Knowledge and Advice
Detailed Articles and Advice about Dry Cleaning
We have presented detailed articles on the environmental impact of the dry cleaning industry and green alternatives. See our glossary for definitions of terms, FAQs for more answers, and Advice & Tips for quick links.
For information on Brio’s green dry cleaning services, see our pages on Professional Garment Care, Formal & Designer Wear, Specialty Items, and Wholesale Commercial.
Advantages of Wet Cleaning Over Traditional Dry Cleaning
Since primary dry cleaning solvent perchloroethylene (perc) is a known environmental and health hazard, wet cleaning has fast emerged as the best alternative.
Why Dry Cleaning Is Hazardous to Public Health
In recent decades, consumers have become increasingly aware that traditional dry cleaning has adverse health effects. Most “green” alternatives mostly focus on replacing the primary dry cleaning solvent, and for good reason.
Dry Cleaning's Bright Future
The future of dry cleaning has become a subject of major debate in recent decades. Most debates concern perchloroethylene (also known as perc or tetrachloroethylene), the solvent that 85% of dry cleaners use.
How Perc Threatens the Environment
Dry cleaning is neither dry nor clean, since it uses a liquid solvent that negatively impacts the environment. 85% of dry cleaners use a solvent called perc, chemical name perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene. Perc is present in most people’s blood and breast milk due to its persistence in the environment.