Wet cleaning
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wet cleaning is a non-toxic, environmentally safe alternative to dry cleaning, utilizing computer-controlled washing machines, biodegradable soaps and conditioners, and various types of pressing equipment that may be specialized for many different fabric and fiber types.
Modern wet-cleaning technology was developed by Miele in 1991.[1] In Italy among the first companies that occupy in the wet cleaning there is Lavastir [2] An earlier form of wet cleaning was offered by Saville Row bespoke tailors: a suit would be carefully measured, linings and interfacings would be removed, and the garments would be carefully hand washed in cold water and mild detergent, rinsed in cold water, and blocked to its original shape and air-dried; then the linings and interfacings would be put back in.[citation needed]
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Wet Cleaning is the safest professional method of dry cleaning. It does not use hazardous chemical, it does not generate hazardous waste, nor create air pollution and reduced potential for water and soil contamination.” It uses the universal solvent—water—along with special computer-controlled machines such as the ones designed by Miele. The specialized detergents and conditioner used in the Wet Clean process are milder than home laundry products. All the Products are disposed of down the drain and easily handled by the local waste treatment facility.(http://www.epa.gov/dfe/pubs/garment/wsgc/wetclean.htm).
The traditional way of cleaning a kimono is similar: The garment is held together by coarse basting stitches, as are used by a tailor in the early stages of constructing a suit. To clean the kimono, the stitches are ripped out, then the fabric is washed in cold water and mild soap or detergent, rinsed in cold water, then stretched and air-dried. It is then stitched back together with the same coarse stitches as before.[2]
For professional cleaners, wet-cleaning offers several advantages, such as lowered costs for start-up capital, supplies, equipment and hazardous waste disposal, as well as less reliance on skilled labor.[3] Dry-cleaners are beleaguered by the spiraling costs of energy, labor, insurance, etc.[citation needed]
Professional wet cleaning is an environmentally preferred alternative to Perchloroethylene (or "PERC"); however the chemicals used by many wet cleaners to pre-treat clothing have been found to be equally toxic as PERC. According to a report released March 2007 [4], the spotting agents used even by so-called “green” dry cleaners account for close to 40,000 gallons, or 242 tons, of trichloroethylene (TCE) and about 150 gallons, or 1 ton, of PERC being used annually in the state of California. PERC and TCE are carcinogens and both are listed on Proposition 65; wastes even from professional wet cleaners using these chemicals are classified as hazardous.
Tailors have generally recommended that garments be returned to them once a year for wet cleaning and dry-cleaned in between.[citation needed] These tailors are also careful to choose materials that will not be destroyed by water, even if they later sew in the usual "Dry Clean Only" label.[citation needed] Some clothing manufacturers may mislabel their clothing "Dry Clean Only", even though there is no "reasonable basis" for making the claim that the garment will be harmed if it is not dry cleaned.[5]
A few fabrics—notably rayon and acetate—are invariably labeled "dry clean only" but may not be safe to dry clean. They are definitely not safe to wash. Some such garments are intended to be worn only once.
[edit] References
- ^ The Miele Wet Cleaning System. Available: http://www.wetcleaning.com/intro/wetcleaning_intro.html. Last accessed 2008 January 3.
- ^ Dalby, Liza (2001). Kimono: Fashioning Culture. Washington, USA: University of Washington Press. ISBN 0-295-98155-5.
- ^ (2007). EPA Fact Sheet - Wet Cleaning: An Alternative to Dry Cleaning that Is Safe For You, Your Clothes and Your Cleaner. Available: http://www.deq.state.va.us/osba/factsheets/wetclean.html. Last accessed 2008 January 3.
- ^ Spotting Chemicals: Alternatives to Perchloroethylene and Trichloroethylene in the Textile Cleaning Industry, January 2007; see also: "Evaluation of New and Emerging Technologies for Textile Cleaning," available: [1]
- ^ (2001). Don't Say 'Dry Clean Only' If It Can Be Washed. Available: http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/textile/alerts/dryclean.shtm. Last accessed 2008 January 3.
