Conservation 101: the Compete to Conserve Blog

photo credit: TheeErin

Here’s something the dry cleaning industry doesn’t want you to know: You don’t need them. Really. Most items in your closet, even the ones labeled “dry clean only” are hand-washable in mild detergent. I know. I’ve tried it myself on suits for work, wool sweaters, silk shirts, and more. Over the course of a year, I easily save $200-$350 just skipping the dry cleaner.

Save Even More Compared to “Green” Cleaners

I save even more if you compare what I’d spend at a “green” dry cleaner. I tried one once. It cost me $20 compared to the $6 at my standard cleaner, and it shrank my sweater. Good thing 3/4-length sleeves are “in” right now! Though, in all fairness, they did warn me that their environmentally friendly method has a tendency to shrink woolens.

Sure, dry cleaning has its immediate benefits, namely, someone else is doing your washing and pressing. But when you take the economic cost to you and the environmental impact (lots of non-biodegradable plastic bags and wire hangers in the landfill, toxins released into your home and our waterways) and compare it to a little extra work on your part, the choice is clear.

Hazardous Waste Is Produced by Dry Cleaning

Still not convinced? The solvents dry cleaners typically use, such as perchloroethylene (”perc”), stoddard (a petroleum derivative), and CFC-1 13, are considered hazardous waste by the EPA. Compare that to Woolite (available at most grocers and pharmacies) or Ecover Delicate Wash (available at Whole Foods Market and natural foods stores), which claim to contain only biodegradable ingredients and no phosphates.

Quick Tips

• Hand-washing produces the most reliable results. Even the “delicate” cycle on machine washers can swish some clothes enough to shrink. Newer washers are better at this function than older models, so let your washer’s age be your guide.
• Natural fabrics like wool, silk, and cotton are easily hand-washable. These fabrics have been around longer than dry cleaning after all!
• Synthetics can be trickier. Polyester, nylon, and modal are easily hand-washable. Rayon may or may not be. Test a small amount before fully dunking to see whether it will shrink.
• Don’t let your wash soak. Swish your clothes gently in a soapy water solution and then quickly rinse to avoid color bleeding and shrinkage.
• When buying new clothes, avoid those labeled “Dry Clean Only.” It’s OK to slip, but buy a dry-clean-only item only if you really love it.

More Resources

Woolite info from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/household/brands?tbl=brands&id=18001002

Ecover Delicate Wash company site:
http://www.ecover.com/us/en/Products/Laundry/Delicate+Wash.htm

EPA info on Volatile Organic Compands (VOCs) in Dry Cleaning:
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html

Hazardous Waste Info from the EPA:
http://www.epa.state.oh.us/opp/dcfs.txt

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