“Enviro-Friendly” Dry Cleaning isn’t So Friendly After All

These days, “eco” dry cleaners seem to be popping up all over the place. Ever wonder how green their clean really is? Not terribly, it turns out. Regular dry cleaning is notoriously harmful to the environment, but even dry cleaners that market themselves as “eco-friendly” are most likely using a toxic chemical solvent called perchloroethylene. And get this—prolonged contact with said solvent, known more commonly as PCE or “perc,” has been linked in some studies to cancer and neurological troubles such as impaired vision. Even cleaners that have sworn off perc usually just swap one nasty chemical for another, switching to a hydrocarbon solvent similar to perc. In fact, according to Judith S. Schreiber, chief scientist for the Environmental Protection Bureau of the New York State attorney general’s office, the new solvent, which is petroleum-based (ick), is “a cleaned-up version of gasoline” and only slightly less toxic than Perc. Not so reassuring, is it? So, what’s the alternative to chem-heavy dry cleaning? Why, that would be wet cleaning, of course. Wet cleaning is a back-to-basics method that relies on physical labor paired with high-tech machines to carefully cleanse your delicate clothes. Unlike dry cleaning, where nearly every garment is treated the same, wet cleaning can customize treatment for each garment. The first step in wet cleaning is a close inspection of a garment for dirt and stains. Then, depending on the item’s fabric and soiling, a technician customizes a cleaning approach. You may be wondering if wet cleaning is a safe option for your fashion faves marked “Dry Clean Only.” The answer is yes! Since wet cleaning avoids the high water temperature and agitation of a regular washing machine, it doesn’t run the risk of shrinking or ruining your beloved duds. Take note: Even the dry guys use water to remove tough stains. Just make sure your wet cleaner uses nontoxic soaps in its process and clean your clothing guilt-free. And just in case you didn’t realize how incredibly chic a trip to the cleaners can look—while doing right by the planet—explore the elegant (and clearly reusable) garment bags by Jendarling, which are perfect for your weekly cleaner’s run (or that well-deserved trip to Tahiti). California-crafted of 100% organic cotton or vintage fabrics, a Jendarling bag (or other reusable bag) will help diminish the estimated 300,000,000 pounds of single-use, plastic cleaning bags that hit U.S. landfills ever year. Count us in. Don’t forget, Ecostilettoistas: Always, always bring your hangers back to the store. Regardless of which you choose, wet or dry, your cleaner should be more than happy to re-use. If you’re ready to say goodbye to the dry, click here for a list of wet cleaners in your area! Shop Jendarling and get 20% off through June when you read up on this week's Home section! —Deana Bracken Deana Bracken is Founder and CEO of Green with Glamour, an online eco-boutique for fashion, home furnishings and gifts that she launched in 2007. Deana gave up a career in television production to focus on promoting the concept of environmentally-sound living that doesn’t sacrifice style. A trusted and knowledgeable resource for celebrity clients and top magazines, Deana and/or GwG have recently been seen in Vogue, Plenty, Lucky, Domino, Real Simple, O at Home and more. In her spare time (ha!), Deana takes on eco interior design projects in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago and is lead writer of Green with Glamour’s lifestyle blog, Living GwG. Deana and her eco-friendly Los Angeles home were also recently profiled on HGTV’s chicest show, “Small Space, Big Style” and she spent last season as off-camera designer for HGTV’s “Spice Up My Kitchen.” Want a smaller carbon footprint? EcoStiletto.com is giving away a free pair of eco-friendly shoes worth $500 or more every month! Get the lowdown on shrinking your carbon footprint from an Ugg boot to a Manolo with daily green fashion, beauty, lifestyle, parenting, celebrity and eco-events nationwide and change the world, one small step at a time. Stiletto-size me!