Eco Friendly Dry Cleaning
Dry cleaners have typically used harsh and dangerous chemicals to clean clothes. We believe those chemicals have adverse effects for both people and the environment. SoMa Cleaners uses System K4, a halogen-free, organic solvent with a pureness of > 99 % and excellent cleaning performance. Read on to discover how SoMa Cleaners does it differently and better – both for you, your clothes, and the environment.
The (Surprising!) History of Dry Cleaning
The phrase ‘dry cleaning’ is a misnomer because it refers to cleaning clothes using a liquid solvent. Dry cleaning has changed a lot – and we mean a lot – over the years. It may be surprising that dry cleaning is a process that started thousands of years ago with a familiar liquid–urine. The Romans realized that water would shrink their togas, but the ammonia in urine would clean them.
This was the dry cleaning method used up until the 1800s. Dry cleaning later evolved into using a chlorinated solvent, perchloroethylene (perc), almost a century ago. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been a lot of change since then. Most dry cleaners in the United States still use perc, which has been declared by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a hazardous substance, toxic to humans, and a risk to the environment. Thankfully, there are now alternative toxic-free solvents available for dry cleaning use.
What Is Perchloroethylene?
Perchloroethylene is a harsh chemical that effectively cleans clothes, but after multiple washes can fade the colors and cause wear on the fabric. Perc also causes the chemical smell that people often associate with dry cleaning.
It’s not just the smell that’s off-putting, though. The EPA considers perc hazmat (hazardous material), and dry cleaning businesses must pay to have it properly disposed of.
What Is Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaning?
Eco-friendly dry cleaners use methods to launder clothes without using toxic chemicals such as perc. There are several alternatives to traditional dry cleaning: wet cleaning and dry cleaning with substitute solvents such as hydrocarbons or K4.
Wet cleaning refers to the same type of laundering we typically do at home using a washer and dryer, but it is carried out by a professional cleaning service. The wet cleaning process involves water and detergent, but the approach is gentler than at-home washing. Stains are treated with non-toxic chemicals, and the detergents used are milder.
What is K4 (and why use K4 for dry cleaning)?
K4 is a green dry cleaning solvent that doesn’t pose any of the risks that perc does because it is non-toxic, totally biodegradable, and made of 99% organic ingredients. Like perc, it is highly effective on stains containing oil or grease, but it’s eco-friendly and safe. K4 tackles stains so well that pre-spotting is often not required; they’ll come out in the first wash!
There are many benefits to using K4 as a solvent.
- Does not fade fabric
- Extends the life of garments
- Leaves clothes feeling softer
- Safe for details like sequins and beading
- Does not ruin delicate fabrics like leather, silk, and wool
- Safe on skin – it’s been dermatologically tested
- Environmentally friendly – does not require special disposal and no risk to air, water, or soil. It’s 100% biodegradable!
- Toxic-free chemicals – no risk to the health of humans
- Halogen-free
Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaning Tips
Here are some ways to work with your eco-friendly dry cleaners to ensure your garments are successfully cleaned.
- Do not attempt to remove stains from dry clean only garments at home. Let the professionals take care of them. You may cause damage that cannot be fixed or completely ruins the item.
- Point out any stains to the dry cleaners. Let them know what caused them and how long they’ve been there. This information can assist them on how best to remove them.
- If you have any special requests, let your dry cleaners know. For example, if you have an item that requires special care, they can be sure to treat it so.
The mission of SoMa Cleaners is to provide toxic-free and environmentally friendly dry cleaning for Little Rock, Arkansas customers
We use the K4 cleaning method to provide all of the above benefits. We offer the same services as a traditional brick and mortar dry cleaning business, but it’s safer and eco-friendly. You can have confidence that we will take great care of your clothing and household goods. Plus, it’s more convenient than traditional dry cleaning since we’ll pick up and deliver your clothes!
Our green dry cleaning service offers all of the above benefits. You should skip doing laundry and make us your go-to dry cleaning service. We launder every type of clothing, linens, and other household items such as comforters without using toxic chemicals. Check out our price list for details.
Our service provides superior performance, and we also offer free pick-up and delivery! Scheduling is very easy. Simply schedule a pickup, and then leave your clothing and other items out for us to pick up. We will come to your business or home (you don’t even have to be there!) and deliver it right back when it’s finished.
It’s that convenient! You don’t have to go anywhere to check off dry cleaning from your to-do list!
Ready to give SoMa Cleaners a try? Fill out the form below for 50% off your first order.
Interested in giving us a try? Claim 50% off your first dry cleaning order.
By submitting this form, you agree to receive text messages and emails from Soma Cleaners.
