CO2 dry cleaning is a relatively new way of cleaning clothes and is considered much more environmentally friendly than traditional dry cleaning methods. Carbon-based solvents have been the long-established cleaning agents used in dry cleaning, but CO2 dry cleaning does not come with the same negative environmental impacts.
The carbon-based chemicals such as perchloroethylene (perc) in particular, as well as the newer silicone-based products, cause environmental concerns due to the potential contamination of soil and waterways. There are also health issues related to these products. Due to the fact that perchloroethylene and similar products are carbon-based, they are often described as organic or natural dry cleaners, terms which are misleading in this instance. Wet and CO2 dry cleaning are considered to be much more environmentally friendly than the above options, although these are still in common use.
Wet dry cleaning simply uses milder detergents than those found in home laundry products, and this is considered a good alternative to traditional dry cleaning methods. Bear in mind that, in many cases, it is also perfectly possible to gently hand wash ‘dry clean only’ clothes yourself.
CO2 dry cleaning uses liquid carbon dioxide to clean clothes. The CO2 is collected rather than produced specially for the process and is the same food-grade gas used to carbonate drinks. When cooled and pressurised the gas becomes liquid which is considered to be a gentle yet effective cleaning agent. The vast majority of the CO2 is then reused again in the same process. The equipment for CO2 dry cleaning is more expensive than traditional equipment but is considered cost effective in the long run.
Not many dry cleaners currently offer CO2 dry cleaning, but it is worth asking your local agent what methods they use, avoiding if possible perchloroethylene or similar cleaning products in particular.
