Six Green Dry Cleaning Alternatives (Say no to toxic chemicals)
1. Steam it
Steam can be a great way to clean clothes. You can place your delicates in the dryer with a damp washcloth and run a normal cycle.
[Not for silk or rayon, though, as they can shrink with heat.]
You can hang your garments in the bathroom and turn on the shower. Or you can by a garment steamer [link below].
The heat kills bacteria which helps with odors and other nastiness.
2. Brush it
3. Hand Wash it
Things like sweaters and other unlined garments can usually handle a hand washing with water and a mild soap just fine.
In fact, the chemicals in dry cleaning can be really harsh on these more delicate pieces. Just be sure to reshape the article of clothing before letting it line or air dry.
[Silk: cool / tepid water. Heat can cause shrinking. Rayon: any water can cause some shrinking, though best to keep on the cool side, too. DO NOT DRY IN THE DRYER SILK OR RAYON as they will really shrink, then, unless you want them to shrink.]
4. Spray it (with Vodka ! - see detail at link above)
5. Actual Green Dry Cleaners - Google Search: Virginia "Green Dry Cleaners"
[there is a "ECO Dry Cleaners" in Charlottesville, VA, for instance]
Most reviews are splendid, yet, some of the reviews give me pause regarding safety. If you buy this or a similar model, just be sure the safety is all there and not used around little kids or animals that can dart about. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- I added some notes about silk & rayon above. Wool can shrink, too, but some is washable. I just can't wear wool so don't have detail.
A web search can help you find how to wash certain fabrics.
Many fabrics that state they need to be dry cleaned do not need that, though, and a nice hand washing will be just fine.
I've done this for 17 years now.
But a STRUCTURED jacket will loose its shape if hand or machine washed - never to come back (mistakes I've made).
Best to steam any structured jackets / coats.
And even for a nice suit or winter coat, "just steam" at a dry cleaners will do just great - I used to do that all the time -- but still best not to have it exposed to the fumes at the typical place and take it instead to one that free of the noxious chemicals. -
Posted by WPinVA (Member # 33581) on :
Thank you Keebler - this is exactly the info I needed! I think I will be calling around to some local dry cleaners to ask what they mean by "organic" or "eco" and thx to this article I finally know what the better processes are.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- One thing to remember for some searches is that the term "green" may not mean what we NEED it to mean, though that seems to be more about building or material goods.
"Green" can just mean it may be better in terms of a footprint or heating costs but may not be in terms of our body. It's all about context.
Another site to check out might be EWG, Environmental Working Group. They are generally for products yet may have some detail about dry cleaning businesses & options.
If you need to steam coats / jackets or even dresses, you could probably buy a nice body stand (to hold clothes' shape) and a professional quality (and safe) steamer that will save money in the long run. It would require a bit of research regarding safety of the hose connections, etc., & tip over / balance / weight factors.
Safer ones have the hot water NOT in your hands or being carried in a sling to wear (some models are out there but they are not wise). Rather, the water vessel is safer sitting either on the ground or on a cabinet and the hand held part without any seams from which steam could escape from the hose. -
[ 01-03-2015, 01:21 AM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by valeriedc (Member # 24950) on :