Since the opening of the first dry cleaning service in 1845 Paris, dry cleaning has always been the best form of care for life’s most delicate garments. Unfortunately, these cleaning methods haven’t always been good for people or the environment. Traditional dry cleaning methods use harsh chemicals and solvents, and the original 19th century process actually made use of kerosene and gasoline as its primary cleaning agents.
Today, we still want expertly-cleaned garments, but not at the expense of health or our planet. Green dry cleaning represents a safer, smarter evolution of professional garment care, designed to deliver the same high-quality results without the environmental and health risks of traditional methods.
As more people become mindful of what goes into their homes, their clothes, and their communities, understanding green dry cleaning, why it matters, and where it’s offered can empower you to make smarter, more sustainable decisions for you and your family.
Learn About Dependable Cleaner’s Longstanding Commitment to Green Dry Cleaning
What Green Dry Cleaning Actually Means
At its core, green dry cleaning refers to professional garment cleaning methods that eliminate toxic chemicals, particularly perchloroethylene (often called PERC), in favor of safer, environmentally responsible alternatives. Unlike traditional dry cleaning, which relies on strong chemical solvents to dissolve stains and oils, eco-friendly dry cleaning uses gentler solutions and advanced cleaning systems that are designed to be safer for people, fabrics, and the planet.
It’s important to note that this doesn’t mean a sacrifice in how well your clothes are cleaned. Modern advancements and chemistry allow green solutions to clean clothes effectively while minimizing chemical exposure, reducing waste, and protecting air and water quality. When done correctly, it provides the same crisp finishes and stain removal customers expect, without all the damage and drawbacks of older methods.
Why Traditional Dry Cleaning Raised Concerns
For many years, PERC was the industry standard solvent for dry cleaning. While effective at removing stains, it came with significant risks which we now better understand. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified PERC as “likely to be carcinogenic to humans by all routes of exposure” and determined it poses an “unreasonable risk” of cancer to workers and consumers. Long-term exposure has also been linked to reproductive and developmental effects, including adverse pregnancy outcomes and potential impacts on children’s development.
Beyond health concerns, PERC has been shown to contaminate air, soil, and groundwater, creating lasting environmental damage, particularly in communities where dry cleaners operated for decades. These concerns ultimately led the EPA to finalize a ban on most consumer and commercial uses of PERC in late 2024, marking a major turning point for the industry.
How Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaning Works
Green dry cleaning encompasses several modern cleaning approaches, all designed to eliminate toxic solvents while delivering professional results. Some methods use PERC-free liquid solvents that are mild, low-odor, and effective at lifting stains without damaging fabrics. Others rely on professional wet cleaning, which uses water and biodegradable detergents under tightly controlled conditions to safely clean garments labeled “dry clean only.”
These systems are paired with advanced, energy-efficient equipment that reduces water and energy consumption while improving cleaning precision. The result is a process that’s safer for the environment, safer for workers, and safer for customers without compromising performance.
The Environmental Impact of Choosing Green Dry Cleaning
Choosing eco-friendly dry cleaning helps reduce air pollution, chemical waste, and the risk of groundwater contamination. Modern green cleaning systems produce fewer emissions, require less energy, and minimize hazardous byproducts compared to traditional dry cleaning operations.
On a larger scale, widespread adoption of environmentally safe dry cleaning supports healthier communities and contributes to more sustainable local infrastructure. It’s a simple decision with meaningful long-term impact, especially when multiplied across thousands of garments and households.
Why Green Dry Cleaning Is Better for Your Clothes
Beyond environmental benefits, green dry cleaning offers noticeable advantages for garment care. Gentle, non-toxic cleaning methods help maintain fabric softness, preserve color, and protect delicate fibers like silk, wool, and cashmere. Clothes cleaned using eco-friendly methods are less likely to develop chemical odors or residue, making them more comfortable to wear and easier to store.
For investment pieces, special-occasion wear, and everyday favorites alike, green dry cleaning supports enhanced longevity, helping clothing look better and last longer.
Dependable Cleaners: Leading the Way in Responsible Garment Care
While many dry cleaners are only now transitioning away from PERC, Dependable Cleaners has been PERC-free for decades. Long before regulations required it, or green initiatives were considered “cool,” Dependable recognized the importance of safer, more sustainable garment care and invested in environmentally responsible alternatives.
Today, Dependable Cleaners continues to lead with:
- Safe, non-toxic, responsible cleaning solutions
- Energy-efficient equipment that reduces water and energy use
- Extensive recycling programs for hangers, garment bags, and materials
- A long-standing commitment to quality, care, and environmental responsibility
Shouldn’t dry cleaning be eco-friendly? Shouldn’t it be Dependable?
For a better clean, call us today at 303-777-2673, or visit one of our convenient Denver area locations.
