Why You Should Skip The Dry Cleaning And Do Your Laundry At Home

January 15, 2008

Photo by batega
dangers-of-dry-cleaning.jpgYour dry-cleaned clothing could be harming your health. 

You may be breathing in a carcinogen from your work clothes and not even be aware you are doing so.  That is because three out of four dry cleaners use the chemical PERC (perchloroethylene) as their primary solvent for cleaning clothes.  The EPA calls PERC a possible-to-probable carcinogen which could over time lead to an increased cancer risk, memory loss, liver and kidney illness, and birth defects.  The most common symptoms one may encounter are irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat; dizziness; fatigue; nausea; and other problems with the nervous system.  Dry cleaners love PERC because it washes even the most delicate fabric without fading or shrinking.  And many people who have worked in the dry cleaning industry for years will argue it’s safety stating that PERC is perfectly safe when used properly.  But the state of California believes in it’s dangers so strongly that it became the first state in the nation to ban PERC, calling it a health threat.  In fact, California ordered PERC to be phased out over the next 15 years and it plans to be a completely PERC-free state by 2023. 

What should you do to be on the safe side?

  • Remove clothing from dry cleaning bags immediate.  Do this outdoors or in a garage so as not to release PERC inside your home.
  • Allow your clothes plenty of time to air out before wearing them or bringing them inside, preferably 4-5 days.
  • Don’t wear dry-cleaned clothes daily.  The more you wear them, the bigger the risk.
  • Find a dry cleaner that uses non-perc alternatives, which are better for the environment and for us.  Go here to find a greener cleaner near you. 
  • Stop buying clothes that require dry cleaning.  This will save you money too!

Some clothes marked “dry clean only” can actually be handwashed, such as cashmere and wool.  Use a delicate cleaner such as The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo.  Be careful of shrinkage though and lay the garments flat to dry. 

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Posted by Julie Alexander | Filed Under Blog, Health 

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