Green Dry Cleaning Compared to Traditional Methods and What It Means for a Healthier Home

Do you know what chemicals come home with your clothes after a visit to the dry cleaner?

For years, traditional dry cleaning has relied on powerful solvents to remove stains and refresh garments. But those same solvents—especially one called perchloroethylene (PERC)—have raised concerns for their effects on health, air quality, and the environment. That’s led to the rise of what many call "green" dry cleaning: a cleaner, safer method that skips the harsh stuff in favor of non-toxic, biodegradable solutions.

Steamer Cleaners, offering a non-toxic, odorless dry cleaning process because we believe your clothes should be clean in every sense of the word. This article breaks down the differences between traditional and green methods, so you can decide what kind of care makes sense for your home, your family, and your wardrobe.

What Traditional Dry Cleaning Really Means

Dry cleaning doesn’t use water, but it does use liquid—specifically chemical solvents. The most common one, PERC, is a volatile organic compound (VOC). It does a great job lifting grease and stains. But it doesn’t evaporate cleanly. Traces can stay on clothes and linger in the air.

Studies by agencies like OSHA and the EPA have flagged PERC for its possible links to headaches, dizziness, respiratory irritation, and even cancer with long-term exposure. Workers in the industry and anyone living near or entering facilities using PERC may be exposed regularly. The chemical can also seep into soil and water if not handled carefully, adding environmental damage to the list.

These health concerns aren’t hypothetical. Facilities that use PERC often require air ventilation systems, regular inspections, and strict handling protocols. Still, the risk of exposure remains—both for staff and customers.

For many, the smell alone is enough to prompt questions. Ever noticed that sharp chemical scent on freshly cleaned garments? That’s not just odor. It’s residue.

Green Dry Cleaning: What It Actually Involves

"Green dry cleaning" is often used loosely, but real non-toxic cleaning means ditching PERC and similar petrochemical solvents altogether.

There are a few modern alternatives:

• Silicone-based solvents, like GreenEarth®, break down into sand, water, and carbon dioxide. They're non-hazardous and gentler on fabrics.

• Liquid CO₂ cleaning uses pressurized carbon dioxide to wash clothes without toxic byproducts.

• Wet cleaning relies on water and biodegradable detergents, using special machines and processes safe for delicate fabrics.

These alternatives provide effective stain removal without relying on harsh chemicals. CO₂ cleaning, for example, has been adopted by some commercial operations for its lower emissions and safer work environment. Wet cleaning is often recommended for sensitive skin, since it leaves no chemical residues.

Each method skips the toxic compounds while still cleaning effectively. The result? Clothes come back fresh without chemical odors. The air in your home stays cleaner. The planet sees less waste and pollution.

Odorless, Chemical-Free, and Safer All Around

Green dry cleaning isn’t just about the environment—it’s about the air you breathe and the fabrics you touch every day.

Non-toxic methods eliminate lingering chemical smells. That matters for people with asthma, allergies, or sensitive skin. It also matters if you have kids, pets, or anyone else in the house who might be more vulnerable to airborne or skin-contact irritants.

Traditional cleaning can leave a chemical film on fabric, sometimes noticeable through stiffness or discoloration. Green cleaning avoids that. Your clothes feel softer, smell cleaner, and pose less risk of irritation.

An odorless dry cleaning process means your clothes come home without mystery fumes. No off-gassing. No residues. Just clean clothes, ready to wear.

Gentler on Clothes, Too

It turns out that what’s better for your health is also better for your wardrobe. Traditional solvents can weaken fibers over time, fade colors, or cause stiffness in more delicate materials.

Green methods avoid this damage. They work at lower temperatures, use softer solvents, and preserve the structure and feel of high-end garments. That’s especially helpful for:

• Silk blouses

• Wool suits

• Cashmere sweaters

• Beaded or embellished items

• Couture or custom garments

Even everyday wear benefits from gentler care. Items look newer for longer. Shape and drape are maintained. And since green methods don’t rely on heat-intensive cycles, there’s less wear and tear overall.

If you've ever noticed your clothes feeling brittle after cleaning, harsh solvents might be why. Choosing a dry cleaner that avoids them helps protect your investment.

Is It More Expensive?

One common question is whether green dry cleaning costs more. The answer: sometimes, but not always.

The materials and machines for non-toxic cleaning can be more expensive upfront. But the benefits add up. Because fabrics are handled more gently, they last longer. You may need to clean them less often. You avoid the need to rewash due to lingering smells or stiffness.

And there are other potential savings, too. Families using non-toxic services may reduce their exposure to irritants that contribute to allergies or respiratory issues. Some businesses even report lower health insurance claims among staff when switching to green services.

For frequent dry cleaning customers, this shift can be part of a broader approach to safer, smarter consumption.

It’s not just about saving money—it’s about getting more value from every piece you clean.

Looking at the Bigger Picture

The environmental toll of traditional dry cleaning isn’t small. PERC pollution can affect air, soil, and drinking water. It can cause long-term harm to local ecosystems and create expensive cleanup costs.

Green dry cleaners often go further than just swapping solvents. Many:

• Use reusable or recyclable garment bags

• Offer hanger recycling

• Rely on energy-efficient machines

• Minimize water usage

• Reduce packaging waste

• Participate in local green initiatives

Some regions offer financial incentives to businesses that switch to eco-friendly methods. That support helps expand access and bring prices down. As more people opt in, the industry evolves.

This isn’t a fringe issue—it’s part of a wider movement toward cleaner, safer practices in every industry.

How to Tell if a Cleaner Is Truly Green

Unfortunately, not every business that uses the word “green” backs it up with real practice. Here are a few ways to check:

• Ask what solvents are used. If they say PERC, it’s not green.

• Look for certifications or signage about CO₂ or silicone-based systems.

• Pay attention to how the store handles packaging, hangers, and waste.

• Trust your senses. If the air smells sharply chemical, the process probably isn’t chemical-free.

Some businesses use terms like "eco-conscious" without making meaningful changes. Others take a transparent approach, clearly stating which method they use and how it differs from traditional cleaning.

True green cleaning should feel clean—not just look it.

The Case for Safer Laundry Habits

Clothing is personal. It touches your skin every day. That makes cleaning choices more important than most people realize.

Dry cleaning methods that rely on harsh chemicals introduce risks you might not see, but could be breathing in or wearing against your body. Choosing green dry cleaning shifts that equation—removing hidden exposure and replacing it with safer alternatives.

For families with young children, people with sensitivities, or anyone trying to reduce their chemical load, this shift can make a big difference. Even occasional exposure to VOCs like PERC has been associated with symptoms like dizziness, eye irritation, or nausea.

Making the switch also supports a broader cycle. As more people choose non-toxic services, more businesses invest in safer technologies. That ripple effect helps drive long-term change.

Supporting Change, One Cleaner at a Time

The industry is still in transition. Many dry cleaners continue to use older methods because of cost, convenience, or equipment limitations. But growing demand is pushing innovation forward.

Green technology is becoming more accessible. Machines are being redesigned for efficiency. Solvents are being tested and refined. And more cleaners are finding ways to meet both environmental and performance standards.

You don't have to change the world overnight. But you can change how your clothes are cleaned. Supporting a cleaner that invests in safer practices sends a clear message: health matters. So does the environment. And good garment care shouldn't come with hidden consequences.

Steamer Cleaners, we've committed to a chemical-free process because we believe in protecting both clothes and the people who wear them. We clean without compromise. We focus on comfort, safety, and results.

A cleaner closet is just the start.