The dirt on “organic” dry cleaning

It seems like organic dry cleaners are popping up everywhere. So, what makes a dry cleaner organic, and is this process an eco-friendly alternative to traditional methods? We decided to debunk some myths surrounding organic dry cleaning and what we found might surprise you.

Don’t be fooled by buzz words

Many organic dry cleaners aren’t really using a chemical-free process to clean your clothes. Legal definitions have yet to be established in this industry, so dry cleaners are at liberty to use the word “organic,” which is very misleading to unknowing consumers. In the scientific sense of the word, any chemical that contains carbon can be classified as organic. That means that the majority of dry cleaning businesses – even those that rely on toxic chemicals to clean clothing -- can technically call themselves organic.

 According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, about 85% of dry cleaners use the controversial chemical perchloroethylene (PERC) as their active cleaning agent. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies PERC as a toxin and probable carcinogen, and they’ve proposed to phase it out by 2023. This has led some dry cleaners to jump on the green bandwagon, and they’re touting hydrocarbon solvents as “organic” alternatives.

One example is DF-2000, a petroleum-based cleaning fluid made by Exxon-Mobil. DF-2000 contains fewer toxins than PERC but it’s a far cry from green. The EPA classifies DF-2000 as a neurotoxin, and a skin and eye irritant for workers; it also known to produce smog and hence contribute to global warming. Another alternative is Chevron-Phillips’s EcoSolv, which contains a mixture of chemicals called isoparaffins. If you refer to the company’s own Materials Safety Data Sheet on EcoSolv, health problems have been reported after exposure, including skin irritation. The third is a silicon-based chemical called siloxane D5, often deceptively marketed under the GreenEarth method. Although manufacturers and dry cleaners claim this compound is eco-friendly, not enough research has been conducted for the EPA to deem it safe… or not.

Here’s the good news:

There are some legitimate, non-toxic alternatives out there. Experts say the following dry cleaning techniques pose no risks to humans or the environment:

• Wet cleaning uses controlled amounts of water (in lieu of chemicals) and non-toxic biodegradable detergents to clean your fabrics.

• Carbon dioxide cleaning converts CO2 gas to a liquid in a highly pressurized tank; the liquid then acts as a carrier for biodegradable soaps. This process doesn’t release CO into the air; instead, the CO2 is turned back into a gas so it can be used again and again.

Looking for a truly green dry cleaner in your area? The EPA offers a national directory that lists dry cleaning businesses that use wet or CO2 cleaning methods. The Occidental College compiled a similar list and it has been updated more recently. If you’re not sure what method your dry cleaner is using, ask them to describe their cleaning process in detail.