Wetcleaning

by Chang Suh |

Wetcleaning has been in practice for about 15 years. It was introduced as an alternative to perc which is the solvent most used by drycleaners across America. Perc is toxic and is strictly regulated on a county, state and federal level. It has tainted ground water and is currently being phased out in California. It is also the subject of much discussion in Washoe county due to questionable levels detected in the water table; therefore, drycleaners using perc are closely monitored downstream in the sewer system.

When cleaning with perc, hazardous waste is produced and must be disposed of properly. Enviromental agencies closely monitor disposal procedures by all drycleaners using perc. Many cleaners have converted to a solvent called hydrocarbon which is petroleum. When cleaning with hydrocarbon, hazardous waste is also produced and must be disposed of in the same manner as a perc drycleaner.

During it’s inception, wetcleaning has experienced an evolution and has made great strides in technology, cleaning process, soaps and conditioners. Wetcleaning is a process that was considered a passing fad, but has become a viable and superior method of cleaning and an alternative to perc. It is inherently a process that is more suited to cleaning than perc or hydrocarbon. Wetcleaning cleans any dryclean garment in water and does it better because most stains people put on their clothes are food, drinks and/or dirt. These are stains that are most effectively removed by water. Perc and hydrocarbon cannot remove these stains in the cleaning cycle or with many other so called alternative solvents.

It is typical that most clothing people bring to the drycleaner are needing cleaning due to normal wear. That includes general dirt, sweat and body odor. Perc and hydrocarbonwill not remove any of those stains without excessive prespotting. Many times garments cleaned in perc or hydrocarbon will leave those invisible stains and will not be cleaned. Wetcleaning will easily remove all those stains and the clothes will not return with any chemical odors.

Water is the most renewable resource this planet has. And what is more natural than to clean your clothes in water? Wetcleaning is the best method to “Dry cleaning” any garment.

For more information contact Chang Suh of Spot Cleaners at (775) 851-7768