Folklore has it, dry cleaning was invented when turpentine was accidentally spilled on a tablecloth with seemingly permanent stains, which disappeared when they came into contact with the smelly chemical.
For years, there has been no choice but to dryclean clothes in solvents which have been based upon carbon chemistry. Recently, a new solvent has been found: liquid silicone!
GreenEarth Cleaning has patented the process which uses this solution. Along with other cleaners, they have formed a Network of Affiliated GreenEarth Cleaners to bring this new process to the drycleaning industry and their customers.
The GreenEarth Cleaning solvent used is chemically inert. This means it does not chemically interact with your clothes in any way. Rather, it carries detergent to your clothes and rinses away suspended dirt and oils trapped by the detergent. Because it is chemically inert, it is more gentle on your clothes.
Why is it better for the earth? Eighty-five percent of dry cleaners use a solvent known as perc, short for perchloroethylene, a chlorinated hydrocarbon classified by the EPA as a Toxic Air Contaminant. Use of perc is highly regulated because indiscriminate disposal of perc can seriously contaminate soil and groundwater, and exposure can irritate eyes, nose and throat, as well as cause headaches, dizziness or fatigue. Perc is also classified by the EPA as a possible to probable human carcinogen.
In contrast, GreenEarth is so safe the EPA does not regulate it; it’s safe for the air, water and soil. What’s more, the GreenEarth solution is non-toxic, and non-hazardous. If you wanted to, you could safely rub it on your skin. In fact, you probably already do. That’s because GreenEarth’s solution is pure liquid silicone—essentially liquefied sand. It’s the same base ingredient found in everyday shampoos, soaps and lotions. Plus, when released to the environment, liquid silicone safely degrades back into its three natural components: sand (SiO2), water and carbon dioxide.
Every Green Thursday, we post information vital to the survival of our spherical home.
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