Information on Organic Dry Cleaning

" Question: I'm seeing more organic dry cleaners. What does that mean exactly?

Answer: If a dry cleaner calls itself "organic," this usually means it doesn't use perchloroethylene, or perc, to treat clothes. In the U.S., the chemical solvent has been identified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a hazardous air pollutant and a possible carcinogen.

Apparel cleaned with perc hasn't been proved to pose a health risk, but people living in buildings with perc-using machines may be adversely affected by the fumes. As a result, all dry cleaners located in residential buildings will have to phase out perc by 2020.

Businesses that have gone organic operate machines with an alternative cleaning agent. A few more common options include silicone-based solvents, liquid carbon dioxide or plain water controlled by computerized jets. Upgrading to this equipment comes at a price, so don't be surprised if you have to pay a few dollars more to have your clothes cleaned by an organic cleaner."

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