Greener Dry Cleaning and Laundry

When we first contemplated opening a dry cleaning business, we searched the industry to find any and all information that we could about dry cleaning. We soon discovered that there are several different methods to dry clean clothes, but some methods were more favorable than others. Perchloroethylene or Perc is used, by some estimates, in as high as 85-90% of dry cleaning businesses nationwide.

Why Dry Cleaners Like Perc

Dry Cleaners like Perc because it is by far the most aggressive cleaning solvent on the market. This means that you can clean in a shorter washing cycle and in a business where volume is crucial being able to clean more clothes faster is a definite advantage. However this advantage is not without a cost to you and the environment.

Perc has been linked to high levels of pollution, cancer in residents who live above or close to a perc cleaner (see video below), customers who bring their clothes to a PERC cleaner and also workers who handle the solvent.

Why Austin Cleaners is Different

By contrast, we use a combination of Wet Cleaning and Hydrocarbon depending on the type of garment. Both methods are better for the environment and cause NO negative health effects to our employees or those who wear the clothes. Although our dry cleaning cycle is longer, 21-22 min vs. 7-8 min for perc, we quickly decided that protecting our environment, employees and customers was better than any business benefit that PERC could offer. This page of our website is dedicated to educating you on our initiatives to do our part to Keep Austin Beautiful.

100% Biodegradeable & Chlorine Free Laundry

The EPA’s Design for the Environment program seeks to partner with businesses to reduce the risk that pollution posses to people and our enviornment. The DFE program does this by working with industries that have the greastest potential to cause the most harm through chemicals that are staples of their respective industries. Our ‘Faultless by Nature’ line of laudry products not only meet or exceed the rigourous DFE standards but clean better than any products out there all while being very gentle on your clothes. The entire line is 100% biodegradable and completly safe for our water supply. This ensures our customers the laundry products we use are completely safe for them and their families.

Main Benefits of FBN Laundry Products

-Entire line meets or exceeds the EPA’s DFE program

-Adheres to all SDSI standards

-No NPE’s or priority pollutants in entire product line

-Much safer for you and environment than Chlorine

-Purly botanical based components

Biodegradable Plastic Garment Bags

The internet abounds with articles on the negative effects that plastic bags have on our landfills. By some estimates, normal plastic bags can take anywhere from 500-1000 yrs. to decompose and are an eyesore on our landscape.

The ECM Biofilms plastic bags we use to package your clothes are 100% recyclable and meet all ASTM standards regarding biodegradeble plastics. In fact our bags fully decompose in as little as nine months! Lets all do our part to keep our landfills free of additional garbage by using a dry cleaner who uses biodegradeable plastic bags!

ASTM Standards Met

ASTM D5338 – 98(Aerobic Biodegradation) Standard Test Method for Determining Aerobic Biodegradation of Plastic Materials Under Controlled Composting Conditions

ASTM D5338 – 93 (Composting) For biodegradable plastic materials to be accepted in composting plants

ASTM D5511 – 94 (High-solids Anaerobic Digestion) Standard test method for determining anaerobic biodegradation of plastic materials under high-solids anaerobic digestion conditions

For more info on ASTM standards click here

Hanger Recycling Program

Not only do we recycle the wire hangers that our customers accumulate but through a partnership with the City of Austin we recycle many of our competitors hangers as well. The city has placed a link on the “where to recycle” page of their website and through this link we recycle many hangers for Austinites who use dry cleaners that don’t have recycle programs.

We also want recyling your hangers to be effortless on your part and so we keep a stock of cardboard “Hanger Caddies” that allow you to efficiently store your used hangers for recycling. Whenever you fill up simply drop off your full caddy and pick up another. It’s just that easy!
For our link on the cities website click here

More on the Dangers of PERC

Looking Good, Feeling Bad; What’s the Problem with Perc (Percholorethylene)

Putting on your fresh, dry-cleaned clothes, have you ever noticed that sweet odor? It is not enough to bother many people, and after a few minutes as you rush off to work you likely will forget about it, but it’s not something that should be forgotten: it is toxic, it is chemical, and you are wearing it next to one of your body’s most sensitive organs: your skin. … read more

EPA Hazzard Summary on Perc

Tetrachloroethylene (Perc) is widely used for dry-cleaning fabrics and metal degreasing operations. The main effects of tetrachloroethylene (Perc) in humans are neurological, liver, and kidney effects following acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) inhalation exposure. Adverse reproductive effects, such as spontaneous abortions, have been reported from occupational exposure to tetrachloroethylene (Perc)…. read more

California Bans PERC!

Yesterday, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) adopted regulatory amendments that protect air quality by gradually phasing out the use of a chemical common in dry cleaning. By 2023, dry cleaners will replace perchloroethylene, or perc, a solvent used in dry cleaning, with safer alternatives already available on the market.

“We have safer alternatives to the perc dry cleaning process,” said ARB Chairman, Dr. Robert Sawyer, “so the board chose to close the door on this method of cleaning clothes. Today’s action safeguards the health of all Californians especially those near these establishments.”….. read more