Green Daily

Although dry cleaning is not mentioned as a source of toxic waste it is a significant factor in contaminating our water. The chemical used to clean your garments is call Perc it is so deadly if drop on the ground it will seep through the concrete down into the ground and contaminate our ground and water.

If exposed it also contaminates our air. It gasses off in your home, this is why they tell you not to leave your cloths in plastic and to air them out as soon as possible.

Here is a list of current alternatives on the market to dry cleaning:

Perchloroethylene (Perc) — In use since the 1940s, perc is the most common solvent, the "standard" for cleaning performance, and most aggressive cleaner. It can cause color bleeding/loss, especially at higher temperatures, and may destroy special trims, buttons, and beads on some garments. Better for oil-based stains (which account for about 10% of stains) than more common water-soluble stains (coffee, wine, blood, etc). Known for leaving a characteristic chemical smell on garments. Nonflammable.
Hydrocarbon — This is most like standard dry cleaning, but the processes use hydrocarbon solvents such as Exxon-Mobil’s DF-2000 or Chevron Phillips' EcoSolv. These petroleum-based solvents are less aggressive than perc and require a longer cleaning cycle. While flammable, these solvents do not present a high risk of fire or explosion when used properly. Hydrocarbon also contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to smog.[4]
Liquid silicone(decamethylcyclopentasiloxane or D5) — gentler on garments than Perc and does not cause color loss. Requires a license be obtained to utilize the property of GreenEarth Cleaning. Degrades within days in the environment to silica and trace amounts of water and CO2. Produces nontoxic, nonhazardous waste. Toxicity tests by Dow Corning shows the solvent to increase the incidence of tumors in female rats (no effects were seen in male rats), but further research concluded that the effects observed in rats were not relevant to humans because the biological pathway that results in tumor formation is unique to rats.[7](170.6 °F/77 °C flash point)
Liquid CO2 — Consumer Reports rated this method superior to conventional methods, but the Drycleaning and Laundry Institute commented on its "fairly low cleaning ability" in a 2007 report.[8] Machinery is expensive--up to $90,000 more than a perc machine, making affordability difficult for small businesses. Most cleaners with these machines keep traditional machines on-site for the heavier soiled textiles. CO2 cleaning is also used for fire- and water-damage restoration due to its effectiveness in removing toxic residues, soot and associated odors of fire.
Modified hydrocarbon blends (Pure Dry)
Glycol ethers (dipropylene glycol tertiary-butyl ether) (Rynex) — not as effective as perchloroethylene.
Wet cleaning — Not a solvent, but a system that uses water and biodegradable soap. Computer-controlled dryers and stretching machines ensure that the fabric retains its natural size and shape. Wet cleaning is claimed to clean a majority of "dry clean only" garments safely, including leather, suede, most tailored woolens, silk and rayon. (Neckties seem to be the one exception.) Most perc cleaners use wet cleaning on some garments, but there are only about 20 exclusive wetcleaners in the U.S.

However, Natures Touch Cleaners is doing its part to make California’s air cleaner, healthier and easier to breathe. A professional Wet Cleaners; The only true “green” cleaning alternatives to dry cleaning is wet cleaning – immersing the garments in water rather than chemicals and solvents such as PERC. Using any other alternative, is defeating the purpose of going green. All other systems require special handling guidelines enforced by local Fire Departments under the State law in California Code of Regulations. So many cleaners may appear to be green but the waste is proof they are not green.

Wet cleaning is a non-toxic, environmentally safe alternative to dry cleaning, utilizing biodegradable soaps, conditioners, and specialized tension and pressing equipment suitable for virtually all fabric and fiber types. To protect the fibers, the garments are first wetted by a mixture of water and specially designed detergents. Only after this critical step does the actual cleaning process begin. Natures Touch uses the best quality wet-cleaning technology developed about 1991 by a German company called Miele. Professional washer accurately controls water levels, temperature settings, detergent dosing levels, and drum rotation rhythm. An exceptionally high final extraction cycle quickly removes the majority of water from the garments. With exceptional accuracy, the Miele Professional dryer then measures the garment’s residual moisture, optimizing cycle times, saving energy, and protecting the garments from over drying.

Since no chemical or solvent is used, there are No EPA or State regulations, no fear of water, air or ground contamination. It is AQMD approved.

You and your readers can also contribute to saving our earth by just making a small change in how you clean your cloths. You can eliminate the use of toxic chemicals used in traditional dry cleaning and preserve your health and our environment.

Many traditional dry cleaners appear to be green. How can you tell? If, your cleaners produces waste it is yet a threat to our environment.

Many people do not know about this type of cleaners because they are so few in number. This is why we want to expand our business so that everyone can take advantage of the opportunity to preserve their health and environment.

For business opportunities feel free to contact us or view our website for more information.

Michael and Cheryl Nash
Natures Touch H2O Cleaners
2041 Palos Verdes Dr. N.
Lomita, CA 90717
(310) 530-3973 or (310) 991-9137
Web: www.naturestouchcleaners.com
Email: customerservice@naturestouchcleaners.com

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