Take the plastic off of newly dry-cleaned clothes and let them air out for
48 hours before hanging them in your closet
Recycle hangers and plastic bags
Use biodegradable and natural detergents
Other
Information and Resources
www.greenearthcleaning.com Brand
of dry-cleaners that uses non-PERC
www.care2.com/channel/solutions/home/133
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