Not All Dry Cleaning is the Same

When we first started contemplating starting a dry cleaning business, we searched the industry to find any and all information that we could about dry cleaning clothes. 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.

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 definate advantage. However this advantage is not without a cost to you and the enviornment.

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, here at Austin Cleaners we use a dry cleaning solvent known as Hydrocarbon. The Hydrocarbon method is better for the enviornment and causes NO negative health effects. Although our dry cleaning cycle is longer, 21-22 min vs. 7-8 min for perc, we quickly decided that protecting our enviornment, employees and customers was more important than any business benefit that PERC could offer . This page of the website is dedicated to educating you on the solvent that was just banned in California and is used by over 85% of dry cleaners nationwide. Is your dry cleaner using PERC?

See For Yourself

And dry cleaners still use this solvent? (see video below)

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