Wet cleaning

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Laundry symbol for professional wet cleaning

Wet cleaning (green cleansing) is a method in garment cleaning, utilizing a gentle washing machine, biodegradable soaps and conditioners, and various types of pressing and re-shaping equipment that may be specialized for many different fabric and fiber types. The most important aspect of successful wet cleaning is experience and knowledge of different types of fabrics and proper ways to finish garments by operators.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), wet cleaning is the safest professional method of garment cleaning. It does not use hazardous chemicals, it does not generate hazardous waste, nor does the process create air pollution and it reduces the potential for water and soil contamination. The specialized detergents and conditioner used in the wet clean process are milder than home laundry products. All of the products are disposed of down the drain and easily handled by the local waste water treatment facility. [1]

For professional cleaners, wet-cleaning offers several advantages, such as lowered costs for start-up capital, supplies, equipment and hazardous waste disposal, as well as less reliance on skilled labor.[2] Dry-cleaners are beleaguered by the spiraling costs of energy, labor, insurance, etc.[citation needed]

Tailors have generally recommended that garments be returned to them once a year for wet cleaning and dry-cleaned in between. [citation needed] These tailors are also careful to choose materials that will not be destroyed by water, even if they later sew in the usual "Dry Clean Only" label. [citation needed] Some clothing manufacturers may mislabel their clothing "Dry Clean Only", even though there is no "reasonable basis" for making the claim that the garment will be harmed if it is not dry cleaned.[3]

References

  1. ↑ http://www.epa.gov/dfe/pubs/garment/wsgc/wetclean.htm
  2. ↑ (2007). EPA Fact Sheet - Wet Cleaning: An Alternative to Dry Cleaning that Is Safe For You, Your Clothes and Your Cleaner. Available: http://www.deq.state.va.us/osba/factsheets/wetclean.html. Last accessed 2008 January 3.
  3. ↑ (2001). Don't Say 'Dry Clean Only' If It Can Be Washed. Available: http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/textile/alerts/dryclean.shtm. Last accessed 2008 January 3.

External links

Beegreen For life

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