Why is it Better for the Earth?
Eighty-five percent of dry cleaners use a solvent known as perc, short for perchloroethylene, a chlorinated hydrocarbon classified by the EPA as a Toxic Air Contaminant.* Use of perc is highly regulated because it can contaminate soil and groundwater, and exposure can irritate eyes, nose, and throat. Perc is classified as a likely carcinogen.
In contrast, GreenEarth’s silicone is so safe the EPA does not regulate its use in dry cleaning or any of its many other applications. It is recognized as safe for the air, water, and soil. When released to the environment, liquid silicone safely degrades back into its three natural components: sand (SiO2), water and carbon dioxide. What’s more, the GreenEarth solution is non-toxic and non-hazardous, you could safely rub it on your skin. In fact, you probably already do. That’s because GreenEarth’s solution is pure liquid silicone-essentially liquefied sand. It’s the same base ingredient found in everyday shampoos, soaps and lotions.
Why is it Better for Clothes?
Cleaning in GreenEarth silicone solution is different in two important ways.
First, it has very low surface tension and is very light in weight. Surface tension is what causes water to “bead up” on fabric. GreenEarth’s low surface tension allows it to more effectively penetrate the fabric fibers and lubricate away the dirt particles. Silicone cleans and rinses more gently, reducing wear and tear on fabrics.
Second, liquid silicone is chemically inert, meaning it does not chemically react with textile fabric or dyes during the cleaning process. This minimizes abrasion to and/or swelling of fabric fibers, eliminates traditional issues with dye removal and dye bleed, helps maintain the soft hand of garments, and prevents shrinkage. A wider variety of clothes can be safely cleaned with GreenEarth. What used to be “problem” items are no problem at all. Liquid silicone is odorless, so there is no lingering chemical “dry cleaned” smell on your clothes. GreenEarth cleaning kills viruses and microbes that survive on garments, bedding and upholstery.
GreenEarth cleaning is available upon request at Cameo Cleaners. Email us at clientservices@cameocleaners.com or click on the button below to schedule your pick-up.
*Cameo Cleaners Does Not use Perchloroethylene