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Home Alternatives to Dry Cleaning
There is a controversy over the practice of drycleaning your clothes. Some feel that it is harmful to the environment or to you. There are some alternatives to dry cleaning, but sometimes you have no choice. When you have to use a dry cleaners it pays to do a little research. Most dry cleaners use perchlorethylene ("perc") as part of the cleaning solvent. "Perc" has been listed by the Environmental Protection Agency as a possible carcinogen and hazardous ground and air pollutant. Recently, new environmental dry cleaning stores have opened. These cleaners use state-of-the art equipment and non-toxic, safe hydrocarbon dry cleaning solvent. Below are some suggestions on how you may be able to avoid dry-cleaning, but for times when you have no choice, you might want to take the time to find out if environmentally safe cleaners are available where you live.
There are several products on the market that allow you to wash silk, lingerie, cashmere, down comforters and linen. One brand is called "Le Blanc" Linen Wash and "Le Blanc" Silk & Lingerie Wash. Both products are endorsed and used by many fine linen manufacturers and importers including Palais Royal, Edward Boutross Linens, Peacock Alley, Ann Gish, Imperial Children's Wear, Inc./Peter Reed, Christian Aubry and the International Linen Council. The advantage to this product is that it may be used on natural fibers, synthetics and blends.
Some fabrics need special care so always read the manufacturer's label on cleaning instructions. You can also use the following guidelines to help you take care of your fine fabrics.
- Wash in warm or cold water (depending on care tag guidelines) and rinse in cold water.
- After washing, roll garment in a dry towel to remove excess water and dry on a flat surface away from direct sunlight
- To avoid shrinking of wool garments, hand wash and do not wring
- To avoid color loss on silk garments, do not rub
- To ensure garment is colorfast, test by dipping a cotton swab in the cleaning solution and apply to a hidden area, such as a seam, and allow it to dry. Compare this area with the rest of the garment for consistency in color.
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