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The Process

Step 1: Close inspection for dirt and stains.

Step 2: A professional cleaning technician determines the treatment based on the fabric type and soiling.

Step 3: Machines are set for optimal cleaning and drying based on garment requirements.

Step 4: Press and finish.

Environment

Environmental issues impact us all.  They have become a major concern for individuals and corporations alike.  Whether you’re an individual that needs a suit cleaned or an insurance company that is cleaning and restoring your clients’ belongings, switching from dry cleaning to wet cleaning can help you reduce your negative impact on the environment.

Wet cleaning does not use harsh chemicals. Only biodegradable detergent and water are put back into the environment.

On the other hand, dry cleaners use solvents which are filtered after use and re-used.  The solvents and subsequently the filters typically contain “perc” and must be disposed of through hazardous waste facilities.  In fact, there are new regulations surrounding the use and disposal of dry cleaning solvents to help minimize their health risks and environmental impact.

Environment Canada states there is a 90% correlation between the volume of perc used for dry cleaning and the amount of perc released into the environmental.  By eliminating perc from the cleaning process, we eliminate these emissions and have a positive impact on the environment.

What’s so bad about perc?

Perc is the common term used for Tetrachloroethylene, a chemical widely used for dry cleaning and metal-degreasing. According to Health Canada, it is no longer produced in Canada, but is imported by the dry cleaning and metal cleaning industries.

It has been found that contact with perc can cause dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, nausea as well as skin and respiratory irritation.  It has also been linked to liver and kidney damage when exposure has occurred over a prolonged period. Both California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment and the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer list perc as a “probable” human carcinogen. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists perc as a “likely” human carcinogen.

Perc is absorbed into our body through inhalation, ingesting contaminated food or water, and direct skin contact.  The EPA found increased toxin levels in homes that contain clothing dry cleaned with perc, especially in those rooms where dry cleaned clothing was stored.  The Agency also uncovered that the toxin pollutes the environment when it ‘s released into the air, water and soil during the cleaning, purification and disposal phases of dry cleaning.

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The Technology

Wet cleaning has been around for many years.  Cleaners would take delicate garments and wash them by hand to ensure they retained their form and texture. Technology has allowed professional wet cleaners to take this practice to a new level.

By using computer controlled washers and dryers, specially formulated biodegradable detergents, and specialized finishing equipment, professional wet cleaners can now provide a cost-effective alternative to dry cleaning that is healthier for the customer as well as environmentally friendly.

What’s unique about this technology?

• Washers – Specifically designed to simulate hand washing.  Computers control the drum rotation in order to minimize agitation while ensuring enough movement to effectively clean each garment. Injector systems precisely control the amount and type of detergent that is used in each load.

• Water – Soft water is mixed with detergents before they are mixed with the garments.

• Biodegradable Detergents – These are specially formulated for the wet cleaning industry.  They are designed to maximize cleaning while minimizing colour changes and shrinkage.

• Dryers – Contain moisture sensors that can be adjusted for each load.  The sensors ensure that garments retain the appropriate amount of moisture thereby reducing damage to fibres.

• Finishing machines – Specialized tensioning machines reshape each garment after the wet cleaning process.

Virtually every component in the cleaning process can be customized, enabling professional wet cleaners to precisely control the cleaning parameters for each individual load.  The result: a perfect combination of the cleanliness you expect from a machine and the care that comes from hand washing.